Snow days are the best kind of surprise — especially as a mom. One minute you’re planning your normal routine, and the next you’ve got a full day at home with kids who are very excited and very energetic.

If you’re wondering what to do on a snow day (without spending a ton of money or relying on screens all day), you’re in the right place.

Below are my favorite snow day ideas for kids, including cozy traditions, simple activities, fun food ideas, and the snow day essentials I always recommend having on hand.

CLICK HERE to shop snow gear + snow day essentials in my Amazon storefront 

Snow Day Traditions: It’s Never Too Late to Start

Here’s the easiest mom hack of all time:

All you have to do is say…

“This is what we do on snow days!” 

And do it year after year. That’s it.

Congratulations — you now have a tradition. 😊

Snow day traditions don’t need to be complicated. They just need to feel special. Kids LOVE knowing there’s a predictable, cozy routine when the weather changes.

Make Snow Ice Cream (A Must-Do Snow Day Treat!)

If you’ve never made snow ice cream, you’re missing out — it’s one of those classic snow day memories kids will talk about for years.

It’s quick, fun, and honestly the perfect “we’re stuck at home but still making it special” activity.

🍦 You can find my full snow ice cream blog post here!

Tip: This is also one of those activities that feels like a core memory, even though it’s super simple.

Cozy Snow Day Activities for Kids (That Feel Like a Treat)

These are my go-to ideas when we’re spending the day at home and want to make it feel fun — without spending money or doing a big production.

1) Family Game Night (Yes, Even in the Middle of the Day!)

Snow day = the perfect time to pull out card games, board games, or even simple toddler games.

Ideas:

• Uno

• Go Fish

• Guess Who

• Monopoly or Monopoly Jr

• Memory match games

Mom tip: make hot chocolate and call it a “snow day party.” Instant excitement.

2) Living Room Sleepover

This is one of the easiest traditions that kids absolutely love. 

• throw blankets on the floor

  • (This one is my new favorite! Feels exactly like the ones that cost 4x!)
    
• set out an air mattress
  • (This one has a built-in pump!)
  • 

• bring sleeping bags

• put on a cozy movie

• make popcorn

Even if bedtime ends up the same… the idea of a living room sleepover is magical.

3) Puzzles + “Snack Plate” Lunch

Puzzles are perfect on snow days because they keep kids focused for longer than most activities.

Pair it with: 

• a homemade snack plate lunch

• fruit, crackers, cheese, popcorn, trail mix

• hot cocoa or warm cider

This feels special without being difficult.

4) Homemade Popcorn Bar

Popcorn is cheap, cozy, and fun — and it takes almost no effort.

Ideas:

• cinnamon sugar popcorn

• drizzle chocolate

• add sprinkles for kids

• mix in pretzels or marshmallows

Let kids build their own bowls and you’ll instantly have an activity + snack. We love buying "popping corn" and using this inexpensive popcorn maker from Amazon, it's so fun and easy—we've used it for years!

5) Soup or Chili Day (Make It a Tradition!)

Snow days and warm food go together perfectly. If you’re already home anyway, it’s such a great day to do:

• chili

• taco soup

• chicken noodle soup

• grilled cheese + tomato soup

You can even say:

“This is what we always eat on snow days.” 

Boom — another tradition to continue.

Snow Day Crafts for Kids (Low Prep Ideas)

You don’t need elaborate crafts to make kids happy. Snow day crafts just need to feel fun and seasonal.

Easy craft ideas:

• paper snowflakes

• sticker scenes

  • 

• coloring books

• watercolor painting

• homemade Valentines / cards (especially in January + February)

• build a “winter” collage using cotton balls

If you have toddlers, anything with stickers is basically guaranteed entertainment.

Outdoor Snow Fun: The Best Snow Day Activities Outside

If it’s safe to play outside, this is where the best memories happen.

• build a snowman

• snowball “target practice” (use buckets)

• sledding

• snow angels

• “snow treasure hunt” (bury toys, find them)

Even 20–30 minutes outside makes the rest of the day feel calmer (and helps everyone sleep better!). 

Snow Day Essentials (What to Have on Hand)

If you live somewhere with winter weather, it’s worth having a few basics ready before a snow day hits. These are the essentials that make snow days more fun and less stressful.

Snow Gear Essentials for Kids 

• snow bibs

• warm coats

• waterproof gloves

• snow boots

• thick socks

• hand warmers (optional but amazing)

Snow Day Outdoor Essentials

• sled

• saucer sled

• snow shovel (kid size is fun too!)

  

Shop Snow Day Essentials in My Amazon Storefront

To make it easy, I keep all my favorite snow day essentials linked and organized in one place.

CLICK HERE to shop snow gear + snow day essentials in my Amazon storefront 

I update it regularly with the best affordable finds!

Final Thoughts: Snow Days Are Fun... For Moms Too!

Snow days can feel chaotic — but they can also become some of the sweetest childhood memories. The best gift we can give our kids is a relaxed and positive mom who joins in on the fun! 

If you do one thing from this list, make it this:

Start one tradition and name it out loud.

“This is what we do on snow days.” 

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Disclosures + Snow Day Shopping Notes

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly use, love, or would recommend.

Please note: snow delays can affect delivery timing, especially if you’re ordering right before scheduled snow or storms. If you need something quickly, I always recommend shopping local when possible — supporting local businesses is a win for everyone. I love Once Upon a Child (or other similar kids resale stores) and Facebook Marketplace for Snow Bibs and Snow Boots!