5 Snow Day Activities

Snow: you either hate it or love it.

In New England, it’s hard to hate the snow. Hating snow in New England is like working at a coffee shop and hating coffee; or voluntarily going to the mall when you hate shopping. Snow is simply equated with winter here—something you have to get used to and something you’ll never escape (unless you move out west or down south. In that case, be sure to avoid Atlanta).

This winter has been particularly snowy, with countless hits from polar vortexes and arctic blasts. The snow has almost become an inside joke here in Boston. “Another day, another arctic blast!” neighbors say to one another as they shovel the fresh snow from their driveways, looking for a place to put it, only to find themselves surrounded by five-foot tall frozen mounds.

The presence of snow gets even more complicated when teenagers are involved. When your kids were in elementary school, they could spend a whole day sledding. They would beg you to take them sledding. Now, your teenagers are too old to sled—especially with their parents. What should you do with your teenagers when the weather outside is frightful, and absolutely nothing sounds delightful?

Snow Day Activities

These five winter activities are fun and interesting options for you and your teen, no matter how many inches of snow are piling up on your windshield. You may even forget about all of the shoveling you have to do tomorrow.

1. Start a puzzle

It is easy to get frustrated over the lengthiness of puzzles. But with a blizzard every other day, you will have plenty of time to pick up where you left off! Puzzles are also always easier to do with two sets of eyes.

2. Movie marathon

Teens and parents alike can appreciate a good movie. Choose a few of your favorites—maybe one that your teen has refused to watch in the past—and have an all-day marathon.

3. Cook together

When school is cancelled, your teen will finally have time to help you cook. Cooking is an important skill that active teenagers are normally too busy to learn. Take a few hours of the day to prepare a hearty, hot meal.

4. Go cross country-skiing in the streets

Cross-country skiing is the adult equivalent to sledding. It’s a lot of fun, and great exercise. You can even channel your favorite Olympians and challenge your teen to a race in the car-free streets.

5. Home improvement

Most teens have no interest in helping around the house—unless it’s their space that’s being improved. Work with your teen to spruce up their room and rearrange furniture. This is also a great time for your teen to go through his or her closet, and designate old items to be donated. Before they know it, your teen’s room will be spotless and organized—and they will have fun doing it.