26 Things to Do on a Snow Day

It’s been one of those days.  Your kids are arguing (loudly) as they play together in their room.  You’ve been refereeing them, so the breakfast dishes sit unwashed on the table.  You put your head in your hands and decide to admit defeat–just put in a movie to make the noise stop.  You look over at the clock, sure that it must be nearing lunchtime, only to realize that it is just 9:00!

Oh, the joys of snow days!

If you are trying to find something–anything!–to do with your children on a snow day, take a look at these ideas.

26 Things to Do on a Snow Day

1. Create an Art Gallery

Put on some music, get out the art supplies, and let your kids go wild.  Once they’ve each made several masterpieces, hang their work up around the house.  If you have older kids, they could even make small signs under each with the child’s name and title of the piece.  Finish with a gallery walk around the house, taking in the artwork!

2. Put on a Play

Let the kids create their own play to show you.  If they are younger, you may want to make some suggestions.  For example, they could act out Little Red Riding Hood or The Parable of The Good Samaritan.  Let them find costumes, write a script, and practice.  Then, enjoy the show!

3. Do a Giant Puzzle

Pull out one of the 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles that you’ve never done.  Set up a little card table or take over the kitchen table.  Pop some popcorn and get busy.

4. Have a Dance Party

Crank up the music!  Let the kids release some of their energy through movement.  You can even play a variety of music and show them how to dance to it.  Let everyone laugh at your robot, try out some swing dancing, and twirl like a ballerina.

5. Play Outside

Unless you are experiencing white out conditions or a dangerous windchill, get the kids outdoors for awhile.  Let them make snow angels, go sledding, build snowmen, design snow forts, and roll around to their hearts content.  Even 15 minutes outdoors can improve everyone’s mood and overall health.  Still not convinced? Take a look at my post on 8 Reasons Your Child Should Play Outside Every Day (Even When It’s Cold).

6. Bake Something Tasty

If it seems like you never have time to bake, take advantage of the day at home and do so.  Let the kids help you make cookies, brownies, or even a pie.  Little ones can pour and stir, while older ones learn to crack eggs and measure.  Everyone enjoys the final product!

7. Begin a Craftsy Class

If your kids are a bit older (10-18), why not learn something new together?  You can sign up for a Craftsy class–a high quality, online course with videos and digital materials.  There are classes on photography, knitting, cooking, gardening, quilting, and more!  You can sign up and begin the same day–perfect for a long snow day.

8. Do an Exercise Video

Let the kids move for awhile by putting in an exercise DVD.  You can all try yoga, Zumba, or Pilates together.  You can also find a free YouTube video to work out with. If nothing else, you’ll have fun laughing at each other’s mistakes!  (I am especially fond of 10 Minute Solutions: Rapid Results Pilates and Zumba Fitness: Step it Up DVD.  Lots of fun in 10-15 minute segments.)

9. Write a Book

Give the kids some paper and art supplies, and let them make a book.  Each one can make their own book and then share in a “coffeehouse” with hot chocolate and tea.

10. Play Simon Says

Take a quick 10 minute movement break by playing Simon Says.  The kids will have fun getting to be in charge for awhile.

11. Build an Entire Lego Town

If you have Lego lovers in your house, let them go crazy.  Build a Lego town, a Lego country, an empire!  Littler ones can join in with Duplos or big wooden blocks.

12. Explore a Kiwi Crate Kit

Kiwi Crates are great fun for kids of all ages.  They use hands-on learning with some seriously cool experiments to help teach kids about science.  Koala Crates are for ages 3-4, Kiwi Crates for ages 5-8, and Tinker Crates for ages 9-16.  You can order a single box, a few boxes, or a monthly subscription.  You can even give them as gifts to family members (and hide one away for a snowy day!).

13. Have a Talent Show

Let each member of the family prepare an act for a family talent show.  Dances, songs, poetry readings, hockey skills–the possibilities are endless.

14. Skype the Grandparents

While you’re stuck, er, getting to spend time together, you could call some people that you don’t get to talk with all of the time.  Grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, etc. would enjoy a call, or some face time or Skype with their favorite little ones.

15. Listen to an Audiobook

Enjoy a little quieter time by listening to a great audiobook together.  The kids can color or draw while you listen or just relax with a cup of hot chocolate.  If you don’t have any audiobooks, use this link to get a free 30-day trial of Audible (you’ll get two free audiobooks with this link!).

16. Start a Band

Bring out the harmonicas, maracas, drums, keyboards, and whatever else you have lying around your house.  Let the kids go wild with some music time.  Challenge them to come up with a song to perform for you or to march like a band at halftime.

17. Clean the House

It may not be the most exciting thing to do, but while you have a bunch of helpers why not clean the house!  Assign jobs based on age level (take a look at these great check lists from Early Bird Mom), put on some music, and get cleaning.

18. Pray the Prayers

While you’re at home for the day, be sure to pray the Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers.  You could even pray at noon, do the readings for the day, and listen to the Saint of the Day on Ancient Faith Radio.

19. Have a Quiet Time

Make sure that you give the kids some designated alone time.  The introverts among us (myself included) really need it!  Set aside an hour or two (depending on the ages of kids and the nap schedule) for quiet time.  Once the kids have calmed down, you can take a nap or make some grown-up hot chocolate…

20. Make Snow Candy

Do you remember that chapter in Little House in the Big Woods where Laura and Mary make maple candy with snow?  You can actually do that!  Check out this great tutorial from Happy Hooligans.

21. Create a Silly Photo Album

Give your children your phone or tablet, and let them create their own silly photo album.  They can use costumes, strike funny poses, and more as they entertain themselves silly.

22. Have a Board Game Marathon

Bring out the board games and have a marathon day of fun!  Let the winner of each game choose the next game that you will play.  Pop some homemade popcorn and let the games begin.  If you have little ones (2-5 years), take a look at My Favorite Board Games for Younger Children.

23. Read an Entire Book Together

There’s just something about a snowstorm that makes me want to cuddle into a warm blanket and read a good book.  Read an entire book together as a family–taking turns reading and pausing for some snack breaks.  These Best Chapter Books for Early Readers would be fun for the entire family.

24. Write Letters to Elderly Relatives

Encourage your children to serve others by writing a letter or making a card for an elderly relative.  Let them address it, stamp it, and walk it to the mailbox.

25. Shovel A Neighbor’s Sidewalk

If you have older kids (ages 7 and up), let them help out neighbors by shoveling sidewalks and driveways.  They will make someone’s day.

26. Make Butter

Do your kids still have energy?  Put them to work on a fun (and tasty) science experiment.  With just some heavy whipping cream and a jar, you can make delicious homemade butter.  Read A Thrifty Mom’s tutorial to find out how.

So, the next time you have a snow day, embrace it!  You’ve got this covered.

What are your favorite things to do on a snow day?