Heavy, wet snow can cause all sorts of problems. Laden tree branches can fall, damaging property and taking down power lines. Excess snow on your roof can potentially damage the roof structure. If you ensure your roof was well built with a roof snow load calculator, then you can rest easy and enjoy the snow. Here are several fun snowy day activities.
Snow Sports
Many people enjoy snowmobiling throughout the winter. Downhill and cross-country skiing are also fun winter sports. If you don’t have access to the equipment required for those pastimes, sledding is a great outdoor activity that is quite accessible. A simple plastic sled and a gentle hill can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Be sure to pack some hot chocolate to warm you up from the inside while you play.
Build a Snow Fort
You can buy special molds to make bricks of snow, but any bucket will do in a pinch. Make as many blocks of snow as you can, and pile them up high. If you have enough snow to build up at least three tall walls, a snow fort is a great place for kids to hang out away from parents and have some fun.
Make Ice Ornaments
Take a walk in the snow to gather some bits of nature — holly leaves and berries, maple seeds, small pine cones, etc. Next pour a shallow layer of water into a bowl or plate — paper plates make it easy to remove your ornament — then place a hanging string partially in the water. Make sure plenty is left out to create a hanging loop. Add your nature treasures to the dish, then place the whole thing outside to freeze. Once your ornaments are frozen solid, pop them out of the plate and hang them from low branches to enjoy as long as the freezing weather lasts.
Paint the Snow
Spray bottles filled with water and a little food coloring let you show off your inner snow Picasso. Build a snow sculpture and then paint it, or just paint on the natural snow surfaces. You can paint a scene or go for a more abstract look. You can also color the walls of your snow fort once you’ve completed it. Colorful snowballs are also fun to throw around.
Snowy weather can certainly bring some problems with it, but if you can take some time to get out and enjoy the snow, it can also bring some childhood magic, whether you’re playing with children or not.