Snow day fun for kids can be a special treat!
As you prepare for winter weather with the kids, it’s time to start thinking of fun activities to keep them entertained during not-so-ideal weather.
Snow days are an opportunity to do something outside the ordinary, whether it’s an indoor craft, a game of tag in the snow, or a race down the hill.
Creative indoor and outdoor activities can turn a snow day into a memorable experience for kids. You can create a unique and enjoyable day for your children with a bit of imagination.
From making snow angels to baking cookies, from sledding to story-telling, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained and engaged on a snow day.
Read on to discover some of the most creative snow day activities that will bring fun and laughter to your family.
Why Play In The Snow?
Many kids spend their time indoors during the winter months, which can have negative consequences.
Spending too much time indoors can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and a decreased interest in socializing.
Snow days or frigid weather activities can help combat these issues by providing kids with various new experiences and opportunities.
Additionally, many outdoor snow day activities are active, which encourages kids to get moving.
Active outdoor play has various benefits, including improving motor skills, increasing muscle strength, and improving problem-solving skills. In addition, snow day activities allow children to engage in creative and imaginative play without the usual distractions of indoor toys and gadgets.
With less visual stimulation(such as constant screen time), children’s imaginations can take flight, resulting in lasting memories.
Creative indoor activities for snow days
These activities are great for keeping kids entertained indoors during a snow day.
Indoor Snowball Fight – An indoor snowball fight is fun to get kids laughing and moving around. Here are over 30 ideas for making d.i.y. snowballs
Indoor Scavenger Hunt – A scavenger hunt is a fun activity that encourages kids to think creatively and search for items around the house. You can make an indoor scavenger hunt more engaging by setting a timer and instructing kids to find as many items as possible within a set amount of time.
Build a Snowman – Snowmen are fun and easy to make indoors. Your kids can make snowmen from regular spoons, cotton balls, and sticky tape.
Baking – Baking from scratch on a snowy winter day can instantly create a warm cozy feeling in your home. A simple chocolate chip cookie recipe is usually a great place to start!
Reading, crafting, games, skill building – Colder weather is a perfect reason to spend a little more time building music skills, painting skills, sewing, etc. Keeping a stash of paper and craft materials on hand for snow days can provide hours of creative play. And a winter book basket will keep winter specialty books fresh and exciting!
*Check out some non-toy gift ideas that inspire and entertain kids during indoor weather days.
Outdoor activities for kids on a snow day
These activities are great for kids willing the brave the colder temperatures.
Build an Ice House – Freeze ice cubes from an ice tray. Once frozen, use the ice cubes to build mini creative ice houses.
Build a Snowman – Let your kids build a snowman on a day with plenty of snow. You can create the snowman’s base while your kids make snowballs for the head and body.
Make a Snow Angel – Once enough snow is on the ground, encourage kids to make snow angels.
Make a Fort – Kids love forts, and a snow day is a perfect occasion to let them make one.
Play in the Snow – Many children will probably find pure joy in simply playing in the snow. Being able to run, slide, jump or even purposefully fall in the snow is enough fun for most children.
Don’t feel the need to overthink and plan the perfect outdoor snow-day winter activities.
Tips for keeping kids safe in cold weather
Kids will inevitably get messy when they’re outside on a snow day.
When they come in to warm up, be sure to do a quick check for any injuries and hyperthermia.
It’s also essential to observe for signs of frostbite. Frostbite is when part of the body freezes, particularly the extremities such as hands and feet. Look for warning signs of frostbite, including red or blue skin and numbness. If you see any of these signs, get inside and warm up immediately.
When playing in the snow, it’s important to wear warm clothing, warm undergarments, snow suites, waterproof gloves, and waterproof boots.
Also, stay hydrated. (Yes, in cold weather, hydration is still necessary) Drinking plenty of water is essential, even when playing in the snow.
Simple but necessary is wearing a hat. A hat is an essential piece of outdoor clothing on a snow day. It keeps the head warm and helps regulate children’s body temperature.
The perfect snow day
A snow day can be the perfect opportunity for kids to break out of their routines and try new activities.
Whether you make snowballs, build snowmen, or race down the hill, there are plenty of ways to create a fun, memorable experience out of a snow day.
Try making homemade hot chocolate to help the kids warm up from time outdoors. Then, turn up the fireplace and make the house warm and cozy. Finally, grab a quilt or blanket to snuggle together as the kids share how fun their time outdoors was.
Remember to keep an eye on your kids during snow days and keep them warm and safe.
Finally, remember to have fun on a snow day. These days are fleeting, so make the most of them.
