As the weather gets colder and more and more snow starts to fall, snow days are inevitable. As children we all loved them, but for busy parents having the kids unexpectedly home all day can be downright exhausting! If you are feeling the snow day blues, here are 5 fun snow day activities you can try to keep your kiddos busy:
Living Room Camp Out Fun
Gather all of the blankets you can find and haul them all out into the living room. Also, find chairs or anything that can be used as support. Next, get to building an epic blanket fort that the kids (and you) can play in or watch snow-themed movies from to pass the day away.
Lay out an extra large blanket and have a picnic lunch right in the living room. Just make sure the blanket you use is easily washed in case of any spills or crumbs.
Make Use of What You’ve Got
Grab a large utility bucket or roasting pan and collect some fresh snow. Bring it into the kitchen or the dining room table and let the kids create “snow art.” Take squirt bottle filled with water and food coloring so that they can make different colors within the snow. Paint works well with this also! They can even grab their favorite Barbies or action figures and have them be part of the fun too! The best part about this project is that there is an endless supply of snow and endless possibilities of ways to have fun with it.
Science Project Crafts
Think of your favorite science projects from your school days or maybe you are even a teacher that has great ideas already up your sleeve? You and the kids can make your own playdough with simples ingredients from your pantry. Pull out favorite cookie cutters when you are done and go to town!
You could also make oobleck with just cornstarch and water! This is even better if you have a copy of Dr. Seuss’ ” Bartholomew and the Oobleck,” to read before you start your project.
Treasure or Scavenger Hunt
Enlist the help of your older kids and create a scavenger/treasure hunt for the littles. Plan out a series of clues or riddles and stick them up all over your house. If you are artistic, include a treasure map of some sort to make it even more exciting!
What to hide at the end? Try a special treat such as candy, cookies or maybe a voucher for extra screen time or an outing that you take go do after the snow day is over.
Chefs in Training
There is something about being snowed in that makes you want to cook or bake! Snow days present the perfect opportunity to teach your kids how to make a favorite meal or dessert. The great thing about this is that it can be tailored to the age and attention span of your children.
For example, if you have a 5 and 8 year old, something simple such as homemade chicken soup, brownies or mac n’ cheese should be simple enough for them to learn yet not too hard either. If you have older children, consider teaching them more intricate meals that they will be able to make when they head off to college or on nights when the family can’t gather for a big meal. Some examples would be grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets or pancakes from scratch.
The best thing about this activity? The kids and you get to eat whatever you make afterwards!
What are your favorite snow day activities?