Play-in-the-Snow Fun for Kids
Cold Weather Things to Do Outdoors
Plan a day of snow fun for your kids with these winter outdoor games and activities
When the weather gets cold and your kids start listening for school closings, plan an afternoon of snow fun outside.
Bundle up the kids with loose layered clothing under a waterproof coat. Be sure you’re and be sure you’re prepared for winter with some good gloves, hats, boots and scarves. Your day of fun in the snow will be more enjoyable if everybody’s cozy warm and comfortable.
Find a nice hill – not too steep – for sledding, but be sure to test it out first. If there are large rocks, tree roots, debris or irrigation pipes hidden under the snow, it may be too dangerous for sledding.
After sledding, play some games in your own back yard, then bring everyone inside for a cup of hot chocolate.
Build a Snow House
Don’t worry about a roof, unless you have several feet of snow piled up. A roofless snow house is easier and you don’t have to worry about collapses. Build up walls for a snow house, a snow castle, or an igloo. Then build some furniture and play an outdoor version of house. Make paths to connect the houses and shovel out streets and sidewalks for a whole snow village.
Slippery Tug-of-War
Everybody grabs their saucer sleds and divides into two sides. Take hold of either end of a long rope and pull. Try to pull your opponents over to your side without sliding toward them.
Snow Shapes
Wet, dense snow is like sand, in that it can be formed into shapes. Bring out your sandbox toys, buckets, Tupperware containers and other molds and make a snow castle or anything else your imagination comes up with.
Snow Bodies
Lie on the ground and form a snowman shape around you. Then try a mermaid’s tail, an angel with wings, a butterfly and other characters. Make sure your kids are bundled up well for this one!
Snow Paint
Make some homemade snow paint using water and food coloring, fill some spray bottles and let your children express their artistic sides in the snow. With a sharp stream on the spray bottle or in a squeeze bottle, kids can write their names in the snow or make a large message in the yard.
- Family Fun has seven snow games to play for kids of all ages.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
In a medium bowl, mix together
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- a pinch of salt
Add 1 cup milk (2% or whole is best) and whisk until the lumps are gone. Set aside. In a saucepan, heat 3 cups milk, stirring often, until you see steam (don’t let it boil). Reduce heat to low and add chocolate mixture. Stir and cook on low until warmed up. Serve with a peppermint stick, grated chocolate curls or whipped cream.
