When you peek outside and see nothing but a big blanket of white snow covering the ground, you know it's time to quickly figure out something for the kids to do. Kids get restless quickly when they're cooped up inside all day. And, what's worse is, you'll start getting frustrated with restless kids under your feet all day long and that's not good! Snow games and activities take a special effort, but you'll be glad you did it.
Playing video games and watching movies can only go so far. Eventually you'll need to get the kids outside and blow off some steam. It's time to grab the boots, mittens, and hats and brave the elements! It's time for some fun in the snow! Have you forgotten how to play in the snow or what kind of snow activities you used to do? Here's some reminders.
Snowman: Of course, the simplest activity is first. We love making our snowmen because it's easy and you can get as creative as you want. Starting with the three basic elements for the structure - the big, medium, and small snowball. Then, using pinecones, rocks, or whatever you have on hand, create the face. A carrot for the nose is classic, but anything works. Put some sticks on for arms, some more rocks for buttons, and you're done. Or, you can keep going with hats, mittens, or even boots tucked under the bottom snowball with the toes sticking out. If your kids are really taking to this, in other words, if they are happy for a long time, keep them busy by bringing out more clothing, like vests, scarves, old costume jewelry and anything else you can think of.
Snow Angels: Bundle your little angels up and send them out in the snow to make little replicas of themselves. Fresh snowfalls are great for this activity. Find a spot where the snow is fluffy and have your kids lay on their back. Then just ask them to flap their arms up from their sides above their head, then back down again, and their legs out and in. Better yet, show them how it's done. Give them a boost up, turn around, and voila! You're an angel! If you want, add some branches for a halo, or even some glittery garland.
Snow Fort or Igloo: What an inexpensive way to build a playhouse! Make sure you have good warm and preferably water-resistant mittens or gloves. Using small buckets, scoop snow in the buckets and press down firmly. Then, tip the buckets upside-down and tap to remove the snow "brick." Carefully stack the bricks to form the fort or igloo. You can help your children design their structure by showing them pictures of an actual igloo or fort. As the walls are completed, your kids may get inspired to create snow-furniture. Provide them with a spray-bottle filled with water and food-coloring so they can "paint" the walls or furniture. You may even want to provide some hot cocoa to be served in their snow-kitchen!
Snowball Fight: Older kids really take to the idea of playing this special version of dodgeball. You can choose up sides, or it can be every kid for him or herself. Find or build snow banks for barriers behind which to hide, decide on the rules, and have at it! Grown ups ought to join in on this game as it burns a lot of calories and stress! Pack your snowballs just solid enough to fly, but soft enough so you get a good "poof" when it clobbers your opponent. If your kids haven't had a good snowball fight before, parents and grandparents may want to introduce them to the rules of this game played with snowballs.
Snow Sledding: Even without a toboggan, sled, or a big hill, you can have fun sliding around on the snow. A large piece of cardboard and a snowbank can stand in for a sled and a hill. Look around the garage or house and find any larger pieces of cardboard, tarp, or even a big plastic snow shovel. You might even put the old plastic kiddie pool to work for the afternoon! If your yard doesn't have a hilly area, a little snowbank can provide some fun "snow surfing" especially for the younger children.
When the weather finally clears, and leaves behind a pile of snow, take the opportunity to create some great memories joining in snow activities with your kids. Bundle up nice and tight, get your camera handy, and get ready for fun and frolicking in the fresh, snowy air. Your kids will be anxiously awaiting the next snowfall when they learn how much fun they can have playing snow games, and that hot cocoa always follows!
Playing video games and watching movies can only go so far. Eventually you'll need to get the kids outside and blow off some steam. It's time to grab the boots, mittens, and hats and brave the elements! It's time for some fun in the snow! Have you forgotten how to play in the snow or what kind of snow activities you used to do? Here's some reminders.
Snowman: Of course, the simplest activity is first. We love making our snowmen because it's easy and you can get as creative as you want. Starting with the three basic elements for the structure - the big, medium, and small snowball. Then, using pinecones, rocks, or whatever you have on hand, create the face. A carrot for the nose is classic, but anything works. Put some sticks on for arms, some more rocks for buttons, and you're done. Or, you can keep going with hats, mittens, or even boots tucked under the bottom snowball with the toes sticking out. If your kids are really taking to this, in other words, if they are happy for a long time, keep them busy by bringing out more clothing, like vests, scarves, old costume jewelry and anything else you can think of.
Snow Angels: Bundle your little angels up and send them out in the snow to make little replicas of themselves. Fresh snowfalls are great for this activity. Find a spot where the snow is fluffy and have your kids lay on their back. Then just ask them to flap their arms up from their sides above their head, then back down again, and their legs out and in. Better yet, show them how it's done. Give them a boost up, turn around, and voila! You're an angel! If you want, add some branches for a halo, or even some glittery garland.
Snow Fort or Igloo: What an inexpensive way to build a playhouse! Make sure you have good warm and preferably water-resistant mittens or gloves. Using small buckets, scoop snow in the buckets and press down firmly. Then, tip the buckets upside-down and tap to remove the snow "brick." Carefully stack the bricks to form the fort or igloo. You can help your children design their structure by showing them pictures of an actual igloo or fort. As the walls are completed, your kids may get inspired to create snow-furniture. Provide them with a spray-bottle filled with water and food-coloring so they can "paint" the walls or furniture. You may even want to provide some hot cocoa to be served in their snow-kitchen!
Snowball Fight: Older kids really take to the idea of playing this special version of dodgeball. You can choose up sides, or it can be every kid for him or herself. Find or build snow banks for barriers behind which to hide, decide on the rules, and have at it! Grown ups ought to join in on this game as it burns a lot of calories and stress! Pack your snowballs just solid enough to fly, but soft enough so you get a good "poof" when it clobbers your opponent. If your kids haven't had a good snowball fight before, parents and grandparents may want to introduce them to the rules of this game played with snowballs.
Snow Sledding: Even without a toboggan, sled, or a big hill, you can have fun sliding around on the snow. A large piece of cardboard and a snowbank can stand in for a sled and a hill. Look around the garage or house and find any larger pieces of cardboard, tarp, or even a big plastic snow shovel. You might even put the old plastic kiddie pool to work for the afternoon! If your yard doesn't have a hilly area, a little snowbank can provide some fun "snow surfing" especially for the younger children.
When the weather finally clears, and leaves behind a pile of snow, take the opportunity to create some great memories joining in snow activities with your kids. Bundle up nice and tight, get your camera handy, and get ready for fun and frolicking in the fresh, snowy air. Your kids will be anxiously awaiting the next snowfall when they learn how much fun they can have playing snow games, and that hot cocoa always follows!
About the Author:
Stop and see us today at ShowKidsTheFun.com to find out what else we are recommending for snowman activities and crafts to make your snowy wintry days bright!
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