6 Things to Do on a Snowy Day

So, the snow dance worked, and we finally have the white fluffy stuff of our dreams! And as you know, it’s not that often we get measurable snow in the mountains. So let’s take advantage of it with our list of favorite things to do on a snowy day:

 

 

Make Snow Ice Cream

Maybe your dad made this for you as a kid or perhaps you’ve never tried it. And if not, you’re really missing out! This simple, classic recipe is one even the kids can make on their own:

 

• 1 gallon of snow
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of milk

 

You’ll probably want to plan for this activity and set a large, clean bowl outside to collect the snow as it falls. Once you’ve collected 1 gallon, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, then just enough milk for the desired consistency. Serve immediately.

 

 

Check for Hot Spots on Your Roof

Certainly not as exciting as making snow ice cream, this activity could save you money—no ladder needed! Walk around your house and look at the snow on your roof. A properly insulated roof should have an even coat of snow. However, you may see places where the snow has melted.

 

As heat escapes, it melts the snow or ice whereas areas that are unmelted indicate places where heat is kept in. The lack of proper insulation is likely the cause and should be checked out once the weather improves. But it’s best to take photos of the melted areas so you’ll remember where to check later.

 

 

Look for and Identify Animal Tracks

Another great activity for the kiddos—okay, adults love this, too—are looking for and identifying animal tracks. The snow reveals animal traffic you don’t always see and it’s fun to see how many different animals come through your area. Tracks are easier to see either early in the morning or late in the day when shadows are prevalent. You’ll not only want to pay attention to the size and shape, but stride as well.

 

There are websites that are helpful for this such as Almanac.com,  OutdoorLife.com or this guide from Oregon Youth Corps.

 

Several mobile apps have been developed to help identify animal tracks. iTrack Wildlife Lite, featured regularly by the New York Times and by Apple, has lots of positive reviews. The app includes over 700 tracks, signs and animal photos with detailed captions so you can learn about each animal. With info on 69 popular North American animals, you’re sure to find info on the critters near you.

 

Download for Android

Download for iPhone

 

 

Blow Bubbles

There’s nothing more fun than taking a common activity and putting a fresh spin on it like blowing bubbles outdoors on a super cold day. What happens you ask? The bubbles freeze instantly due to their delicate construction.

 

The bubbles showcase patterns as unique as snowflakes so no two are ever alike. This would be a great time to get out the camera and photograph the beauty of these frozen orbs.

 

 

Create Ice Sculptures

With a few items found in your yard such as leaves, pine needles, small branches, moss, etc., some water, and the right container, you can create beautiful ornaments and sculptures for your own winter wonderland. Make larger ones like the one shown above and line your driveway. Or make smaller ornaments you can hang like the ones found in this article. Either way, put your creativity to work with one-of-a-kind frozen creations. And don’t forget to snap some pics when you’re done!

 

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: TheSpruce.com

Make Homemade Bird Treats

Make it easy for our feathered friends to find food by making homemade treats from fruit, birdseed, and nuts. You can find lots of ideas online that use easy-to-find ingredients such as peanut butter, outdoor birdseed, flavorless gelatin, and fresh fruit. Project instructions can be found online on blogs and lifestyle websites, but we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here:

How to Make Treats for Wild Birds – offers 3 different projects/recipes

Fresh Treats for the Birds During Winter – for this project, a bundt pan is the secret to a perfectly uniform wreath shape

How to Make Birdseed Ornaments – ornaments make them manageable in size and easy to hang with string or ribbon

Snowy weather doesn’t happen all that often here in the mountains, but when it does, make the most of it. And then capture it in photos to look back at later!