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Ask A Minnesota Expert: 5 Best Snow Day Activities

What school-aged kid doesn't love a day off of school for snow? However, it may turn into a nightmare for parents trying to find things for the kids to do around the house that don't involve driving. Catching up on school work may not be the best suggestion to those who want a day off for fun. Depending on the temperature, going outdoors may also be a declined suggestion. Here are some ideas for staying active and engaged during a snow day.

Susan Grange
Southdale YMCA KidStuff
7355 York Ave. S
Edina, MN 55435
(
952) 300-3636
www.ymcatwincities.org

Sue Grange has been a lead childcare expert at the YMCA for over a decade. With her experience entertaining kids during days with all kinds of weather, she is able to create a productive and boredom-free environment. Sue has raised children of her own in Minnesota as well, and recommends planning activities ahead of time to avoid having to think of something at the last minute. Here are some ideas for enjoying a snow day.

Snow Angel
(credit: CBS)

Get Out And Embrace The Cold

Snow days mean snowmen, snow angels, snow forts and snowball fights. That white stuff that canceled all of your planned activities has also given you something to do for the day. Get your camera ready and capture the fun moments in the cold. Playing outside also keeps everyone active and moving during a day where it may be difficult to get around. Depending on where you live, there may also be a nearby park you can walk to for sledding and meeting up with neighbors.

Enjoy Those Movies You Never Watch

Pop some popcorn and brew some hot chocolate for a movie marathon. All of those old DVDs and VHS tapes that you just don't bother with anymore can be revived and watched again as if you were seeing them for the first time. Find out which movies you still love and which ones you are ready to part with, and you can even get started on spring cleaning in the middle of a snow storm. Movies also give you time to relax and sit around with the ones you love.

Parenting Generic
(credit: Thinkstock.com)

Catch Up On Life

Families tend to get so busy and often forget to talk to each other about what may be going on. Spend time sharing what each family member does when they are not at home and what they like best and least about their week. Learn something new about someone you think you know everything about. Chances are there is a lot to catch up on, and snow days are the perfect opportunity to do the catching up. Make some small snacks and tea and get sharing!

Related: Best Indoor Playgrounds In Minnesota

Play School

What exactly are the kids learning in school? You may get bits and pieces of information that mostly centers around what they do at recess and who they sit next to at lunch. Break out the school books and take turns playing teacher and student. Let your little student teach you some of the things he or she is learning in school. This will give you a chance to learn about what goes on in the classroom and let your child review the material he or she is studying. Who knows? Everyone may learn something new!

Girls Enjoy Snowcones
(credit: Sheila Hawthorne)

Make Snow Treats

If you have access to the fresh, still-white snow, it can be brought inside to make a fun treat. Add cream, sugar and vanilla to snow to make an ice cream treat. Add sprinkles and chocolate syrup to make it even better. Kids can also add flavored syrups to snowballs to make real snow cones. The possibilities are endless, and everything can be washed down with a mug of hot chocolate.

Related: Best Places To Get An Irish Coffee In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.

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