Share this article:
When flurries begin to fall and schools announce a snow day, most kids can barely contain their excitement. But for parents, it can be tough to find ways to keep kids entertained before cabin fever sets in.
Whether you’re snowed in for the day or are ready to brave the elements by playing outdoors, we’re here to answer the question: How do you make snow days fun for kids?
Read on for our list of winter activity ideas that are sure to warm your kids’ hearts and fill them with lasting memories.
While it can be tempting to stay snug as a bug indoors, it’s good for the soul to get outside and burn some energy. Here are some tried-and-true snow day ideas for the great outdoors:
Building a snowman is the ultimate activity for snow day fun. Gather scarves, hats, and buttons to create your very own frosty friend. Don’t forget to bring out a carrot for the nose!
If you’re asking yourself: “How can I make winter more fun?” Here’s a memorable idea: Build a snow fort! Encourage your kids to channel their inner architects using buckets or containers to shape bricks of snow, and then start building.
One of the most classic winter activity ideas is to go sledding. If there’s a hill nearby, grab a sled or a snow tube and get ready for hours of downhill fun.
What is the most fun thing to do in snow when you’re in an artistic mood? Make snow art! Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring to create colorful designs in the snow. It’s like painting on a giant white canvas.
How would you spend a snow day with active kids? We recommend snow-centric games. Organize a snowball target challenge by setting up a safe area with targets or buckets to aim at. This keeps the fun focused and less chaotic than a full-on snowball fight.
Once you’re ready to warm up—or if you simply want to stay inside all day—consider trying out these fun indoor snow day activities:
After playing outside, warm up with a DIY hot cocoa bar. Set out toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips so kids can customize their cocoa.
If you’re looking for easy indoor winter activities, why not have a movie marathon? Snuggle up with blankets and watch family films while munching on popcorn or Welch’s® Fruit Snacks. Made with real fruit, they’re an excellent source of Vitamins A, C & E and have a mouthwatering taste the whole family will love!
One of our favorite fun indoor snow day activities is to set up a crafting station and let little imaginations run wild. Put out materials like paper, cotton balls, glitter, washable paint, and glue so your budding artists can make snowflake cutouts, snow globes, and more.
Have you run out of ideas for what to do when snowed in? It’s time to get extra creative and have an indoor scavenger hunt. Write a list of objects for your kids to find around the house and set a timer while they gather them. This activity keeps kids moving and entertained.
When it comes to winter activity ideas at home, it’s hard to beat baking. Let your kids help you make a batch of winter wonderland cupcakes. Tint the icing light blue, dust with powdered sugar, and add “snowballs” with Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks.
We love snow day ideas that are both entertaining and educational. What to do when it’s cold outside and you want to keep kids learning? Try these ideas:
Bring some snow inside and let your kids experiment. Try melting it with salt, measuring how much water it turns into, or observing its texture under a magnifying glass.
Storytime can offer snow day fun while also growing kids’ minds. Curl up with books about snow, winter adventures, or favorite animals that thrive in the cold. Reading is one of the best rainy day activities for kids as well.
Snow day ideas with a STEM twist are a great way to develop their problem-solving skills. Challenge your kids to construct structures and vehicles using mini marshmallows and toothpicks.
Even on days when going out and about is a challenge, there are still ways to connect with friends and neighbors. Some socially-charged ideas for snow day fun include:
How do you entertain kids in the snow while also keeping them social? Collaborate with neighbors to host a snow sculpture contest. Let everyone vote for the most creative design.
One way to beat the winter blues is by helping others. If your kids are old enough, encourage them to help shovel walkways for elderly neighbors. It’s a great way to teach kindness and responsibility.
If the roads are too icy for meetups, have some virtual snow day fun. Set up an online playdate with friends so they can chat or play online games together.
Now that we’ve given you plenty of ideas for what to do when it’s cold outside, here are a few tips for all around snow day success:
Make sure your kids wear layers, waterproof gloves, and warm boots to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
Balance outdoor time with indoor time to keep kids warm and avoid mid-day meltdowns.
Take lots of photos or videos to remember the fun moments from the day. Be sure to wear touchscreen gloves so you can operate your phone with ease.
No matter how you spend your snow day, be sure to fuel the fun with on-the-go snacks like Welch’s® Fruit Snacks. They’ll add the perfect sweet touch to an unforgettable day!
