Snow is free. There's certainly plenty of it! Here are ideas for what you can do to enjoy the snow with kids... without leaving the warmth of your house.
Snow Ice Cream
Yes really! The blog Gimme Some Oven offers a simple snow ice cream recipe. We tried it and it's amazing!
What you need:
- 8 cups clean snow
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Directions: In a large bowl mix together milk sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined. Mix in snow until you reach the desired consistency. Top with sprinkles or other toppings!
Eat immediately as it will melt very quickly!
Snowy Science Experiments
How fast will snow melt if you add salt to it? What about pepper? Is there a difference? Try a bunch of common household items to see what their reaction is with snow. Hypothesize, observe, and experiment -- just like real scientists!
What you need:
- Clear glass bowls or cups
- Snow
- A variety of ingredients from your pantry. Some ideas: Salt, vegetable oil, baking soda, and syrup.
Directions: Make a hypothesis of what will happen then add ingredients to each bowl. Ask questions: Which do you think will melt the fastest? Which do you think will melt the slowest? Which will separate?
Paint the Snow
We got this idea from Macaroni Kid Englewood, Colo. publisher Sarah Hauge. This fun, simple, and colorful activity for toddlers is a winter must-try!
What you need:
- Snow
- Chilled container (to keep the snow from melting longer)
- Paintbrush
- Cups (for "paints")
- Water mixed with a few drops of food dye (or just use watercolor paints!)
Directions:
- Fill the container with snow.
- Mix up some watercolors by combining food dye and water.
- Let your child's imagination do the rest!
Once the snow melts, you'll have your very own colored water for extra fun!
Make a Snow Volcano
Growing a Jeweled Rose has this brilliant idea for making a snow volcano with household products. This looks like something older kids would really have fun creating!
What you need:
- A cup or plastic bottle
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
- Snow
Directions: Pile snow around the cup or bottle to create a volcano shape. Pack the snow tightly. Add baking soda and food coloring to the bottle. Pour in vinegar and watch your volcano erupt!
Snow Picnic!
On a frigid day when my kids were itty-bitty, I simply spread out a plastic picnic tablecloth in our sunroom and filled Tupperware containers with snow. I gave them sand toys and let them just play!
What you need:
- A plastic picnic tablecloth or tarp
- Large containers
- Snow
- Beach toys (or utensils from your kitchen drawer like spatulas and spoons)
See? It's snow joke! Your kids can play in the snow... and you didn't have to dress them in four layers to go outside to play. What a win!
Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.
