2 minute read
6 Simple Snow-Day Crafts for Kids
If the weather is too frightful to play outside, try one of these winning winter- themed activities for a lazy indoor “crafternoon.” Play with pretend snow, jazz up plain old play dough, make a sensory snow bin or create a three-dimensional painted snow globe to liven up a dreary winter afternoon.
Coffee filter snowflakes • chasingsaturdays.com There is no lovelier craft than paper snowflakes, and this version from the Chasing Saturdays blog is especially simple. Flatten a white coffee filter into a circle. Fold the filter in half, then into quarters, then eighths. It should look like a pie slice. Cut shapes along the edges of the wedge, then open and smooth out the filter to reveal — ta-da! — a perfect snowflake! The great thing about this project is that kids can cut the folded coffee filter on any side and it will still open into a single, beautiful snowflake.
Play-dough snowman • earlylearningideas.com Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean you can’t make a snowman! This simple idea for a winter play-dough tray from Early Learning Ideas will keep your little ones busy all afternoon. To extend the activity, you could even get them to help you hunt for all the bits and bobs to add to the tray. Scented and sparkly play dough • playdoughtoplato.com This gorgeous homemade glitter play dough smells as good as it looks. Malia from Playdough to Plato adds fresh pine, peppermint extract and even hot chocolate powder to make her winter play dough extra special. Kids will have a blast making the play dough and playing with it afterward. Find the recipes and a step-by-step tutorial on her blog, along with suggestions on how to style the play dough.
Coffee filter snowflakes Photo courtesy chasingsaturdays.com
Puffy-paint snow globe • simpleeverydaymom.com This cute paper snow globe from Simple Everyday Mom is made with DIY puffy paint. This wonderful paint spreads like frosting and dries into beautiful 3D paintings. Made with equal parts white shaving cream and white liquid glue, this concoction is sure to be a hit with the kids. For some bling, give your masterpieces a sprinkling of glitter before they dry.
Sensory snow bin • pre-kpages.com For a very simple toddler-pleasing activity, toss some snow into a large plastic tub. Add some pine cones, plastic scoopers, fabric scraps, even some beach toys, such as a bucket and shovel, for fun and engaging play. This version from Pre-K Pages uses instant snow, but if you are lucky enough to have real snow outside, use that instead. Tip: Be sure to put a towel underneath the plastic tub.
Pretend snow • littlebinsforlittlehands.com When it’s dark or too cold outside and the kids still want to play with snow, why not try this recipe for pretend snow by Little Bins Little Hands?
To make this snowy concoction, you’ll need a large tray, some cornstarch, baking soda and water. This fake snow molds well and is heaps of fun for kids to dig into to create their own snowballs or snow people. It should last for 7–10 days in an airtight container. ■ — ParentMap Editors
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