Whether it's because school buses have been cancelled or the snow has shut down the city altogether - snow days for parents can be stressful. If you have to keep your kids busy for an entire day, don't worry! To help you in your time of need, we’ve compiled ten snow day activities that are sure to keep the kids (and you!) entertained.
1. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Let’s start with the most obvious - build a snowman! This is a great activity to do with your kids as they will need your help stacking the snow. But why be so traditional? Let your kids’ imagination run wild and let them make whatever they want. Who knows what kind of creative creatures you’ll have frozen in your backyard when you’re done.
2. Have a Movie Marathon
There is something to be said for snuggling under a warm blanket to watch movies all afternoon. Life can be very busy, and if a snow day is going to bring your day to a crawl, you might as well enjoy it. Do yourself a favour though and pick the flicks beforehand so you can avoid an argument with your kids.
3. Or Make Your Own...
Why watch a movie someone else created when your kids can be the main characters in their own? With cell phones and free video editing software easily available, it has never been so easy to create your own movies. Work with your kids to come up with a story line, make some costumes from what you have lying around the house, and get down to work. You’ll be surprised how much fun you’ll have, and it will be a memory you’ll have for a long time.
4. Build a Fort
Use couch cushions, pillows, tables, chairs and whatever else you can think of and make an epic fort in your living room. This creates a unique bonding experience with your kids as you work on this together, and, if for but a moment, they will realize just how cool their parents really are. To bring the experience up a level, pop some popcorn and watch your homemade movie in your newly built fortress.
Alternatively, head back outside and build a snow fort that your kids will be able to enjoy for the days to come.
5. Dive into Some Good Books
5. Dive into Some Good BooksEscape into some of your children’s favourite books. Whether they are old enough to read them on their own, or you curl up with them, it's a great way to spend some quality time together. If your kids are getting tired of the books lying around the house, check out the online resources available on the Edmonton Public Library or visit Storyline Online. This website provides a large section of children’s books read by notable actors.
6. Make Maple Syrup Candy
What activity could be more Canadian than making candy out of maple syrup! This makes for a great activity on a snow day and leaves you with delicious candy to enjoy afterward. All you’ll need is maple syrup, popsicles sticks and a few things from your kitchen. A little makes a lot so consider inviting the neighbours over.
7. Make Snow Globes
If it's a snowy scene outside, why not make the same inside with some homemade snow globes? If you have some small jars, strong glue, a plastic figurine, and some glitter you’ll be all set. If you have younger children, they’ll be mesmerized by their snowy creations throughout the day.
8. Write Letters
In the digital age of email, social media and Skype, the art of letter writing is becoming a thing of the past. Encourage everyone to sit down and write a letter to someone - a grandparent, friend or pen pal. There will be excitement for days after as your kids discover the novelty of putting pen to paper, and hearing from the recipient how happy they were to receive it. If there's still time, a letter to Santa may be in order too!
9. Make Homemade Playdough
Half the fun of playdough is making it yourself. Best of all, everything you need is likely already in your pantry. The kids can participate by mixing the ingredients and choosing the colours. Then relax on the couch with a book while they play.
10. Blow Ice Bubbles
Contrary to popular belief, blowing bubbles isn’t just for hot summer days in the park. Bundle up and head out to the backyard to watch bubbles turn to frosty orbs in the winter air.
These ten activities will keep you, and more importantly, your kids busy during a snow day trapped at home. Take that, Old Man Winter!
