LIFESTYLE

Snowed in? Here are four projects to entertain your kids

Misty Castile
Fort Smith Times Record

Snow days can be a lot of fun, but being stuck at home can only be amusing for so long, especially if you have kids.  

So, while the snow is on the ground, here are four snow-based projects you can do with things you might have around your house.

Snow ice cream

If being snowed in has the kids a little stir crazy, try some fun snow projects to pass the time.

This classic snow project is simple and fun to make.  Let the kids help pour in the ingredients or mix.

Ingredients: 

  • 4 cups of snow
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 1/2 cup of sugar

Pour all ingredients together and mix. Add sprinkles or serve plain. 

Milk, sugar, vanilla and snow are all it takes to make snow ice cream.

Snow volcano

Baking soda is a key component of a good snow volcano.

Before the kids blow their tops being bored inside, gather some simple ingredients and head outside to for a chilly twist on the classic science experiment.

Items you need

  • A plastic cup 
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of dish soap
  • Food coloring (the gel kind does not work well for this) 
  • 1 cup of vinegar

1. Set the cup upright on the snow. Build a mound around it, but don't fill it.  

2. Pour all the ingredients together in the cup except the vinegar.

3. Pour in the vinegar and watch the eruption. 

Snow marbles

Filling balloons with water and confetti make sparkly snow marbles.

They're not only fun to play with but simple to make. 

Items you need

  • Balloons
  • Food coloring, glitter, or confetti
  • Water

1. Fill balloons with water.

2. Add food coloring, glitter or confetti.

3. Once the water inside is frozen, cut off the balloons and enjoy. 

Snowman bags

Have kids help draw a snowman on a resealable plastic bag to create a snowman in a bag.

When temperatures reach the single digits, it may be too cold for some younger children to build a snowman outside.  Instead, you can build a snowman inside.

Items you need

  • Resealable plastic bags
  • Markers
  • Tape
  • Snow

1. Have kids use markers to draw snowmen on the bags. Note: Markers may rub off on skin.  

2. Fill bags halfway with snow.

3. Tape the bags shut for extra security. 

4.  Watch the kids try to get all the snow into the snowman. 

While being snowed in is sometimes stressful, especially as cabin fever sets in, take a few moments to have some fun and make some memories and cherish the time together.