With all the snow that fell this weekend, kids are probably looking for different ways to get outside and have some fun. Besides the normal activities of sledding and shoveling, what are some fun things to do outside in the winter? We have rounded up some of the top ideas for you to try. Just remember to bundle up- it’s cold outside!
Go searching for animal tracks. This activity works best in the freshly fallen snow. See what kind of animal tracks you can find (birds, rabbits, squirrel, deer etc.) How many tracks can you name? Take photos of the tracks and then look them up online to see if you identified them correctly.
Create some nature inspired Valentines. With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, now is the perfect time to create these. Visit Rain or Shine Momma to learn how to create 15 different kinds of Valentines.
Make a bird feeder. This can be done in several different ways- either by rolling a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed, making suet cupcakes with shortening or even stringing Cheerios (or any cereal with a hole) on a string (or you can thread the cereal on a pipe cleaners and shape them into different shapes).
Look at the snowflakes. This one needs to be done while the snow is falling. Take a piece of black construction paper or felt outside. Catch the falling snowflakes on the paper. Look at the snowflakes. How are they different? Who can catch the biggest snowflake? The smallest? Bring a magnifying glass with you for extra details.
This next idea is an indoor one- plan your garden. Do you have a garden or want to start a garden in the spring? Now is the perfect time to plan out where you are going to have it, what kinds of plants you will be planting. Do your research and get ready for spring.
Build a snowperson and add a little bit of color! Build your snow creation then add the details. Use plastic containers to pack snow and shape, then have an adult fill a spray bottle with water and food coloring. Spray color on your snow creation.
A little bit safer than a snowball fight, try snowball target practice. Draw a bullseye on poster board, cardboard or a box. Have kids make snowballs and throw them at the bullseye. You can also stack plastic cups and try to knock them down with snowballs. Keep score, winner has first choice of hot chocolate toppings!
Speaking of hot chocolate, how about making a cup of it? Hershey’s has a recipe for perfect hot chocolate or you can use packets from Swiss Miss or Nestle. Add toppings to your hot chocolate like marshmallows, whip cream or stir with a candy cane. Delicious!
