Let It Snow! 10 Outdoor Activities For Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained For Hours

One of the clearest memories from my childhood is the overwhelming joy I felt when I got to stay home from school for a snow day. That meant hours and hours of playing outside with my big brother until we were ready to go inside for hot chocolate. That's one thing that kids still love today, but there's so much more they can do to have fun than just throw snow at each other (which is still totally acceptable and should be done!). From playing with snow paint to using the entire neighborhood as their playground, keep reading for 10 outdoor snow activities that will create memories to last a lifetime.

01
Go Sledding
Unsplash | Michal Janek

Go Sledding

There's something about sledding that never gets old. Try scoping out the parks with the best hills before snowfall so you're set to grab your sled an go. Winner of the race gets extra marshmallows in their hot chocolate!

02
Build a Snowman
Unsplash | Nathan Wolf

Build a Snowman

You can't spend a day in the snow without a classic snowman-building session. Grab the kids and challenge them to see who can roll the biggest snow ball and get to assembling.

03
Play Hot and Cold
Unsplash | Annie Spratt

Play Hot and Cold

Take an item from inside the house, like an old snow boot, and hide it in your yard. Then, as your child moves throughout the area, let them know if they're getting hotter (closer to) or colder (farther away from) the item until they find it.

04
Have a Snowball Fight
Unsplash | Helena Lopes

Have a Snowball Fight

Split up into teams (it can even be one-on-one) and pick a good area with plenty of hiding places. The trick here is to have plenty of snowballs premade so it's a nonstop battle.

05
Paint the Snow
Unsplash | Denise Johnson

Paint the Snow

Consider snow your giant blank canvas. You can buy or make DIY snow paint with just a few simple ingredients. And the best part is that you won't have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

06
Make Snow Angels
Flickr user linearclassifier

Make Snow Angels

It's time your little one learns how to make a real snow angel — meaning no handprints or footprints as you get out of your creation. Help them get out of the space to reveal a perfect print.

07
Play Pin the Carrot on the Snowman
Flickr user Ville Oksanen

Play Pin the Carrot on the Snowman

Just before your snowman is finished, turn the final touches into a game. Blindfold the kids and give them each a chance to pin the carrot on the snowman to make its nose.

08
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Flickr user Adam Tas

Have a Scavenger Hunt

OK, parents, this is where you'll have to get super creative. Write out directions (extra credit for rhyming!) the kids will have to follow in order to make it to the end. Maybe the prize will be to bake (and eat) warm cookies inside?

09
Build an Igloo
Flickr user Nick Bonzey

Build an Igloo

Didn't you always want to build an igloo as a kid? Here's your chance to take the time to do it with your little ones. Get the full effect by relaxing inside after a job well done.

10
Go For a Trek Around the Neighborhood
Unsplash | Ashim D’Silva

Go For a Trek Around the Neighborhood

No need to clean off your car just yet, because there's plenty to see with a walk around your town. Bundle up with hats, scarves, and gloves, and explore your neighborhood in a unique way when it's covered in fresh snow. Plus, the walk will certainly tire them out and guarantee naptime when you get back.