Indoor Snow

Having grown up in the Midwest, I am use to having snow. But living in Virginia, we don’t see a lot of snow during winter time which means Riley hasn’t gotten to experience snow. When it did snow this winter I couldn’t wait to rush Riley outside and have her experience the joys of playing in the snow!!! Unfortunately, Riley didn’t share my excitement. In fact, she felt the opposite. She wouldn’t let daddy put her down! I was so sad. I had envisioned building snowmen, sledding, and making snow angels. The next day when the snow was still around (quite shocking actually), I decided to bring the snow indoors! Riley could be in a safe and familiar environment while getting to investigate the snow. This worked wonders when we went outside later. She actually allowed me to put her down and stood on the snow! It might not seem like it, but this was a big deal! Riley started requesting snow being brought inside so she could continue to play with it.

If your little one isn’t sure about the snow or maybe all the snow clothes are still wet from playing outside, bring the snow inside for some indoor fun without all the chill! If there isn’t any snow on the ground or you don’t get a lot of snow, I’ve included two DIY snow recipes so you can have indoor snow fun anytime!

##Indoor Snow##

1. Bring in some snow from outside. We scooped the snow into a shallow bucket and let Riley explore the snow in the bucket. If there is no snow outside, use one of the recipes below to make your own!
2. Grab some utensils that your little one can use while playing in the snow. Riley enjoyed using her pipette, cup filled with water and food coloring, spoons, and cups/bowls. She especially enjoyed painting the snow with the pipette and water with food coloring.
3. Let them explore! Talk about how the snow feels. Talk about what your child is doing. Make a mini snow man. Experiment with pouring cold and warm water on the snow. What happens? If your little one’s hand are getting cold, have them wear their mittens while they play in the snow.

Note: Have towels ready as the snow melts. I recommend playing with the snow or fake snow on a waterproof mat, plastic table cloth, or a hard floor for easier clean up.

##DIY Snow with conditioner##

This snow has more of a packing snow consistency.

###Materials###

• 1 ½ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup conditioner
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or rubber scrapper

###Directions###

1. Add the baking soda and conditioner to the mixing bowl.
2. Mix the two ingredients together.
3. Kneed the snow together with your hands to make sure it is fully incorporated.
4. Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator to make the snow cold before your little one plays with it!

##DIY Snow with shaving cream##

This snow has more of a powdery snow consistency

###Materials###

• 1 ½ cup baking soda
• Shaving cream
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon or rubber scrapper

###Directions###

1. Add the baking soda to the mixing bowl
2. Add shaving cream a little at a time to the baking soda.
3. Mix the two ingredients together. Continue to add shaving cream until the snow is the right consistency.
4. Kneed the snow together with your hands to make sure it is fully incorporated.
5. Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator to make the snow cold before your little one plays with it!

##Benefits##

• Sensory play

• Fine Motor Skills

• Language Development

• Science Exploration

• Nature Exploration