Winter Fun

The kids are home on winter break and there’s a ton of snow. Sounds like fun! Here are some really cool ideas for some winter fun:

From mnn.com:
Sledding, then hot cocoa
Make a home movie
Create a photo book
Play restaurant
Snowflakes under the microscope
Super cool frozen bubbles
You can also create some super cool frozen bubbles using simple ingredients and a bubble wand. Mix one-half cup soap powder, one-half cup sugar and three cups hot water in a bowl. Take bubble solution and wand outside. Have your child blow a bubble and catch it on the wand. Let it sit in the cold air until it freezes into your very own crystal ball.

From sheknows.com:

Reading time

If you are looking for an independent activity for kids of all ages, set aside a couple of hours for reading time. For something a little different, try audio books. From preschoolers to high school students, all kids love audio books. Audio books allow children that aren't strong readers to enjoy a good book a little above their independent reading level. Audio books help improve listening skills, comprehension and vocabulary. If you don't have audio books on hand, most libraries have a "dial-a-story" line where kids can call and listen to stories being read out loud.
Art projects
Snow days are the perfect time for arts and crafts projects. From finger paints to beading and play dough to scrapbooking, your little artists will enjoy special projects on snow days. Here are some easy arts and crafts ideas that your children will love.

Kitchen fun

Start a snow day tradition by making a special meal together as a family. Have your kids decide what they want to make, and then allow them to help with various aspects of the preparation and cooking. Even the youngest kids can contribute by washing vegetables, setting the table and more. If you have a fireplace, roast marshmallows and make gooey s'mores for dessert.

Classic games

Snow days are bound to bring up memories of your own childhood. Celebrate the day with your kids by playing some nostalgic, classic games. Break out your favorite board games, from Candyland to Monopoly. Build cabins, houses and other structures with Lincoln Logs and Legos. Teach your kids how to play jacks or marbles. And even if it's too cold outside, you can always put together a good old-fashioned game of hide and seek indoors.
From Reader’s Digest:
1. Check out some snowflakes. With no more than a magnifying glass and some dark fabric, you can prove to your kids that snowflakes really do all look different.Parents magazine shows you how.
2. Make an indoor snowman. Weather too bad to go out? Then let the little ones create their top-hatted Frosty at the kitchen table using soap suds, advises Family Fun magazine.
3. Cook up a wintry treat. If your kids are familiar with the Little House on the Prairie series—or even if they aren’t—they’ll love making candy from snow and maple syrup using this recipe from the Wondertime website.
4. Get out the scissors. At Nickjr.com you’ll discover that fashioning pretty paper snowflakes couldn’t be easier than with a box of coffee filters.
5. Build a fort. It’s a snowy-day classic that never seems to lose its appeal: constructing a fortfrom blankets. The simplemom.net site has tips for beginners and old pros alike.