Recently we had over a foot of snow, and that was after getting a few inches just two days before. These were the first real snows of the winter, so of course the kiddo was excited to get outside and explore it. So was I! As long as I don’t have to drive in it, I love snow. But are there any real benefits to going outside and braving those cold temperatures? You betcha. Here are 5 reasons to let your kids play in the snow.
Why You Should Let Your Kids Play in the Snow
1. Time Away from the TV
In the winter, it’s so easy to just let kids watch television. Dressing everyone in multiple layers only to have them come back in every 15-20 minutes sounds tiresome, and television is so easy! But those precious minutes of outdoor time are more stimulating (and let’s face it, more FUN) than sitting in front of the tube.
2. Fresh Air
There’s nothing quite like taking a deep breath out in the cold, snowy air. It’s invigorating. Going outside on snow days give you and your kids a break from those icky indoor germs that are recycling through the vents in your home. You’ll appreciate the cold, fresh air when you realize just how dirty the indoor air is!
3. Exercise and Gross Motor Skills
Have you ever tried moving through a foot or more of snow? It takes some serious effort, especially if you’re knee-high to a grasshopper in the first place. (It’s a southern saying, y’all.) But truly, things like sledding, tubing or just running through piles of snow work the large muscle groups and give you and your kids plenty of exercise.
4. Opportunity to Observe, Solve Problems and Create
Snow offers so many opportunities to solve problems and get creative! Build a snow fort or a snowman… make snow angels… figure out what type of animal tracks you see in the snow… learn why sleds are so much easier to move downhill than uphill.
One of the first things the kiddo asked me when we headed outside was, “Can I bury Iron Man, Mom?” And I replied, “Of course, but you have to remember where you put him!” He buried him several times, but then he wandered off to make snow angels and then forgot where he was. We retraced his steps and looked for “signs” in the snow of where he might have buried his favorite toy. We found him before we came back inside.
5. Uninterrupted Family Time
There’s something about being outside in the cold, blustery air, surrounded by fresh, white snow that makes you forget about everything else. Time seems a little slower, and you’re not so rushed to tick off items on your to-do list. That’s not just me, right?
This year, our little family is heavily focused on spending time together, and we’re having a blast. So when you have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy each other’s company on a snow day, take it!
What to Do When It’s Just Too Cold
But sometimes it’s just too cold to head out into the snow. I get that! Although we did head outside for a bit, it was just too cold to stay out longer than 15 minute increments. So when that happens, don’t be afraid to bring the outdoors indoors!
Put a blanket or shower curtain liner down, get some snow in several containers, and let your kids have fun. They can build miniature snowmen, make snow ice cream or just push their toy trains through the snow like our son did.
What’s your favorite snow day activity? Share it with us in the comments!
If you liked 5 Reasons to Let Your Kids Play in the Snow, you may also enjoy the following posts.
How to Make Peppermint Snow Ice Cream
Snowman Sensory Activities for Winter
Christina @There's Just One Mommy
Saturday 6th of February 2016
All wonderful reasons to get outside and play in the snow together with the kids!
We are hoping for a bit more snow this year before it is all said and done. I want to do a little more sledding with my kids before it isn't cool for them to sled with me anymore.