Fun Games to Play in the Snow (Beyond Snowman Building and Angel Making)
Winter brings a unique charm with its snowy landscapes, inviting everyone to get outside and play. While building a snowman and making snow angels are classic activities, there’s a whole world of other snowy fun to be had. From competitive games to creative activities, here’s a list of exciting games to play in the snow that go beyond the basics.
10 Games to make the cold and snow even more fun
1, Snowball Fight
A snowball fight is a classic and thrilling game that never gets old. Set up some makeshift “forts” using snow mounds and divide players into teams. You can create rules like “no headshots” or “first team to 10 hits wins” to keep things organized. For an extra challenge, throw in some obstacles or try playing in the dark with flashlights for added excitement.
Pro Tip: Use gloves or mittens to pack snowballs, and be mindful of the size of the snowballs to avoid injuries.
2. Snow Sled Races
Grab your sled and race down a snowy hill against friends or family. You can add a competitive twist by setting up a slalom course or a series of challenges, like jumping over small ramps or navigating a series of cones. Sled races are perfect for groups of all ages and offer lots of adrenaline-filled fun.
Pro Tip: Make sure the hill is free of obstacles, and always wear a helmet for safety.
3. Snow Obstacle Course
Turn your snowy backyard or local park into a winter obstacle course. You can create hurdles out of snow piles, have players crawl under snow-covered branches, or balance on snowbanks. For an extra layer of challenge, time each participant to see who completes the course the fastest, or add snowball-throwing stations along the way!
Pro Tip: Vary the difficulty levels for kids and adults to ensure everyone can join in the fun.
4. Snow Maze
Why not create a snow maze? Using a shovel, carve out pathways in deep snow to make a fun and challenging maze. Once it’s ready, have friends race to the finish line. For a more thrilling experience, play it at night with headlamps, turning the maze into an exciting, slightly spooky adventure.
Pro Tip: To keep the paths clear, regularly stomp down snow and compact it as you build the maze to make navigating easier.
5. Snow Sculpting Contest
Beyond traditional snowmen, challenge your friends to create the most unique or impressive snow sculptures. Whether it’s a dragon, an abstract shape, or a miniature igloo, snow sculpting lets creativity run wild. Make it a competition by assigning categories like “Most Detailed,” “Funniest,” or “Most Creative.”
Pro Tip: Bring along some basic tools (like plastic knives or spoons) to carve and shape the snow into finer details.
6. Snowshoe Tag
If you’re looking for a fast-paced activity, try playing tag with snowshoes. The snowshoes add an extra challenge, slowing down movement while making it more challenging to chase or escape. If you don’t have snowshoes, you can still play the game in deeper snow, but it might be a bit slower-paced.
Pro Tip: Have a designated “safe zone” where players can rest or freeze the “it” player for a few seconds.
7. Snowball Bowling
Set up a “bowling lane” by packing snow into a smooth, flat surface. Use large snowballs (or any soft object) as your “bowling balls,” and line up empty cans, bottles, or other objects to knock over. Players take turns trying to knock down as many objects as possible with each roll.
Pro Tip: Create a scoring system like bowling (e.g., 10 points for a strike, 5 points for a spare) for a fun twist!
8. Frozen Treasure Hunt
Hide small, winter-themed objects like snow globe figurines or candy inside blocks of ice or snow. Then, challenge your friends or kids to find them. To increase difficulty, bury the objects deeper or use clues to guide them. This treasure hunt is perfect for snowy days when you want to combine adventure with a bit of mystery.
Pro Tip: Use brightly colored items so they’re easier to spot against the white snow.
9. Snowball Toss
This simple game involves tossing snowballs into buckets or hoops from a certain distance. The further the distance, the more points you score! You can even set up several targets of different sizes for varying levels of difficulty.
Pro Tip: Use slightly firmer snowballs for easier aiming, but make sure they’re soft enough to avoid injury.
10. Snow Volleyball (with a Twist)
Get a large, soft ball and set up an outdoor volleyball court on the snow. You can mark boundaries with snow piles or use natural features like trees to create makeshift “lines.” The challenge here is the snow; the ball might bounce in unpredictable ways, making it a fun, fast-paced game.
Pro Tip: If you’re playing with fewer people, you can opt for a snowball-based version, where players toss snowballs instead of using a volleyball.
Conclusion
Snow days offer a fantastic opportunity to step outside and enjoy winter in a whole new way. While snowman building and angel making are timeless classics, these fun and engaging snow games will keep everyone entertained for hours. So, gather your friends and family, put on your warmest gear, and let the snowy adventures begin!