30 Fun Things to Do on a Snow Day (Indoor + Outdoor)

Snow days are a special kind of chaos in the best way. When school is canceled and everyone is suddenly home, it helps to have a go-to list of ideas you can use anywhere. These snow day activities work in any state, whether you want classic outdoor snow fun, cozy indoor play, or low-prep options for when cabin fever hits.

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30 Fun Things to Do on a Snow Day

Classic Snow Day Fun

1. Sled the day away. Grab a sled, saucer, or even a laundry basket and head to a local hill. If you’re local to Indianapolis, here are the best sledding spots around Indy.
2. Build a snowman or snow creature. Snow dinosaurs, snow cats, snow forts, or the classic three-ball snowman all count.
3. Snowball target practice. Stack cups, draw targets on cardboard, or build a “snow bowling” lane with empty bottles.
4. Make snow angels. Simple, classic, and always a hit.
5. Snow painting. Fill spray bottles or squeeze bottles with water and food coloring and let kids create snow art right in the yard.

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Creative Outdoor Snow Ideas

6. Frozen bubble experiment. Blow bubbles outside and watch them turn into delicate ice orbs when the temperature is cold enough.

   

7. Erupt a snow volcano. Build a small “volcano” mound in the snow, then add baking soda and vinegar to watch it fizz and foam.
8. Catch falling snowflakes and study them. Use black paper or cardboard to catch flakes and look closely at the shapes and patterns.
9. Build a snow fort or igloo. Pack snow into containers to make blocks, then stack them into forts, tunnels, or mini igloos.
10. Measure how much water is in snow. Fill a measuring cup with snow, melt it inside, and compare the before-and-after volume.
11. Create colorful ice orbs. Freeze water balloons (add food coloring if you want), peel them open outside, and decorate the yard with “ice marbles.”
12. Design ice ornaments. Freeze water with berries, citrus slices, or evergreen sprigs in a shallow container, then hang the finished “stained glass” outside.
13. Snow maze challenge. Shovel paths into a simple maze and let kids race through, then redesign it and do it again.
14. Snow scavenger hunt. Hide safe items outside or use a checklist of things to find like pinecones, animal tracks, and the “biggest snowball.”
15. Write messages in the snow. Use sticks or spray bottles to write names, draw silly pictures, or leave secret notes.

Easy Indoor Snow Day Activities

16. Make snow ice cream. A snow day classic! Get the recipe here.
17. Build a giant blanket fort. Chairs, couch cushions, and flashlights turn into an all-day hangout.
18. Kitchen science experiments. Try melting snow, freezing different liquids, or simple hands-on experiments. Here are easy science ideas using items you already have.
19. Painter’s tape obstacle course. Create paths, hop zones, or mazes right on the floor.
20. DIY indoor snowball fight. Use rolled-up socks or soft foam balls for safe indoor fun.

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Low-Key (Parent-Approved) Snow Day Ideas

21. Have fun with ChatGPT. Turn a favorite photo into a printable coloring page, create a custom winter-themed story starring your kids, or ask for a quick boredom-buster game idea. Try this prompt: “Turn this photo into a kid-friendly coloring page with bold outlines and minimal shading. Make the background simple and print-ready on 8.5×11.”
22. Living room picnic. Spread a blanket, pack snacks, and pretend it’s spring.
23. Play restaurant or bakery. Let kids make menus, take orders, and “serve” lunch.
24. Card games or board games. Teach your kids a favorite from your own childhood.
25. Printable games and bingo. No prep, no mess, lots of engagement.

When Cabin Fever Hits

26. Virtual playdate or family call. Let kids connect with friends or relatives who are also snowed in.
27. Kids’ yoga video. Burn off energy without even stepping outside. We love Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube.
28. Indoor scavenger hunt. Hide clues around the house for an instant adventure.
29. Craft using what you already have. Paper, tape, markers, and recycled materials go a long way.
30. Quiet reset time. Books, audiobooks, drawing, or independent play can be the perfect snow day wind-down.

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How are you spending your snow day? Tell us your favorite snow day activities and we may add them to this list!