Snow provides an amazing backdrop for fun and active play outside. Don’t forget to dress warmly and protect skin and eyes while considering age-appropriate activities for fun in the snow, including:
- Take a walk and take snow pictures
- Snowball fight
- Make a snowman
- Sledding
- Snow angels and other snow impressions.
Take a Snow Walk and Capture the Beauty of the Winter Season in Pictures
Surrounded by amazing artwork of ice crystals that can transform a yard into a winter wonderland, a walk in the snow can lead to new discoveries and open one’s eye to the nature’s beauty. Find animal tracks and footprints to identify. Measure the snowfall. Count icicles. Watch and listen for signs of wildlife. A night-time snowy walk can also be special and memorable.
Grab a digital camera and try capturing that white blanket of beauty. Try capturing scenes from different angles, getting action shots, going close-up, and searching for unusual eye-catching shots.
For a challenge, try photographing individual flakes reminiscent of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley (1865-1931), an man who tirelessly dedicated his life to the art of picturing snow one flake at a time. Reading about his life and viewing some of his photographs could make for a few indoor activity later. Some may even like to enjoy a little snow cream inside as well.
Snowball Fight Can Encourage Friendly Competition
If the snow will pack, that snow walk might just erupt into a snowball fight. Work on a bit of hand-eye coordination and have a bit of friendly competition. Perhaps get out a bit of pent up aggression. If the snow packs well, a snow fort can provide a fun divider.
If aiming at one another is not appealing, try adding a bit of variety. See who can make the biggest snowball in a set amount of time. Try setting up targets like an empty trashcan or throwing through a hula hoop or make use of a basketball hoop to work on hand-eye coordination.
Make a Snowman and Other Snow Creations
If the snow is packing well, a snowman is a natural choice. Small and simple to large and unusual, many people begin making snowmen at an early age. A separate article is devoted to a great variety of unique and unusual ideas for making a snowman and other creations.
Sledding is a Great Form of Exercise
Clear a path and grab a sled. Just a dusting of snow may be enough to ride the snow tide. Parents can get a great workout pulling a sled down and up a hill while the kids enjoy the ride. With a little imagination, even those without a commercial sled may be able find a reasonable substitute for taking a ride, such as a lid to a toybox or trashcan. Those with more than one sled might find a race to be in store. Reading up a bit on famous sled dogs might be a fun indoor learning opportunity after the outdoor fun.
Snow Angels and Snowy Messages Can be Fun
After all of that running and exercising, perhaps lying down is in order. While lying flat on your back in the snow, why not make a snow angel? Move arms up and down and move legs in and out to create a simple snowy angel.
Draw pictures in the snow with sticks or other found objects. Create fun clues for finding a treasure. Make impressions with various objects and let others guess what object was used. Practice writing letters or numbers in the snow. Try snow writing in a secret code using special characters, letters, or markings.
Have Fun in the Snow and Enjoy Quality Time Together
Create special snow memories while enjoying the fresh air and brisk weather. Appropriate winter attire and dressing in layers can make the time much more enjoyable while protecting from dangers such as frostbite. From taking a snow stroll to pelting it out with a snowball fight to lying down and making a snow angel, outdoor snow activities can provide fun family entertainment that can also be educational and great exercise.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
Join the Conversation