Fun and Free Family Activities for the Snow

While going to play areas such as Chuck E. Cheese's can provide a fun, safe and family-oriented atmosphere, it can end up costing you quite a bit in order to have fun. Some people, sadly, can not even afford to take their family to the movies. Depending on where you live as well as the time of year, there are numerous activities families can spend doing that don't cost a thing. Winter, especially in the north, is a time of mischief, magic and a lot of snow fun.

Sledding

One of the most fun things I've ever done in the snow is sled. Even if you have flat ground, having one or two ahead pulling and one on the sled alone is tons of fun. It also teaches children the importance of sharing. When we couldn't get up on the hill behind the house, just dragging one another around in the sled was enough exercise to last us the rest of the day. But the real fun came when we did manage to trek up the hill and slide down repeatedly. we used a regular plastic sled or, when we got older, tubes our parents bought us. Even when we got a little 'dangerous' with ramps, we had fun. I'm still not certain as to who had more fun, us kids, or our parents who seemed to get great laughs whenever we wiped out. But whatever the case, it made a great snow day activity and provided excellent exercise for the entire family. You just can't beat it.

Snow forts and fights

Snowball fighting is a right of passage. As soon as a kid is old enough to pack snow, they want to throw the balls at anything and anyone in their way. Generally at the most inopportune of times. However, if you get a good, wet snow, this can turn a day into a family 'war' while enjoying the weather outside. I've also witnessed some pretty sneaky maneuvers when it comes to having the ultimate snow fort for a snowball fight. Including pouring cold water onto the tightly packed fort to create an ice shield. Sure, it can be seen as cheating, but a valuable lesson in strategy. Snowball fights also give good exercise - mainly because you have to run or be pelted. But it's a great family activity that even gets the parents out and running. (And sometimes even grandparents!)

Snow Sculptures

I am amazed when I see these. I've heard stories from my mother about her brothers. They would sculpt these magnificent creations out of snow, like trains or even igloos. These take a great deal of planning, as well as time and a lot of snow. This activity can be more frustrating than anything else you could do in the snow. But well worth the reward. Now and then driving in this area you can see a snowchurch lit up by christmas lights shining on it or just out in a lawn during the day. Many of these are breathtaking and very creative. But by far, the most fun sculptures I've ever seen are family ones. Just like in The Simpsons, each family member helps make each other as best they can (even if they only resemble snowmen in the end) while having fun. It's safe for the most part, unless you get into the creativity and use knives or other tools to smooth snow, and gives quite a bit of quality time together.

No matter what you decide to do this winter for fun and free familiy activities, be sure to dress warmly if it's cold out and use your imagination. You and your family may just invent the next snow game that will become well known. Above all else, enjoy the familiy time and interaction - it's more rewarding than anything else you accomplish while spending time together.