15 Fun and Productive Activities for a Snow Day

January 21, 2025

When school is called off due to snow, kids and parents alike may find themselves wondering how to fill the day. Instead of letting the hours slip by, make the most of the time with these 15 fun and productive activities.

Outdoor Activities

Build a Snowman or Snow Fort
- Get outside and let your creativity shine by building a snowman, fort, or even an igloo. Challenge friends or family to see who can create the most imaginative structure.
Go Sledding
- Head to a nearby hill with sleds, tubes, or even makeshift sleds like trash can lids. Make sure to dress warmly and stay safe.
Have a Snowball Fight
- Organize a friendly snowball fight or set up targets to practice your throwing accuracy.
Snow Painting
- Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring to create colorful designs on the snow. It’s a mess-free way to be artistic outdoors.
Take a Winter Nature Walk
- Bundle up and explore your neighborhood or local trails. Look for animal tracks, icicles, and other signs of winter.

Indoor Activities

Bake Treats Together
- Make cookies, brownies, or a loaf of bread. Involve kids in measuring, mixing, and decorating to teach valuable skills.
Have a Movie Marathon
- Pick a theme, like animated classics or superhero films, and snuggle up with blankets and popcorn for a cozy movie day.
Do a Science Experiment
- Try simple experiments like making homemade slime, creating a baking soda volcano, or observing how ice melts in salt versus sugar.
Make a DIY Craft Project
- Create snowflakes out of paper, design friendship bracelets, or paint rocks to add some artistic fun to the day.
Set Up an Indoor Obstacle Course

Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a challenging and fun obstacle course for kids to navigate.

Family Bonding Activities

Play Board Games or Card Games

Dust off classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno, and enjoy some friendly competition with the family.

Read a Book Together

Choose a chapter book to read aloud as a family, or let everyone pick a favorite short story to share.

Do a Puzzle

Work together on a large jigsaw puzzle or solve word puzzles and brainteasers.

Learning and Productive Activities

Write Letters or Make Cards

Encourage kids to write letters to grandparents, make thank-you notes, or create cards for friends and teachers.

Organize and Declutter

Turn the day into a productive one by organizing toys, cleaning out closets, or sorting books and games. Reward everyone’s hard work with a treat afterward.

Tips for a Memorable Snow Day

Stay Warm: Keep extra layers, gloves, and hats handy for outdoor fun.
Embrace Creativity: Let kids’ imaginations guide the day, whether it’s building, drawing, or storytelling.
Involve Everyone: Include all family members in activities to create shared memories.

Snow days can be a chance to unplug, bond, and make lasting memories. With these activities, you’ll ensure that a day off from school becomes a day well spent.