Fun Snowy Day Ideas for Families
Manhattan, KS is no stranger to snow, but Storm Blair brough us something truly historic - a winter wonderland! Although the snow has piled up outside, it is the perfect opportunity to make the most of this unexpected break from our normal hustle and bustle. Whether your’re venturing into the snow or staying warm indoors, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep everyone entertained and smiling during these snowy days.
Indoor Adventures
DIY Obstacle Course: Use furniture, pillows, and other household items to design an indoor obstacle course. Don’t forget to add some challenges for children to crawl over chairs, under chairs, or hopping down the hallway.
For toddlers, we encourage parents to do it with them or limit the obstacle to 2-3 steps.
Preschoolers and up, encourage them to design the obstacle course and create a map of the design. Take it up a level and have them bring out the art materials to create named stations, directional signs, and drawings to further their engagement and learning.
Bake Together: Whip up some winter treats like cookies, hot cocoa bombs, or even some mini pies. I know that I got the baking itch on Sunday during the snow storm and whipped up a batch of Cherry Pie Bars from the Country Cook! The recipe is one that would be great with children and was so delicious.
Snow Fun: With the frigid temperatures, it is not always the best to go outside and not all of our littles love the cold. Don’t forget to bring the snow inside. Grab some large mixing bowls, maybe a storage container, or some cookie sheets to fill with snow to enjoy in the warmth of your home. Add some accessories from your kitchen to scoop and mold or even some small figurines to storytell.
Snow Slime: Make your own ‘snow slime’ with glue, shaving cream, and a little glitter if you have it!
Outdoor Fun
Frozen Bubbles: What child doesn’t love bubbles? Let’s be honest, they are fun for adults, as well. With the temperatures we are experiencing, this is the perfect time to test out this science experiement. Try regular bubble solution or for best results make a homemade solution of 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, and 2 tablesppons of dish soap. We can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Build a Snow Maze: This is the snow of a lifetime for a child! Get the shovels out and help them create a snow maze through the yard.
Ice Art: Grab a tupperware container for this art project and encourage children to create a scene in the bottom of the tupperware with a piece of yarn through the bottom. Fill the container with water enough to cover the objects and set outside overnight to freeze. The next morning, pop out your frozen artwork to hang up outside. Extend the learning by checking on your Ice Art each day to see how long it will last.
Cozy Family Time
Storytime Marathon: Gather round for a day of storytelling, but not just any day of storytelling. Download the app the Novel Effect and listen for the magic to take place. This app has intrigued all ages of readers, myself included. See what books you have on your shelf and if they are in the app to bring your stories to life. If you have shopped in our Shop+Curate space, then you might have a book that is listed. One of my favorites is “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires.
Photo Memories: Children love taking pictures and videos. Encourage them to capture your day by taking photos and videos to create their own memory to reflect on in the future.
Snow days are the perfect time to slow down and enjoy quality moments with children. Whether you are diving into creative projects, braving the cold, or snuggling up indoors, these ideas are sure to make the day memorable for everyone.