Snow days don’t have to serve as an opportunity to whine and watch episodes of Caillou on repeat. Round up the kids for these inspired snow day activities that will keep them engaged and active, even in blustery weather!
There’s a good chance that you already have all the supplies you need to execute these snow day activities with the confidence of a super mom.
Just watch how your kids transform their bold groans into giggles of delight when you craft and play together!
Make tissue paper snowflakes
Turn your living room into a winter paradise by stringing together tissue paper snowflakes and hanging them from the ceiling. Simply take the tissue paper you use for wrapping gifts, fold twice, and cut around the edges to make beautiful, colorful and unique snowflakes for your winter decor!
Create a snow globe
You don’t have to shell out $30 on an uninspired snow globe this winter. Have your kids make snow globes for holiday gifts during their snow day doldrums. Here’s how you can make your own for just pennies on the dollar.
- Set aside clean and empty glass jars. You can use mason jars, leftover plastic jars or whatever you have on hand.
- Attach an ornament. Place a Christmas ornament or figurine on the inside of the lid and glue it down. You’ll need to allow it to dry prior to moving on to the next step.
- Fill the jar with water and a teaspoon of glycerin, then add glitter. Simple enough, right? Make sure you fill it to the brim. The glycerin will make the glitter fall slowly, like snow from the sky.
- Screw the lid back on and glue shut. The figurine or ornament should be on the inside of the globe. Seal it with either a hot glue gun or something stronger, like epoxy. Enjoy!
Make a DIY photo snow globe >>
Host the Winter Olympics
With the 2014 Olympics just around the corner, round up the kids for a friendly Olympic-style competition. First of all, make winning medals with a folded piece of tin foil and a ribbon. Go outside and have them compete with “ice skating” on the frozen driveway, “skiing” on a hillside or “hockey” on a snow-covered soccer field. Just make sure they are wearing the proper safety equipment.
Make dough art
Mix up a batch of salt dough so your children can sculpt and craft the day away. You can find a good recipe for salt dough by visiting First Palette for instructions. The kids can make sculptures of food for their dolls, or even make ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Bake snowman cupcakes
Follow the instructions for any boxed cupcake mix that you have on hand. Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, have your children decorate them as happy little snowmen by using whatever sweet, white toppings you have on hand. We suggest coconut flakes, powdered sugar or white frosting whipped with granulated sugar. You can decorate their faces with raisins, chocolate chips, red hots or sprinkles. Bon appetit!
Create these edible snowman crafts >>
Create Christmas ornaments
You’d be surprised at the awesome Christmas ornaments your family can create with just the supplies you have on hand. Consider painting old light bulbs to look like little snowmen, or make tiny ornamental snowflakes by gluing together macaroni noodles. The options are absolutely endless, so let their imaginations run wild.
Try these homemade Christmas ornaments >>
Host an old-fashioned snowball fight
Is there anything better than a snowball fight? Let your kids go wild in the backyard by making hundreds of snowballs a la Elf, and then watch with delight as they turn it into a free-for-all. Just make sure there are some ground rules for safety, like not aiming for the face and not firing at close range.
Set up a hot chocolate bar
Once the kids return indoors from their Winter Olympics or snowball fight, warm up their content little bellies with tasty hot chocolate. Make it fun by setting up a “bar” with all kinds of fun toppings and treats to complement the hot chocolate. We suggest bowls full of marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, gingerbread and short bread cookies. Yummy!
More about winter fun
Are your kids ready for skiing?
Winter ice wreath craft for kids
Winter nature study: Taking your homeschool outdoors
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