Snow Day Activities Your Babysitter and Kids Will Enjoy

Just like a rainy day, a snow day can definitely put a damper on things when it comes to little kids. Their outdoor playgrounds are typically off-limits with snowy coverage, and the white expanse of their backyard may not seem as fun as it usually does. What is a babysitter to do with little ones cooped up inside on a snow day? If your babysitter is on the clock during a snow day, keep reading for snow days activities your babysitter and kids will enjoy this winter.

Photo: Pexels

Play in the snow

The most obvious choice of activity for a snow day is actually playing in the snow. Make sure your babysitter is aware that you are perfectly okay with letting your kids play in the snow under their supervision, as some babysitters may be hesitant to let young ones frolic in the snow.

Get your babysitter and kids probably equipped to make the most of their time in the snow by giving them the tools to have fun:

- Spare clothes and accessories to decorate their snowmen

- Sleds

- Snow molds or shovels so they can build domes and sculptures out of the snow

If you are letting your babysitter and kids play in the snow, make sure that your babysitter knows where all your kids’ snow gear is stored, from heavy coats and boots to beanies, mittens, and scarves so they can stay bundled up when out and about.

Baking

Not everyone loves to spend hours in the freezing cold, and for those days when the weather just doesn’t make outdoor play possible, plan out indoor activities to keep your babysitter and kids occupied throughout the day. Depending on how old your kids are, baking can be the perfect indoor activity for a cold day.

Depending on your babysitter and kids’ skill level, they can bake anything from a box cake mix to cookies and pies from scratch. If you are planning to have your babysitter and kids do some baking, make things easier by preparing anything they need beforehand. Gather ingredients in your next grocery shopping trip and make sure you have all the right baking necessities (sheet pans, sifters, baking sheets, and so on).

Plus, your family will get some tasty treats at the end of the day.

Craft time 

Just like baking, craft time can keep kids occupied for hours indoors. Crafts give your kids the chance to be creative, from choosing colors to design and materials they incorporate into their art projects.

You can either choose crafts based on your kids’ current interests or use the opportunity to introduce them to a new type of art they haven’t tried before. Some crafts you can plan for include:

- Painting

- Origami

- Beaded jewelry

- Sculpting with air-dry clay

If craft time is on the table, make sure that your house is properly equipped with supplies for the craft you have in mind, from colorful paper to fresh paint or clay they can use for their project.

Blanket fort and movie time

The joys of indoor snow days can be found with a perfect fort built in the family room, where kids can camp out with their favorite snacks and watch their favorite movies. Kids can gather their blankets, sheets, and pillows and use nearby furniture to construct the fort of their dreams. Plus, the physical aspect of building a fort can help tire them out when stuck inside.

Once the fort is built, treat them to some hot chocolate and snacks as they enjoy a movie or show while cozied up in their blanket fort.

Board games and puzzles

When cooped up inside, aim your kids’ attention to something they can achieve, like a puzzle or a collection of board games. A puzzle can cut out the competitiveness that comes with board games, but challenge your kids’ problem-solving skills depending on the complexity of the puzzle you end up choosing.

Board games, depending on the type you choose, can challenge your kids, get them to work together, or simply have fun. Make sure you keep your kids’ age in mind as you choose board games for them to play – you don’t want something that is too simple or easy, but you also don’t want to choose something that is too challenging that will lead to them giving up after a few tries.

Invite a friend or two for a playdate

Depending on the situation, multiple snow days in a row can lead to kids feeling bored with constant indoor activities. Introduce some new energy into their life by planning a playdate with one of their friends.

While they may be doing an activity they’ve already been doing, being able to do it with their friend can mean the world to your kids and make it feel new and exciting.

Snow days don’t have to take all the fun out of your babysitter’s time with the kids. With proper planning, activities can make the most of the day.