We are in the “perfect storm” for snowfall for the next week and people are in a frenzy.

My husband is from Chicago. He didn’t rush to the grocery store or fret about fruit.

He took the boys to the hardware store and bought them each a snow shovel and told them, “You kids are about to make some money.”

He wasn’t joking.

After two full days of shoveling, I can’t imagine that they’re gonna be excited about the six inches of snow that fell last night, or the four inches that are supposed to fall today.

In honor of the record level snow that is falling in our back yard and covering our city, I am putting together a collection of Snow day fun.

Related: Free Snow Day Activities Printable

Make Some Extra Cash

I’m still gonna start here. So many people can’t shovel their own snow without pulling a few muscles or truly causing injury. A smiling kid with a shovel is gonna earn some extra cash. Just don’t forget the smile and a bottle of water. Shoveling snow is hard work!

Pro tip: How to shovel snow fast.

A new Snow Shovel for each child = instant business and excellent sleep!

More creative ways to earn extra money when the snow falls.

Hubby bought each son a snow shovel.

Boys+Shovels+record snowfall= Cha-ching (and some exhausted teens)

Make a Snow Creation!

When I was a little girl, my father took his snowblower and created a mound of snow the size of the empire state building. Actually it was about 12′ feet high. He then led us kids in our effort to shape Puff the Magic Dragon out of snow. When the dragon was formed he piled us into the car and drove us to the hardware store and bought some spray paint.

Puff the Magic Dragon is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Outdoor Snow Fort

Before you dig in the snow, you’re gonna want to set firm rules. Can’t say it any better than Dad Goes Round.

Snow Tunnel Safety Rules

1. No one goes in the tunnel unless there is a spotter. A sister, friend or adult are all acceptable.
2. Only one person in the tunnel at a time.
3. Anyone going through the tunnel has to do it on their belly.
4. If parts of the tunnel start to fall out on the inside, get out immediately and don’t use the tunnel again.

If there is a snow tunnel collapse;

1. The spotter must immediately attempt to help the person in the tunnel out. If they cannot get the tunneller out immediately, they are to come inside to get assistance from an adult.
2. The person in the tunnel should use their arms and hands to create an air pocket in front of their face (hence the belly travel) so they can breathe until rescued.

Snow Tunnel Collapse Prevention

1. Dig down, not up so as to maintain as much strength in the roof as possible.
2. Don’t walk over or jump on the top of the tunnel.

Print FUN Snow Day Themed Activities

These are best for day two or three of a big snow.

A Growing Collection of Snow Day Printables!

Learn a New Skill

Being snowed in provides an excellent opportunity to teach your kids something new. They’ll be more content standing by your side learning a skill than sitting in from of a screen for hours. While a little screentime is a wonderful way to relax for a short while, too much will cause attitude issues.

Have your kids tie on an apron and learn how to help in the kitchen. It’s scientifically proven to help boost their development.

Cooking Camp for Kids

Surprise Craft: Grab cardboard, scissors and yarn. Let me and my boys lead your kids in a surprise craft. (About an hour video tutorial)

Table Tennis WITHOUT the table!!!

No more lost balls!

The kids will LOVE this one! It’s safe enough to play in the same room as great grandma!

• Improves Vision
• Improves hand-eye-coordination
• Gross motor Development
• Improves reflexes

Build an Epic Fort

Really, kids don’t need a lot of encouragement to do this snow day activity.

“Let’s Build a fort!”

Don’t let your BIG kids roll their eyes. They’ll LOVE this too!

Materials You WILL NEED:

• IMAGINATION
• blankets
• sleeping bags
• sheets
• sofa cushions and pillows
• mattresses
• tarps
• chairs
• Broom stick
• clothes pins, rubber bands or safety pins
• Nerf weapons for defense
• Flash Light

You Might NEED

• Twinkly lights
• snacks
• books
• umbrella
• table
• musical instruments
• more blankets
• pvc piping
• Cardboard boxes
• sewing machine and material
• velcro
• tv
• stuffed friends
• real friends
• funny hats and costumes

When you’re done playing, and BEFORE you tell the kids they need to clean up, write out your recipe for a “perfect indoor fort”.

Fun Things to do with Snow

Pro Tip: Bring snow INSIDE for your littles! You can put the snow in the tub and give them some fun accessories!

Like Mr. Potato Head Parts

Play Tic Tac Toe

Paint the snow!

Create an Indoor Obstacle Course to warm them up!

All you need? Painter’s Tape

Use Crepe Streamers

Read Aloud Together

It seems so obvious, but we can be guilty of skipping the simple activities. Just grab a stack of your kids’ favorite books and curl up together on the sofa for read-aloud time!

Related: This is the BEST list of delightful books for preschoolers (and their parents)

Rest

One of the BEST aspects of big, unexpected, or terrible weather is the fantastic opportunity to rest. Curl up with a stack of books with your kids and read until you are all sleepy, then smile and sigh. The nap juts around the corner will feel like heaven.

Snow days, Ice storms, hurricanes, and terrible weather don’t have to mean stir crazy, grumpy and boring. Think ahead and grab a few fun snacks and supplies to prepare for your own unexpected time indoors.

Maybe even grab the last banana.