10 things you can do on a snow day with your kids.

Well if you haven’t heard, there have been some snow days in the United States. At the end of January, the east coast was covered in as much as 20 inches of snow. Many of us in the midwest were jealous (it’s one of the perks of living in a flyover state). So when we heard the snow was coming, we leaned into it by stocking up on chicken noodle soup, cookies, bottled water and popcorn.

This morning it came, and although the total snowfall wasn’t nearly as impressive, much to the joy of the students and the teachers they spend the day with, we did achieve a snow day.

There is something about a snow day. It’s an extra kind of experience. No one expects you to clean the house or get your errands done. And it’s an opportunity to spend time with your children. If you are anything like me, you aren’t prepared for such an occasion and even though you want to have fun with them, nothing may spring to mind. That’s why I put together these 10 things you can do with your kiddos and create a day they will remember fondly.

Snow day idea #1: Get your snow pants on and go outside WITH them.

Go to the nearest park or build a snow fort with them. If you can’t stomach the cold, just walk around the block together. A cold snowy day is a perfect time to step into the moment and enjoy each other’s presence. For those who aren’t living or wintering in a warm part of the world, you are probably low on Vitamin D anyway. Why not get out there and get some fresh air.

Snow day idea #2: Grab a camera and take pictures of the beauty.

The light on a snowy day is beautiful. Go to a favorite place and get some action shots of them playing in the fluff. Get creative and capture beautiful images of nature. Let them take the camera and find interesting angles. A few years ago, I took my daughter into the weather to do donuts in the unplowed streets and capture the big Honeycomb cereal-shaped flakes fall to earth. Even though she had a basketball game the next day, we stayed out past her bedtime running around in the dark and capturing interesting images. She still mentions those few hours together. Make sure you print a few copies and frame them.

 

Snow day idea #3: Make cookies or banana bread to run to the neighbors with a little snow day message.

Seriously, not much tastes better than a warm piece of banana bed, schmeared with butter. But you don’t need to eat it all. Why not make bread with the kids, wrap them in foil and drop them off at the neighbors house. It will make you all feel a little more connected on a cold and quiet day.

Snow day idea #4: Teach them how to make a meal.

Take the break from the activities to teach them how to make something. Make a soup from scratch. Show them how to put together a meal they can impress people with when they get older. Set the table with your best china and sit together and catch up.

Snow day idea #5: Escape to the gym and create a little race for you an your family.

Snow days can be a little restrictive and it’s easy for the kiddos to get rowdy and get on your nerves. Work off their energy and get your own work out in too. If you belong to a gym, take theme over and create some kind of competition. Who can get a 10K done first, run around the indoor track and do some burpees first? Set up an award ceremony with a homemade certificate and photo op.

Snow day idea #6: Get cozy and watch movies from when you were young.

There are some movies that may capture your child’s imagination but you never quite have enough time to get through it. You may have to do a bit of fast-forwarding but dig out the John Hughes movies. Watch Forrest Gump or Castaway together. I just watched Hachi and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape with my girls and they loved it. Add little popcorn and chocolate, snuggle under a blanket and your snow day might be darn near perfect.

Snow day idea #7: Rearrange their rooms.

Remember the gift that is the snow day: time! Reconfigure a room and throw away stuff that doesn’t work. Gather up items to donate and your day off just became a day of gratitude and giving.

Snow day idea #8: Make a video and ask each other questions and save it for the next snow day.

I realize some of these ideas might seem like a lot of work so let me explain my reasoning behind them. I miss my sons. It seems like just yesterday they were living with me and hanging out in the living room all day while I was trying to work. Now, I wish they were here so we could enjoy each other. I want to remember these moments now, and take advantage of the short time I have with my daughters. Take your phone and ask each other questions: favorite movies, best day ever, most embarrassing moment. Include yourself in the line of questioning too! Save the video and pull it out at the next snow day or holiday. I promise you will enjoy it.

Snow day idea #9: Have a snow day party!

I’m sure other parents are trying to entertain their kids as well. Why not have a party. If the weather permits, gather the neighborhood for a party. Ask everyone to bring snacks and play games together. Your kids will be entertained and you will surely be appreciated by the other parents!

Snow day idea #10: Look at old pictures and talk about fun times.

Just before I started writing this blog post, I caught my daughter looking at all the photos on our cloud. She mentioned which ones she thought were funny (mom, you take a lot of selfies) and recalled a fun Spring Break trip a few years ago. I sat down and enjoyed the images with her. Why not pull out your wedding photos or baby photos and have a good laugh?

There you go: 10 ideas for your snow day. Just remember, these moments are fleeting. Don’t forget to pull yourself out of your work and enjoy those that you love. Your snow day could end up being a delicious memory you pull out for years to come!