There’s nothing quite like a snow day. Peering out the window to see fresh fallen fluffy, white flakes —accompanied by icy roads that mean no one is going anywhere today— brings about a feeling of pure joy for kids and intense nostalgia for adults, no matter how old you are.
Still, snow days look different when you have big kids. When they were small, the highly anticipated winter event meant bundling up those little feet, hands, and chins and venturing outdoors to make snow angels, build snowpeople, maybe even a snow fort. It meant dragging your little ones around on a sled, trudging up to a nearby hill for some sledding, and then home for hot cocoa.
Once you have teens, however, snow days shift a bit. While some older kids might still get down with good old fashioned outdoor play, others might no longer be interested in prancing around in the white stuff. Either way, most teens will gladly take a day off from school, and enjoy the day in their own way.
10 snow day ideas that even big kids can enjoy
1. Reading
If your kid enjoys reading, snow days are the perfect time to catch up on books that aren’t being read for school, or anything other than pure enjoyment. A cozy pair of socks, a warm mug of tea, and a fascinating book makes a winning day off.
2. Baking
The internet makes it easy to look up new recipes. But social media sites like Instagram and TikTok make them easier than ever to follow, too. If kids have been dying to explore new recipes or try their hand at cooking up something delicious (or at least edible), a snow day is a great time to put on the apron and mix it up.
3. Taking a fun class on a site like OutSchool
Classes won’t be in session on snow days, but there are still plenty of fun, entertaining, and offbeat courses to take on platforms like OutSchool. Kids can sign up for many classes on the same day. Plus, there are inspiring courses in all subjects. They can find art classes, gaming classes, and more.
4. Crafting
Snow days are the perfect time for crafting. Kids these days are so busy with school assignments and extracurriculars. That means that some beloved pastimes, like making friendship bracelets, knitting, and creating clay sculptures, can fall by the wayside. Give your kid a gentle push by getting out their old crafting supplies and even joining in.
5. Doing some extra chores
If a snow day results in your teen complaining of boredom, you can help by giving them some things to do. They might not love the extra chores, but compromising helps. They can do extra chores for cash, or perks like getting to pick out dinner. Either way, if you don’t want to hear “I’m bored” all day, chores can give your teen some snow day purpose.
6. Rearranging their rooms
Moving furniture around takes a lot of time. Luckily, a snow day means there is plenty of that to go around. Teens can spend the day making their own room feel fresh and new without spending a dime.
7. Creating social media content
There is almost nothing teens love more than making reels. A snow day means there is ample time to create quality content. Your teen can make something creative from their own head, or jump on the latest trend.
8. Having a movie marathon
Harry Potter? Lord Of The Rings? An old school Adam Sandler lineup? Whatever your teen is into, a movie marathon is always a fun go-to on a cozy day off from school. Of course, movie marathons are always better with snacks. So, get the popcorn poppin’.
9. Playing a musical instrument
If your teen has been thinking about trying a new hobby, like picking up a guitar and learning to play, there’s an app for that. Tons of apps teach kids to play instruments from the comfort of their home. Of course, you have to have the instrument, but if there’s a guitar, a keyboard or piano, or even a set of bongos lying around, there is music to be made.
10. Shoveling sidewalks
Teens are old enough to start earning their own spending money. A snow day presents a pretty killer opportunity for doing exactly that, too. Neighbors will be thrilled to not have to shovel their own walkways when a teen with a shovel shows up on their doorstep and asks to do it for a budget rate.
