Just because there is snow on the ground and it's cold outside, it doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside the house. With the aid of a few household supplies and a little imagination, a dreary, cold afternoon can quickly become a winter wonderland.

Summery Snowman


Make a “beach bum" snowman, suggests the Disney FamilyFun website. This activity allows for creativity, and it will help you remember that summer weather is just months away. Begin by gathering your snowman building materials. Include a large towel, two long sticks, a plastic sheet, a water bottle with cap, sunglasses, a carrot stick, beach umbrella, surf board and, of course, snow.



To protect your snowman from the elements, consider propping up an umbrella or building a snow castle before you start. Lay a plastic sheet on top of the snow, followed by a towel. Roll snow balls as you would for a regular snowman, but place them on the ground instead of on top of each other. This way your snowman will be lounging as if on the beach. Get as fancy as you’d like, sculpting the shape of his arms or simply adding a pair of sticks. Decorate his face with a carrot for a nose, some sunglasses and a string of licorice or an apple slice for a mouth.

Go Sledding


Sledding is an entertaining way to spend a wintry afternoon, suggests “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Child Safety." Start by picking a gentle slope that is far away from obstacles like traffic, fences, rocks and trees. Instead of using a traditional sled or disk, which can lack control and travel too fast, bring a toboggan or sled that has a built in steering mechanism. To prevent abdominal or head injury, sit upright when sledding instead of lying on your tummy.

Snow Art


Create art in the snow using food coloring, squirt bottles, birdseed, vegetables and fruit. Start by filling up water bottles with different colored water and cutting fruits and vegetables into various shapes and sizes. Take your supplies outside and create a picture in the snow. Make a self portrait by lying in the snow to create a print of your body. Decorate your shape with the fruits, vegetables and seeds. Use the water to add color and detail to your picture’s clothing and hair.