Snow days are meant to be outrageously fun, so how can you ensure your little one isn't too quick to cozy up in front of the TV? After everyone has unthawed from the wintery fun you've had in the snow, here are some fun, simple ideas (requiring only things most people have around their house) to keep your kids entertained all day long!
1. Valentine's Day Treat Pockets
Valentine's day is right around the corner, so this is the perfect craft to put them in the loving spirit!
Materials:
- Assorted paper
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Twine, yarn or ribbon
- Treats
- Optional decor: rhinestones, stickers, etc
To make the hearts: Take the 2 sheets of paper, align them and fold them in half. I chose to use printed paper on one side and plain red paper for the other. Draw a half heart on one of the folded sides, then cut along the line. Make sure you are working on the folded side and not the open end. Open the folded hearts and voila!
Attaching the two hearts: Align the two hearts, make sure they are identical in size. Holding them together, take your hole punch and punch holes around the bottom of the heart. Be sure to leave the top open. Weave your twine through the holes, do not cut it until you know how much you would like to use. Leave a little slack on each side of the ribbon, tie the ribbon together at the top to form a hanger.
Optional Decorations: If you're planning on giving these out to classmates/friends/family, print out To/From cards and glue them onto the front. You can also add stickers, rhinestones, and other embellishments to pretty them up. Thanks Deanna!
2. Snow Globes
How appropriate!? A small snow globe to mimic the happenings outside your window. They couldn't be easier to make!
Here is what you will need:
- Jars (a good shape and size for your trees)
- Bottle Brush Trees
- Buffalo Snow or any type of faux snow
- Glue Dots or hot glue
First, remove the lid of the jar and glue the tree to the bottom of the lid. Place a small amount of snow in the jar. Make sure not to fill it too much! You only need enough to cover the bottom of the tree once turned. Carefully place the tree back into the jar and screw on the lid. Now – shake to your hearts content! You've made a snow globe in about 2 minutes. Create a few more out of different size and shaped jars and you will have a beautiful display that will last for years! Thanks Heather!
3. Melted Crayon Canvas
This one may take a bit longer than the average craft, but it is so worth it. This cool, crayola canvas may be a great craft for your tweens and teens as it is a bit more difficult (and takes a bit of patience).
Supplies:
- Canvas
- Hot glue gun
- Glue stick
- Hair Dryer
- Lots of crayons (depends on canvas size)
- Newspaper
First, arrange the crayons into a pattern you like. Glue all the crayons to the top of the canvas (pointing down) with a single strip of hot glue from the glue gun. Let it dry for a few minutes, then re-glue any loose crayons. Next, set up somewhere you don't mind getting a bit dirty (wax might fly). Use the high setting on my hair dryer to make the crayons melt. If you want straighter lines use a lower setting and use more time.
4. Bake a Snowman
Everybody loves snowmen – and everybody loves treats – making this cute recipe, the perfect mix. With your kids helping measure, pour and stir, you can make this a great learning experience (not to mention improving fine motor skills!)
You will need:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Wax paper
- Tubes of icing (for decoration)
- Chocolate chips (for decoration)
Place the butter and marshmallows in a large pan. Heat gently and stir until all the marshmallows have melted. Add the rice crispy cereal and stir gently until all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture. Then line a baking pan with wax paper and fill with the rice crispy mixture. Flatten down the surface with the back of a spoon or wet hands. Pop the treats in the fridge to cool and firm. Once your treats are cool, you can cut out your snowmen. A number 8 cookie cutter makes a great snowman shape.
Then it’s time to decorate. We used tubes of icing and chocolate chips. Add a face, buttons and scarf to your snowman. Thanks Nurture Store!
For more crafty ideas, check out our Pinterest page!