Do you wanna build a snowman? (It doesn’t have to be a snowman.) With a forecast of snow accumulating between 8 inches and 12 inches this weekend in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, there will be plenty to work with for snow day activities!
Rediscover the magic of winter by taking advantage of snow days with the kids. Here are a few classic and creative ways to enjoy the snow as a family.
Have a Snowball Fight
Not all snow is equal. Snow that is too dry won’t stick together well enough to form a snowball, and snow that is too wet or icy might hurt. Remind kids not to throw snowballs at the face or head area.
Build a Fort
Building a snow fort or snow walls, or digging snow trenches, can supplement your family’s snowball fight—but creating a wintery clubhouse is fun on its own!
Build a Snowman
With heavy, wet snow, snowmen are a breeze. Roll three large snowballs of different sizes, with the largest on bottom and the smallest on top. Add a blueberry smile, button eyes and a carrot for a nose, and then bring it to life with a scarf, hat and sticks for arms. Remember to take a picture!
Make Snow Angels
Making a snow angel is easier than making a snowman and just as cute for the winter photo album.
Go Sledding
If you aren’t familiar with sledding spots in the area, try asking around your neighborhood and checking with parks and schools. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate along to warm up on the drive home!
Race to Shovel
Shoveling can be a chore, but when you have a couple shovels and assign prizes, kids can race to shovel the driveway. Prizes can be things like hot chocolate with marshmallows, choosing a wintery movie for the family to watch or even which game gets played next. Snow shoveled off the driveway or sidewalk can be repurposed in snow forts and other snow activities.
Snow Paint
Mix natural food coloring with warm water in a pitcher and load up miniature water pistols to turn the blank snowy canvas into a work of art.