Winter weather doesn't mean you and your children have to stay cooped up inside, staring at the television or driving each other crazy. If you live where winter means chilly temperatures and a chance of snow, you can still enjoy fun family activities. As the temperatures drop, you and your children can make memories they'll never forget.
Build an Igloo
Many hands make light work of this cold-weather project. If you have access to a yard full of packed snow you can make a traditional igloo by sawing blocks of snow and stacking them. Or use a square cardboard box as a mold to pack snow blocks. You can use tree branches or a small tarp as extra support for the dome roof. If cold weather persists, your igloo will last until a thaw.
Make Ice Lanterns
Cast a magical glow on the night with these candle-filled ice lanterns. Use small pails, large tin cans or the plastic containers used for coffee or ice cream as molds. Fill the molds with water and leave them outside to freeze. When the outside edges are frozen but the middle is still soft, scoop out the unfrozen middle and set a candle in the center. You can tint the water with food coloring before you freeze it to make colored ice lanterns, or add greenery, silk or real flowers or other decorations to the water.
Light a Campfire
Warm up in the back yard with a campfire. Build your fire in a fire pit, or clear off an area in the snow away from overhanging trees. Arrange logs or chairs around the fire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Tell stories or play games like 20 Questions.
Visit the Zoo
Animals behave differently in winter. Some may be more active than in the heat of summer. You can watch elephants play in the snow or tigers stalk the drifts. On wintry days you'll probably face fewer crowds than you will in busier seasons.
Pack a Picnic
Fill thermoses with hot chocolate and soup. Add crackers, fruit and some cookies or brownies. Load the car with blankets and head to a favorite park. The crowds will be gone and familiar sites will look different that what you're used to in the summer. Pack some sunflower seeds and peanuts to feed the birds and squirrels. Talk about how the tree look different and try to remember where different flowers are planted.
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