Snow Day Activities for Kids: Indoor and Outdoor Ideas

Proper snow in London is rare. When it does arrive, the school might close, the buses slow down, and by 9am you have excited kids at the window asking what you are doing today. That is a gift if you are ready for it. These snow day activities for kids cover outdoor fun while the snow lasts, indoor back-ups for when fingers get cold, and the simple safety rules that keep the day happy.

I coach parents in Archway, and the snow days my clients remember most are not the ones with perfect plans. They are the ones where everyone got outside early, moved a lot, and came home pink-cheeked for hot chocolate. Here is how to make that happen.

Before you go out: cold-safety basics

Children lose heat faster than adults, and they rarely tell you they are cold until they are miserable. A few rules make all the difference:

• Layers, not one big coat. A thin base layer, a warm jumper or fleece, then a waterproof top. Waterproof trousers if you have them.
• Hats, gloves and two pairs of socks. Spare gloves in your pocket, because the first pair will get soaked.
• Short sessions. Go out for 30 to 45 minutes, come in to warm up, then go again.
• Watch for warning signs. Shivering hard, very pale or numb fingers, or a child who goes quiet and clumsy means it is time to go inside, change into dry clothes and warm up.
• Eat and drink. Kids burn a lot of energy playing in the cold. Take snacks and a warm drink in a flask.

The NHS has a helpful page on keeping warm and well in winter, which notes that young children are among those more at risk in cold weather. If your child has asthma or another health condition, check with your GP how cold air affects them.

Outdoor snow day activities for kids

1. Snowman build-off

Rolling a big snowball is serious work: pushing, bending and lifting. Split into teams and give yourselves 15 minutes. Bonus points for the tallest, the funniest and the one most like a family member.

2. Sledging (safely)

Walking back up the hill is the real workout. Hampstead Heath around Parliament Hill is a well-known sledging spot when snow settles, and I cover the Heath in my Hampstead Heath family day out guide. Safety first: sit feet first (never head first), choose slopes that end well away from roads, trees, fences and water, and wait until the path is clear before going.

3. Snow angels and footprint art

Lie down and sweep arms and legs to make angels, then stamp giant pictures or letters into a fresh patch of snow. Great for younger kids who tire quickly.

4. Snowball target practice

Instead of throwing at each other (which often ends in tears), draw a target on a wall or tree trunk with a stick, or line up plastic cups on a bench. Score 1 point per hit. Step back after each round.

5. Follow the tracks

One person walks off making a trail with lots of zigzags, big steps and hops. Everyone else has to step only in their footprints. It is a hidden balance and leg workout.

6. Snow fort building

Pack snow into a bucket, tip out bricks, and build a low wall. Kids squat, lift and carry for ages. Keep forts low, no tunnels or roofs, as snow structures can collapse.

Indoor snow day activities when you need to warm up

Snow days often swing between “best day ever” and “I am cold and bored”. Have these ready for the indoor breaks:

• Indoor “snowball” fight: scrunched-up paper or rolled socks, two teams, a line down the middle.
• Penguin races: hold a cushion between your knees and waddle across the room.
• Polar bear crawl: bear crawls up and down the hallway, 3 rounds.
• Melting snowman: stand tall, then slowly “melt” to the floor over 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. A sneaky squat and core exercise.
• Obstacle course: cushions, chairs and blankets. My rainy day obstacle course at home works just as well on a snow day.

A sample snow day plan

1. 9.00 to 9.45: out early while the snow is fresh. Snowman build-off and footprint art.
2. 9.45 to 10.30: inside, dry clothes, warm drink, melting snowman and penguin races.
3. 10.30 to 11.30: sledging or a snowy walk to the park.
4. Lunch and a rest.
5. Afternoon: one shorter session outside if the snow is still good, then indoor obstacle course.

For winters without snow (which is most of them in London), my post on winter outdoor activities for kids has plenty more ideas.

Look after your own back

Parents do a lot of lifting on snow days: pulling sledges uphill, carrying tired toddlers, pushing giant snowballs. If that leaves your back and legs sore for days, it is a sign that a bit of strength work would help. My SYP Built To Last functional strength class is designed for parents over 35 who want to lift, carry and play without paying for it the next day. And watch your footing on icy pavements, especially with a child in your arms.

FAQs

How long can kids safely play in the snow?

There is no exact limit, as it depends on temperature, wind and clothing. A good habit is 30 to 45 minutes outside, then a warm-up break indoors, and coming in straight away if clothes are wet or a child is shivering.

What age can kids go sledging?

Toddlers can enjoy very gentle slopes sitting in front of, or on the lap of, an adult. Older children can sledge on their own on suitable slopes with supervision. Always go feet first and choose runs away from roads, trees and water.

Is it safe to walk on frozen ponds?

No. Never let children walk or play on frozen ponds, lakes or canals, however solid the ice looks. Keep well back from the edge.

What should kids wear in the snow?

Layers, a waterproof outer layer, a hat, waterproof gloves or mittens, warm socks and waterproof boots. Pack a spare set of gloves and socks.

Book your first class

Want to feel stronger the next time you are hauling a sledge up the hill? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes for parents in Archway N19, indoors in a warm church hall, so snow and rain never cancel your session. Classes cost £15, have no more than 10 people, and every exercise has an easier and harder option. The timetable is sent when you book. Book my £15 class, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you would prefer one-to-one coaching in a quiet space, find out about private personal training in Archway.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.