Surviving snow days with a toddler

Thursday, February 9, 2017 – Snowmageddon in the New England area! 

Update: Things got in the way (namely my toddler and a terrible cold) so it’s now Sunday, February 12. Believe me or not, it’s still snowing outside and more to come tomorrow! Welcome to New England! 

Living in the New England area means having an unpredictable winter season. It’s only the beginning of February and we have had 8 snow days with today bringing the heaviest snow so far. Before having kids, snow days means a day of sleeping in and Netflix marathon. But since we are a minimum-screen-time family, I have to be extra creative to get through a (super windy and cold) snow day. Below are some of our favorite activities on a snowy day: 

Painting the snow: 

 

The set up is super easy: grab a bin, covered it with some snow, prepare a few cups of water + food coloring (or liquid watercolor for a more vibrant result) and brushes, and let your child make her/his design on the snow. I started doing this when Alia was 18 months old and it never gets old. 

Sensory bin: 

 

I wish I had taken more pictures of our snow sensory bins. But I basically fill up a bin with snow, add animal figurines that live in a cold environment and blocks for her to play with (left picture). You could also simple add some tools such as a spoon, measuring cups, molding tools for your child to create things using snow. 

Make a snowman inside:

You can make a snowman next to a warm heater and then slowly watch it melts :p This is our favorite activity so far. 

My daughter is a true New England girl. If I let her, she’ll stay outside and play with the snow all day. She loves watching the snow falls and then making boot prints on freshly piled snow. We do go out during the storm so long as the temperature is not frigid cold. And honestly, you get the best photos on the first day of snow storm – when the town is quiet, the snow is neatly piled on the ground, and the everything else is covered in snow. Try to forget the fact that you have to shovel the snow before they become ice… 😀 

Once you have exhausted all options, make some popcorn and hot chocolate, turn on Netflix, and enjoy a movie with your toddler! 

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