I love a snow day! My two older children are in elementary school and their excitement about a day of snow play is contagious. As soon as they see a winter weather warning in the forecast, they have their ice cubes ready to flush down the toilet, their pajamas on inside out and backward and a spoon placed under their pillows- all the kid rituals to bring on a snow day. I will say that every year I am scrambling for the right size snow pants, gloves, hats and anything I can give them for a sled (trash can lid anyone??), so here is your reminder to get your snow supplies before the day of!

7 Fun Things To Do When It Snows in Wichita

Sledding

We live near El Dorado Lake so obviously we grab our sleds and head to the El Dorado Lake Dam as soon as there is an accumulation. Scope out the closest sledding hills near your home!

Snow Ice Cream

 My kids love making snow ice cream! Gather up your snow and get ready to make a yummy treat. You really only need three ingredients to make it, although you can definitely add lots of “toppings” like sprinkles and chocolate chips, too!

Frozen balloons- I saw lots of families doing this last year and definitely want to try with my boys this winter. Basically, you will fill your water balloons with water, add some food coloring, tie the ends and freeze overnight if possible. When frozen, cut the balloon off using scissors and have fun with the colorful frozen creations! I would suggest wearing gloves and possibly making this an outdoor or garage type of project because of the food coloring. You can also modify this to make ice lanterns!

Snowball fight- Always a classic! Someone in my house usually ends up crying by the end of the snowball fight, but my boys are optimistic each year and always take the opportunity to engage in a competitive challenge where they can throw snow at each other.

Snow painting

A quick search on Pinterest will reveal plenty of recipes for snow painting. I like the idea of letting them spray from a spray bottle. I saw another recipe that used a squeeze bottle and that also seems like a good idea! You can find the squeeze bottles on Amazon or other retailers (think of the bottles you might put condiments in).

Build A Snow Man

One of my favorite snowy day activities is making a snowman. If you are the type that likes to plan ahead, you can have a “snowman kit” ready by tossing a scarf, a hat, a few buttons and piece of coal or smooth round stones into a bag. Or have a contest to see who can make the silliest snowman in your family using crazy things around your house.

Check out ideas for additional winter activities here!

To Warm Up After Playing Outside

When you’re ready to warm up and head inside, try some of our favorite indoor snowy day activities (after you make your snow ice cream, of course!).

Snowman Bingo

Bingo is always a favorite at our house. Print some bingo games you find online or make your own. I like to keep some dollar store prizes stashed away like bouncy balls or stickers.

Winter “I Spy”

This is one of my go-to activities on a snowy or rainy day. Bonus points for getting your kids to use fine motor and counting skills.

Hot Chocolate/Cocoa Bombs

Fact: My kids go nuts for hot cocoa bombs. The way they explode with chocolate and marshmallows is super fun! You can make your own at home if you have a silicone mold. If that seems like too much work, several shops around Wichita sell them, so grab a few to put in your pantry for your next snow day.