Do you miss the sunny, warm days of summer? Go ahead and put on your swimsuit (underneath your snowsuit!) and think outside the box of typical winter fun. You can still enjoy some of your family's favorite summer activities while appreciating the beauty of the season. Here are six ways that your family can bask in the glow of the snow:
1. Have a picnic. Why save picnics for warmer weather? Winter can be a great time to take your lunch outside. Instead of birds chirping and bugs biting, you can enjoy the peaceful sound of quiet while you observe the icicles and catch snow on your tongue. Try packing a thermos of warm soup with a grilled cheese and then spreading a tarp instead of a blanket. Ants are guaranteed not to crash the party.
2. Play in the water. It’s too cold to swim or run through the sprinkler. The winter, however, provides a great opportunity for learning about water's more solid state: ice. Take the kids outside and let them discover the process of freezing and melting in a fun way. Fill up different kinds and sizes of containers. Freeze leaves and sticks in the water. Make cookie cutter-shaped icicles to hang on your porch. Enjoy not having to keep lathering on the sunscreen since you'll be covered head to toe and won't be out for too long (maybe a little on your face, if the sun is really bright).
3. Make snow cream. We all scream for snow cream! Yes, instead of making ice cream out of fresh berries, just use what's in season - snow. Have the kids gather some fresh snow (read: white not yellow or brown) and then add milk, sugar and vanilla to taste. It is really that simple. You can eat it right away or freeze it inside or outside in ice cream molds or cups with Popsicle sticks. Experiment with adding flavors or ingredients.
4. Go to the playground. Kids love swinging and sliding no matter what the weather outside. In fact, being the first to go down a snow-covered slide is super fun. Snow can make your regular playground seem a little different and kids may enjoy discovering it anew during the winter. Snowball fights, breaking icicles off of the play equipment, jumping off swings into piles of snow - playgrounds can be fun in all seasons.
5. Take a hike. Hiking in a winter wonderland is magical. Little kids who are all bundled up may find it challenging to walk in deep snow, but even short hikes are great fun. Pretend you are big animals making tracks through the snow, play follow the leader or draw pictures in the snow with sticks. Try snowshoes for a change of pace. Kids love the novelty and they can be bought second-hand or even rented. Don't forget to take along your camera to get some beautiful, red-cheeked pictures of your family enjoying the snowy outdoors.
6. Plant and pick flowers. While your real spring bulbs are underneath a blanket of snow until spring, the expanse of white makes a perfect background for colorful pretend flowers. Drink hot chocolate inside while you craft simple flowers from brightly colored paper. This doesn't have to be Martha Stewart-style, simple works just fine. Tape them onto wooden dowel rods or sticks and then place them into the snow for a pretty display. Pretend you are bees flying from flower to flower and run all around the backyard. Practice identifying colors or counting as the kids pick the flowers from the snow for a beautiful winter bouquet.
Mandy is a freelance writer.
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