Outdoor Winter Fun On The Cheap
So here we are, smack dab in the middle of winter, trying to fight off the February doldrums. And we have no $$$ to get away from it all. We don’t even have any cash to buy a big, bad-ass snowmobile and make it slightly more bearable.
We have 2 options:
- We can hole up inside for the next 2 months.
- We can grab what Mother Nature serves up, make it into a snowball and throw it right back at her.
Since option 2 seems like way more fun, we’ve put together a list of “cool” activities that require little to no dough and will get you excited about being out in the snow.
Make a Snowman
This is the obvious first choice. Don’t let winter pass you by without making at least one snowman. And if the creative spirit hits you, make a snow family, snow dog, snow cat, snow bird, you get the idea… You can have a whole snow village right in your own yard.
Build a Snow Fort
Make it as small or big as you like. Simple caves are perfect for little ones or get serious and make your own igloo.
Make Snow Paint
You may discover that you have a few budding Picassos once you put a little food coloring and water in a spray bottle.
Make Snow Angels
Perfect for freshly fallen snow.
Catch Snowflakes on Your Tongue
Organize a Snowball Fight
Make teams, take cover and let loose. But remember to fight fair, no ice or slush balls.
Explore Your Local Trails
Many parks keep their trails open during the winter months so put on your mukluks and take a hike. Don’t forget your camera, you never know what wonder of nature may be lurking nearby.
Trails are also perfect for snowshoes and cross-country skis; this equipment is usually available for rent if you don’t have your own.
Identify Animal Tracks
Throw some popcorn in your yard before bedtime and then check out the tracks in the snow the next morning. See if you can identify them. Or make your own tracks in the snow and see if you can fool your friends.
Make a Simple Bird-Feeder
Find a pine cone, cover it with peanut butter and then roll it in bird seed. Hang it to a tree branch and watch as the birds flock to your yard. Keep a journal to track your feathered friends.
Go Sledding
Your need for speed can be answered with a simple crazy carpet (they don’t call them crazy for nothing). Just find the nearest hill and hang on as you careen wildly down at break-neck speed. Just remember, it’s no fun if someone breaks their leg, so play safe.
Go Skating
Check your local arena for public skating times or go to an outdoor rink. Most arenas have rentals available if you don’t have your own skates. No arena or outdoor rink? Build your own.
Go Snowboarding or Downhill Skiing
Check the ski hill’s website for deals. Often, there are special times that have discounted rates.
Shovel Your Neighbor’s Walk
Teach your kids to lend a hand. It’s good for your heart in more ways than one.
Make Some Cold Crafts:
Snowflakes on Glass – Get a piece of glass and some aerosol hairspray. Freeze the glass and the hairspray. Spray the frozen glass with the frozen hairspray and then let some snowflakes land on the glass. Bring the glass inside to thaw for 15 minutes and voila, your snowflakes will now be saved on the glass.
Ice Candle Holders – Place an empty container in a bucket of water. Put the bucket outside to freeze. Once frozen, remove the ice from the bucket and the container from the ice. Place a candle inside the ice and presto!
For More Fun and Exciting Ideas:
http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/feature/famf19snowgames/famf19snowgames.html
http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/feature/famf199701_fficeparty/famf199701_icegames.html
