When you peek outside and see nothing but a big blanket of white snow covering the ground, you know it's time to quickly figure out something for the kids to do. Kids get restless quickly when they're cooped up inside all day. And, what's worse is, you'll start getting frustrated with restless kids under your feet all day long and that's not good! Snow games and activities take a special effort, but you'll be glad you did it.
Sitting in front of the television, texting friends, and watching movies won't lighten the tension of a day cooped up inside, and it may even worsen it! A little fresh air and fun is in order here. Get out the hats, boots, and mittens and get those bundles of energy outside. Let's see, what was it again you used to play in the snow? I think I can help you remember a few snow activities that both you and your kids will enjoy.
Snowman: All you need to make a snowman is, well, snow! But, it's the embellishments that make it really fun. Once you've rolled up three big snowballs ranging in sizes of big, medium, and little, grab a few items to create your snowman, or snowwoman! Start with a few rocks for the eyes and mouth, a carrot or short stick for the nose, and some longer sticks for the arms. If you have extra scarves and hats, you may want to add those so your snowman is bundled up and toasty warm. You can get as complicated or as simple as you want. Even Frosty the Snowman will be envious if you have very ambitious children. You may even want to create an entire Snow Family. This is an entertaining task that will keep kids busy for hours on end!
Snow Angels: Bundle your little angels up and send them out in the snow to make little replicas of themselves. Fresh snowfalls are great for this activity. Find a spot where the snow is fluffy and have your kids lay on their back. Then just ask them to flap their arms up from their sides above their head, then back down again, and their legs out and in. Better yet, show them how it's done. Give them a boost up, turn around, and voila! You're an angel! If you want, add some branches for a halo, or even some glittery garland.
Snow House: Building a structure like a house is always an adventure. Kids love to have their very own design come to life before their eyes. Help your kids pick out a rough idea of what they want to build, like a fort or even an igloo. Get out a few pictures if this will help spark their imagination. Then, show them how to tamp down some snow into a plastic container or bucket and turn it over to create their building blocks. Help them shovel off the area they'll be building upon, then let them at it! Building a playhouse, complete with interior walls, will keep them busy all day. They may even want to try their hand at building some little tables and chairs inside. Provide them with some food coloring and water in a spray bottle to "paint" their house and the illusion is complete. Bring out some hot cocoa and you may even be invited in!
Snowball Fight: Older kids really take to the idea of playing this special version of dodgeball. You can choose up sides, or it can be every kid for him or herself. Find or build snow banks for barriers behind which to hide, decide on the rules, and have at it! Grown ups ought to join in on this game as it burns a lot of calories and stress! Pack your snowballs just solid enough to fly, but soft enough so you get a good "poof" when it clobbers your opponent. If your kids haven't had a good snowball fight before, parents and grandparents may want to introduce them to the rules of this game played with snowballs.
Snow Sledding: Even without a toboggan, sled, or a big hill, you can have fun sliding around on the snow. A large piece of cardboard and a snowbank can stand in for a sled and a hill. Look around the garage or house and find any larger pieces of cardboard, tarp, or even a big plastic snow shovel. You might even put the old plastic kiddie pool to work for the afternoon! If your yard doesn't have a hilly area, a little snowbank can provide some fun "snow surfing" especially for the younger children.
When the weather finally clears, and leaves behind a pile of snow, take the opportunity to create some great memories joining in snow activities with your kids. Bundle up nice and tight, get your camera handy, and get ready for fun and frolicking in the fresh, snowy air. Your kids will be anxiously awaiting the next snowfall when they learn how much fun they can have playing snow games, and that hot cocoa always follows! - 30443
Sitting in front of the television, texting friends, and watching movies won't lighten the tension of a day cooped up inside, and it may even worsen it! A little fresh air and fun is in order here. Get out the hats, boots, and mittens and get those bundles of energy outside. Let's see, what was it again you used to play in the snow? I think I can help you remember a few snow activities that both you and your kids will enjoy.
Snowman: All you need to make a snowman is, well, snow! But, it's the embellishments that make it really fun. Once you've rolled up three big snowballs ranging in sizes of big, medium, and little, grab a few items to create your snowman, or snowwoman! Start with a few rocks for the eyes and mouth, a carrot or short stick for the nose, and some longer sticks for the arms. If you have extra scarves and hats, you may want to add those so your snowman is bundled up and toasty warm. You can get as complicated or as simple as you want. Even Frosty the Snowman will be envious if you have very ambitious children. You may even want to create an entire Snow Family. This is an entertaining task that will keep kids busy for hours on end!
Snow Angels: Bundle your little angels up and send them out in the snow to make little replicas of themselves. Fresh snowfalls are great for this activity. Find a spot where the snow is fluffy and have your kids lay on their back. Then just ask them to flap their arms up from their sides above their head, then back down again, and their legs out and in. Better yet, show them how it's done. Give them a boost up, turn around, and voila! You're an angel! If you want, add some branches for a halo, or even some glittery garland.
Snow House: Building a structure like a house is always an adventure. Kids love to have their very own design come to life before their eyes. Help your kids pick out a rough idea of what they want to build, like a fort or even an igloo. Get out a few pictures if this will help spark their imagination. Then, show them how to tamp down some snow into a plastic container or bucket and turn it over to create their building blocks. Help them shovel off the area they'll be building upon, then let them at it! Building a playhouse, complete with interior walls, will keep them busy all day. They may even want to try their hand at building some little tables and chairs inside. Provide them with some food coloring and water in a spray bottle to "paint" their house and the illusion is complete. Bring out some hot cocoa and you may even be invited in!
Snowball Fight: Older kids really take to the idea of playing this special version of dodgeball. You can choose up sides, or it can be every kid for him or herself. Find or build snow banks for barriers behind which to hide, decide on the rules, and have at it! Grown ups ought to join in on this game as it burns a lot of calories and stress! Pack your snowballs just solid enough to fly, but soft enough so you get a good "poof" when it clobbers your opponent. If your kids haven't had a good snowball fight before, parents and grandparents may want to introduce them to the rules of this game played with snowballs.
Snow Sledding: Even without a toboggan, sled, or a big hill, you can have fun sliding around on the snow. A large piece of cardboard and a snowbank can stand in for a sled and a hill. Look around the garage or house and find any larger pieces of cardboard, tarp, or even a big plastic snow shovel. You might even put the old plastic kiddie pool to work for the afternoon! If your yard doesn't have a hilly area, a little snowbank can provide some fun "snow surfing" especially for the younger children.
When the weather finally clears, and leaves behind a pile of snow, take the opportunity to create some great memories joining in snow activities with your kids. Bundle up nice and tight, get your camera handy, and get ready for fun and frolicking in the fresh, snowy air. Your kids will be anxiously awaiting the next snowfall when they learn how much fun they can have playing snow games, and that hot cocoa always follows! - 30443
About the Author:
ShowKidsTheFun.com can show you great ways to entertain your family this winter with fun snowman crafts and activities for kids of all ages, plus so much more!
