Getting Out in the Snow

Yesterday's post brought up some comments about getting outside in the winter. I feel so much better when I get out, but I need an activity...my kids often just want to roll and 'be' in the snow. So, here are some ideas:





A bale of hay or clippers to cut pine boughs and a little imagination make for wonderful winter forts...add a thermos of hot cocoa or soup to eat in the fort= a great time outdoors!

Draw the shadows of tree limbs and boughs.

Bring out a book with pictures of animal tracks and identify animals.

Follow a bird's trail in the snow.

After it snows, go out and count the number of bird nests you can see--they are easier to see with a pile of snow on them.




Make a midwinter tree for the birds filled with berries, suet, and fruit.






The next time it snows, go outside with a piece of black construction paper and catch some snowflakes. Bring out a magnifying glass. Later, explore Snowflake Bentley's work and make a woodblock print of a snow scene.


The next time it snows, stand some place where you can only see the sky when you look straight up. Keeping your head up, focus your eyes on the falling snow. At first it will look as if you are peering into a sky full of falling feathers, but as you continue to stare, you will feel as though you are moving up through the snow rather than as if the snow if falling down toward you. You have to only see snow and sky or your eyes will not be tricked. Um...don't fall over. (This idea came from the book in my sidebar Talking to Fireflies)

Of course, you could just send them out and have a nice cup of tea.

What do you find fun to do outdoors in the winter?