5 Exciting Snow Day Activities to Do With Your Grandkids

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

Is there anything more exciting as a kid than waking up to a fresh coat of snow on the ground and cancelled school? And is there anything more fun for a grandparent than hosting their grandkids on a snow day?

Few things come close to the magic of a day spent with family in the snow, but if it’s too cold and icy to stay outside for long, you don’t want to get cabin fever by being stuck inside! Here are a few fun snow day activities to try with your grandchildren this winter.

Indoor Snowball Fight

If you don’t feel like getting cold and wet outside, rethink a classic snowball fight by bringing it indoors. But don’t worry, you don’t have to bring actual snow inside. Grab a pack of these toy snowballs that are perfect for indoor snowball fights, or if you’d rather DIY your own fake snowballs, simply ball up a pair of socks. Either option is great for all of the fun but none of the cold. You may still want to hide your breakables, though, just in case!

Movie Day With a Twist

Queue up your favorite winter movies, but instead of just piling on the couch, make a blanket fort, like this example from Pretty Providence, that will make watching a movie feel extra special. Grab extra sheets and blankets, pillows and couch cushions and anything else that will make for an extra-comfy movie-watching experience.

Make a Little Something Sweet

A snow day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite treats as you sit by the window and watch the snow fall. Stick to the classics by making a batch of snow cream. Just make sure to use fresh snow, or you can always use shaved ice instead. If you want to try making something a little different, take a look at this list of winter-themed treats from Delish. From melted snowman cookie dough bites to edible pinecones, you’re sure to find something you and your grandkids will love.

Snow-Themed Arts and Crafts

If your grandkids love arts and crafts, gather some supplies to make some snow-themed creations. Use an old ruler or paint stirrer to make a snow measuring tool that you can stick outside as the inches accumulate. Or grab some watercolor paint so your grandkids can try their hand at snow painting—just pack some snow into a casserole dish or on a baking sheet to use as a canvas of sorts, then get to painting. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to get out in the snow for a few minutes, you could even try making this snow volcano from Science Sparks.

Snow Day Olympics

Once you’ve spent some time inside, bundle up and take the fun outside for a little bit. Create some friendly games and see who can build the best snowman or make the best snow angel. See who can get their sled to go the farthest or who can make the most snowballs in a minute. A quick intermission outside can help keep cabin fever from setting in while also getting a little movement in. And when you go back inside, the winner gets the first cup of hot chocolate!