Snow Day Fun
Things to Do
There are so many things to do on a snow day and we have certainly had our share this winter. When cold and snowy weather prevent the kids from going to school and parents from going to work, it's a great opportunity to have some fun together and in many cases, enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise.
Outside Stuff
1. I am blessed to live on a hill that's perfect for sledding. We have a large plastic disc that we use. On the news, I have seen people take advantage of this activity by using giant tubes, cardboard, real sleds, air mattresses and laundry baskets.
2. Make and eat “snow cream.” I had never heard of this delightful dessert until a few years ago. It’s very easy to make and delicious.
3. Make snow angels. So what if you get cold and wet! Enjoy. Make a whole family of snow angels and take pictures.
4. Snowball fights and snow forts are under-rated. Use cups, pots and pans to sculpt bricks for the fort.
5. Take a walk in the snow. Dress warmly and take the camera. Take the dog. Our Australian Shepherd absolutely loves romping in the snow.
Snow Cream Recipe (Snow Ice Cream)
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp vanilla
10-12 cups fresh, powdery snow (avoid the yellow snow)
Procedure:
Mix the milk, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and take outside. Scoop up 10-12 cups of snow and add to the mixture in the bowl. Stir well with a whisk. Serve immediately.
Have you ever made and eaten snow cream?
Inside Activities
1. Fill your bird feeder and place it where you can see it from a window. No birdseed? Use pieces of stale bread, an apple or orange sliced in half or spread peanut butter on a pinecone. The birds are particularly hungry during the winter because it’s more difficult to find food. Watch and identify the variety of birds that visit your feeder.
2. Have an indoor picnic in the living room. Spread a tablecloth or quilt on the floor and eat a meal.
3. Explore shaving cream art. Spray a large dollop of shaving cream on a table and let your child “draw” in it with his or her fingers. It’s like finger painting without the paint. The mess cleans up itself and smells good, too.
4. Watch an old movie. Better yet, watch the movie on the picnic tablecloth on the floor.
5. If you have a wood fireplace, build a fire and roast marshmallows.
6. Make an indoor fort. Use sheets and blankets and tie them off to chairs and other furniture to make a secret hideaway. Read a book via flashlight inside.
7. Drink hot chocolate with marshmallows or peppermint candies.
8. Prepare a “snow day” box for the next time. In it, put things you will only take out when there is a snow day. Include things like shaving cream, snowball mold, a special snow day book, card or other games, etc.
9. Print the pictures taken during the day and make a photo booklet. It will be a memory to treasure forever.
10. Enjoy snow day fun with your children. They are only young once and the time passes so quickly.
- Snow Terminology for Beginners
I never knew there were so many different kinds of snow. Snow is just snow right? Wrong. Heres what I learned when I became puzzled by the weather persons terminology during a particularly snowy...
