Snow Fun for Everyone (Real Life Snow Fun)

Do you wanna build a snowman?

If you’re looking for real life snow fun, keep it simple. It takes so long just to get bundled up and out the door that you will lose your mind if you’re looking for “those 6 things” the Pinterest page says you need (which you will inevitably drop in the snow and lose forever once you’ve gotten them all outside).

Simple Snow Fun

1. Snow Castles: Resurrect the sand toys buried in the basement and make castles and shapes in the snow.
2. Frozen Bubbles: If it’s below freezing (the colder the better), you can blow some ice bubbles. You’ll love what happens and the kids will feel like Elsa! No bubble solution left? No problem – mix up your own (check out this Deluxe Bubble Recipe).
3. Mommy / Daddy’s Little Helper: Give the kids mini snow shovels (from The Dollar Store or Walmart) and get them to help you clear the snow off driveway while you shovel the sidewalk. Pile the snow up on your lawn and make a snow slide (onto the lawn, not the pavement!). My kids can do this all afternoon!
   
4. Playground Modification: Build “landing pads” at the bottom of slides; build “walls” (giant snowballs) around a playground structure to make a little house. (Note: Metal and plastic climbers and steps can get extremely slippery when wet. Spot the kids when climbing up.)
5. Treasure Hunt: Bury a colorful ball, or something else round and soft, in the snow and have the kids look for it. Time them to make them hurry. Advanced mode: a) Go winter geocaching but look for easy-to-find caches in easy terrain as the snow will make it a lot more challenging. You can also look for the snowflake icon; these caches are not on the ground and easier to find in winter. b) If you have avalanche beacons and know how to use ’em, put one in a Tupperware, bury it in the snow, and have the kids locate it.
6. Target Practice: Set up a target and see how many times you can hit it or knock it over with snowballs. You don’t need a paper target; we like trying to knock a plastic figurine off of a rock.
   
7. Survival Skills: Build a fire and roast marshmallows, fire up your campstove and make hot chocolate, construct a snow shelter (don’t worry if it isn’t perfect).
8. Snow Angel Variation: Make letters and then words in the snow using only your body. See the fun multiply when you have lots of kids doing this.
9. Shadows: Mark how tall your shadows are at different times of day; make a sun dial with a stick (doesn’t have to be precise, just have fun).
10. Old fashioned fun: Build a snowman or snow fort, make snow angels, go tobogganing or tubing (No sled? Use a flattened cardboard box or your pool floaties or tubes!)

Finally, remember to send everyone to the bathroom before you bundle up so you can enjoy the snow as long as possible.

What do your kids like to do in the snow?

*For more fun ideas, please check out the Outdoor Play Party.*

More Winter Fun

• Falling for Winter – the best places to go and things to do!
• Snow Fun for Everyone
• Tips to Avoid Hypothermia
• Tobogganing for Idiots (Sledding Safety Tips)
• Winter Adventuring After Dark
• The BEST Kids’ Winter Wear
• Winter Wilderness Hostelling With Kids!