5 Creative Snow Day Projects You Can Do With the Kids

Tired of hearing the kids whine about being bored or spending the entire day staring at a screen when school is canceled by winter weather? Get out some kids’ aprons and try these stuck-at-home activities!

Homemade Modeling Dough

When it’s too cold to play outside, kids love making things with modeling dough. You don’t even have to buy it; make it yourself! Make sure you have some kids’ aprons handy, because flour tends to fly and food coloring can stain clothing.

Mix 2 cups all purpose flour, ½ cup salt, 2 tablespoons cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Have the kids take turns stirring until ingredients are combined, then an adult can begin to add 1 ½ cups boiling water to the mixture. Add the water slowly until the mixture becomes a sticky mass. If you want to color the mixture, now is the time. After the mixture has cooled, have the kids take turns kneading it until it feels like dough. Add extra flour if it is too sticky. This homemade modeling dough will keep for up to six months in an airtight container.

Snow Globes

Not only is this a great winter craft activity, but its a recycling project, too. Gather together some small glass jars, such as baby food or jelly jars, and tiny toy figures to feature in the snow globes. After the crew puts on their kids’ aprons, have them choose which figures to put in the snow globes (choose carefully, because they won’t be coming out again), and affix the figurines to the inside of the jar lids using epoxy glue. This is available at hardware stores and an adult should do this. Let the epoxy dry completely. Using distilled water, fill the jar almost to the rim, then add a pinch of glitter and a drop of glycerin. Now screw the lid onto the jar tightly, and turn it over. Instant snow fall!

Puffy Paints

For this project you will need some empty dish soap containers, one of each color of puffy paint. Mix equal parts of salt and flour in a bowl, then add enough water to make a runny batter. Add the mixture to dish soap bottles, and mix in several drops of food coloring to make different colors. They can “paint” on paper, and then you put the picture in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. The paint puffs and dries instantly!

Hand Print Tree

This is a snowy day project and a keepsake! Have the kids paint a winter scene and then put a tree in the center of it. The branches of the tree are made by painting the palm of the child’s hand with brown craft paint and pressing it onto the paper. Use a finger to draw a trunk under the hand print. When the paint dries, the kids can decorate the tree with glitter snow.

Bird Seed Treats

Cut shapes from stale bread and spread peanut butter on them. Generously sprinkle with chopped nuts, raisins and bird seed. Press the nuts and seeds into the peanut butter. Make a hole and tie a piece of twine through. Hang the bird treat on a branch where the kids can watch the birds.

Kids’ Coverup

Best Aprons carries kids’ aprons and adult kitchen and restaurant wear for home and professional use. Whether it’s finger painting or petit fours, get your aprons at Best Aprons.