Snowstorm Survival: Fun and Creative Ways to Keep Kids Busy Indoors and Outdoors
When the snow piles up and temperatures drop, staying home can feel cozy and exciting—or downright chaotic if you have kids! A snowstorm doesn’t have to mean stir-crazy days, though. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn a snow day into an adventure that keeps everyone entertained. Here are some fun and age-appropriate activities for kids of all ages:
Indoor Fun: Activities for All Ages
1. Create an Indoor Snowstorm
Bring the magic of snow inside without the chill. Gather cotton balls, white paper, or tissue paper and let kids make snowflakes, snowballs, or even a snowy winter scene on a large sheet of paper. Younger kids will enjoy tossing "snowballs" indoors for a safe and silly game of catch.
2. Build a Blanket Fort
Blanket forts never go out of style! Let your kids construct their dream hideaway using blankets, pillows, and chairs. Add fairy lights or flashlights to make it extra cozy. Once it’s built, you can use it as a reading nook, movie theater, or even a pretend igloo.
3. Snowstorm Story Hour
Settle in for some storytelling time. Younger kids might enjoy listening to snowy-themed classics like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, while older kids can take turns writing their own snowstorm adventure stories.
4. Get Crafty
Stock up on craft supplies like markers, glue, pipe cleaners, and beads, or dig into your recycling bin for materials to make DIY projects. Consider making winter-themed crafts like paper snowflakes, pinecone bird feeders, or snowman art.
5. Bake a Winter Treat
Turn your kitchen into a bakery and whip up some snowstorm snacks. Decorate sugar cookies, bake snowflake-shaped pancakes, or make hot cocoa with marshmallows. Letting kids help with measuring and stirring keeps them engaged and teaches valuable life skills.
6. Indoor Olympics
For active kids, create a mini Olympics indoors. Events can include a pillowcase sack race, hula hooping, or a beanbag toss. Younger kids might enjoy dancing contests or obstacle courses made with couch cushions.
7. Science Experiments
Snow days are perfect for exploring science in fun, hands-on ways. Try making slime, experimenting with baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, or freezing bubbles outside to see how they crystallize. Older kids might enjoy engineering challenges, like building the tallest marshmallow and toothpick tower.
8. Family Movie Marathon
Choose a theme and plan a movie day. Whether it’s animated classics, a favorite series, or a snowy adventure like Frozen or The Chronicles of Narnia, make popcorn and settle in for a cozy movie marathon.
9. Play Board Games or Card Games
Snow days are great for dusting off board games or learning a new card game. Classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno provide hours of entertainment for mixed-age groups. For younger kids, simple games like Candy Land or Memory are always a hit.
10. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt around your home. Create a list of items for kids to find or hide clues that lead to a “treasure” like a snack or small toy. You can tailor the difficulty level to suit your children’s ages.
11. Virtual Adventures
Explore the world from the warmth of your living room with virtual tours of museums, zoos, and aquariums. Many organizations offer free online experiences that will captivate kids of all ages.
12. Quiet Time for Creativity
Encourage some independent play or creative time with coloring books, puzzles, or LEGO building challenges. This gives everyone a chance to recharge—and parents a moment to enjoy that cup of coffee in peace.
Outdoor Fun: Embrace the Snow
When the snow’s deep and the air is crisp, don’t stay cooped up inside all day. Get the kids bundled up and head outside for some winter wonderland fun. Here are a few ideas to keep them entertained and moving:
1. Build a Snowman
This classic activity never gets old. Roll the snow into big balls, add accessories like scarves and hats, and get creative with facial features using buttons, rocks, or twigs. You can even host a snowman-building contest if you have multiple kids.
2. Sledding
Find a safe, snowy hill and go sledding! Whether it’s a fast-paced ride or a gentle glide, sledding is a thrilling way to get outside and enjoy the snow. Make sure everyone wears their helmets and takes turns so everyone can enjoy the fun.
3. Snowball Fight
Organize a friendly snowball fight. Make sure everyone is prepared with warm gear and soft snowballs for a safe and fun battle. Older kids can team up and create fortresses of snow to shield themselves from snowballs.
4. Snow Painting
Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring, then take them outside to “paint” the snow. It’s a great way to add a burst of color to the white landscape. You can create designs, patterns, or even draw on snowbanks or trees.
5. Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking
If you have access to snowshoes, this is a fun way to explore the snowy outdoors. Even without snowshoes, a winter hike through a snowy forest or neighborhood is an invigorating way to enjoy the beauty of winter.
No matter your kids’ ages or interests, a snow day at home can be a time to bond, laugh, and make memories. With these ideas in your snowstorm survival kit, you might even find yourself hoping for just one more snow day!
