As of December 7, 2022, we haven't had much snow (yet) in Hendricks County, BUT we all know it's coming. Here are 6 ways to let your kids have fun with snow while staying warm inside!
1. SCIENCE! How fast does snow melt?
Take a large glass jar or clear container, and fill it with fresh snow. Use a dry erase marker to mark the beginning height of the snow, and leave it to melt. When it's fully melted, measure the new height and mark the time! To engage your little scientist even more during this activity, give them a notebook or paper to journal throughout the experiment. What is the consistency of the snow every 10 minutes? What is the temperature inside your home? What does the snow do as it's melting?
- For older kids, ramp up the science in this experiment to have them investigate what materials make snow melt the fastest. Provide a cup of warm water, a cup of table salt, a cup of cold water, and anything else they want to try. Have them create hypotheses and test them using a timer, journal, and even a video camera. They can try them one-by-one or in combination!
2. Paint it!
Fill a large water-tight container with fresh snow, and provide watercolor paint and brushes so your kids can paint the snow! Or, fill spray bottles with colored water and let them make fun designs in the snow. This activity can be great for developing fine motor skills.
3. Snow Sensory Bag
Fill a zip-top plastic bag with fresh snow, and toss in some small toys, sprinkles (makes fun colors as the snow melts!), or even miniature ornaments. Zip the bag closed and let your kiddo squish and smash the bag, finding each little thing you put inside. The experience will change as the child plays with the bag and the snow begins to melt!
- This activity can be altered to be more "hands-on" by using a large open bin, filled with fresh snow and a variety of plastic or foam toys, cookie cutters, and more. Give your child measuring cups or scoops, or even cookie cutters to make the chilly fun more interesting.
4. Mini Snowmen
Fill a glass or plastic bin with snow and encourage your child to make teeny tiny snowmen by rolling balls of snow and stacking them up! Provide small bits of twigs, pieces of ribbon, and pieces of carrot for added effect!
5. Unicorn Snow
Fill a large bowl with fresh snow and let your child toss in pinches of sprinkles of various colors, shapes and sizes. Let them use their hands to mix up the snow, watching it turn colors in magical ways!
6. Snow Ice Cream
Fill a large bowl with fresh snow, and mix in 1 small can of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir well, and scoop into serving bowls. Add sprinkles or candies for fun and enjoy!
Adapted from https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/7-fun-ways-to-play-with-snow-indoors and https://govalleykids.com/indoor-snow-activities/.
