In many places, it seems like all the weather is doing these days is releasing snow. It’s like the weather stored extra snow in his garage and is now having fun…at our expense.
Children have a more positive outlook on snow. They love the innocence of it, the purity of it, and the unlimited opportunities available. I guess you can say that snow and kids are similar.
So how can you create a fun, indoor snow day without breaking the bank or having the kids wreak havoc? Here are 11 fun activities for your children to be occupied with on the next snow day. Some of them require constant supervision and some of them don't- so you can grab a hot coffee and relax too.
1. Make hot cocoa bombs
If you haven’t yet tried out hot cocoa bombs, then what better day to try them if not on a snow day? Hot cocoa bombs contain all the magic that a snow day needs- chocolate, marshmallows and a hot drink! Here’s a simple, beautiful recipe for yummy hot cocoa bombs that are sure to warm everyone up!
2. Bake some hot cocoa cookies
Once you’re already trying out those hot cocoa bombs, why not bake some delicious hot cocoa cookies. Yes- that’s a real thing and a delicious thing! This recipe is simple to make and the perfect accompaniment to your hot cocoa. Just be sure to store away some pieces immediately, for when you get a craving for them!
3. Make an indoor picnic
It’s picnic time! Get the red & white gingham tablecloth ready and pull out a straw basket- this is gonna be fun! First choose a cozy spot in the house for your picnic- preferably one where you can see the beauty of the white outdoors.
Before the picnic starts, prepare some finger foods, sandwiches and small desserts to pack into the basket. (Don’t forget the insect repellant ;)
Once you’re ready, gather the kids and take them for a tour around the house until you reach the chosen spot. Spread out the cloth, unpack the food and dig in!
4. Have some baking fun
Nothing says “home” like the smell of homemade cookies. The good news is that with Baketivity, you get homemade cookies and you’re not left with a mess. Simply pop the pre-measured ingredients into a bowl, bake and enjoy! Ahh- I can smell it already! The snowball cookie kit is perfectly themed for that snow day. How about some homemade bagels? Whatever it is that you’re baking, the point is that the kids should have fun!
5. Zoom with grandma and grandpa
I get it. Life’s busy. That’s why there’s nothing like a snow day, when everything comes to a halt. Why not use the time to reconnect with the seniors in your life? You’ll make their day, and your kids will love it too! You can prepare a chant or short dance to present to them and watch those smiles light up their faces.
6. Create a treasure hunt
This is great for when you reach the part of the day where you just.need.that.coffee (and a couch sounds nice too)! Prepare small items to hide around the house in strategic areas. Leave a clue with each item. The clue should tell them, in a discreet way, where to find the next item. You can do this in rhyme to make it easier and more fun.
For example:
On a hot summer day,
There’s nothing like a cool ices.
The next clue is in a smelly space,
The place we keep our _________
(Answer: spices)
In the final location, you can hide a candy or anything else that they would be excited over!
7. Indoor snow painting
This is perfect if your kids want to play with the snow, but you’re not in the mood of the mess. First collect snow in a plastic bin. Fill spray booths with water, and 5 to 10 drops of food coloring. The kids can now “paint” the snow! For more color and fun, every kid’s spray bottle should be a different color and you’ll get tie-dyed snow!
8. Build an indoor fort
Grab your pillows and blankets and get ready to defend yourself against the enemy! Create an indoor fort from chairs and blankets. Your children can snuggle up inside with some snacks, books and games. The best part is that you won’t hear too much noise- hopefully!
9. Dance your brains out
Put on the music on the loudest volume and get ready for the dance party of your life! Every child should choose a song and they have to perform a dance to it. They can teach it to everyone afterward and you can all dance together. You’ll be kicking up such a storm, that you’ll forget that it's frigid outside!
10. Paper plate ring toss
This is a fun game where the children can “win” points as they play a game. Give every child a paper plate that they need to decorate with paint, markers, or crayons. Once decorated, cut out the center of the plate, leaving 2 inches all around as the rim. Take a used-up paper towel roll and create your own ring toss! Every child gets a chance to toss the rings onto the roll. The child who gets all onto the roll in one turn wins! You can have some additional fun by having the children try this from all the way across the room!
11. Make some slime
I’m assuming that many of you might skip over this activity. Because, slime. But this activity CAN be fun and mess-free!
Instructions:
- Pour (and color) the glue: pour the glue into a bowl. Stir in the food coloring and glitter- if you choose to.
- Add baking soda: add baking soda to the glue and stir until smooth.
- Add the contact lens solution: Pour in 2 tablespoons of the solution and stir slowly. This mixture should start to harden and may become stringy.
- Mix: Mix the mixture until a ball of slime forms.
- Knead: Knead the slime with your hands until it’s smooth. If it’s too slimy, add in another ½ tablespoon of the solution (as needed).
So what’s the takeaway?
Snow days can be stressful...and they can be fun!
Regardless of how you spend your snow day, the key is to laugh a lot, play a lot and create warm family memories!