Lovely Play & Recreation

Fun snow play ideas that captivate both kids and adults!

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

When the snow piles up, kids’ eyes really sparkle, don’t they? Snow play usually brings to mind snowmen and igloos, which are great fun, but there are actually many more ways to play.

Here, we’ll introduce plenty of snow play ideas that will captivate elementary schoolers.

From snowball basketball and soccer on the snow for kids who love to be active, to easy treasure-hunt games and adorable pretend play with winter plants and flowers, there’s a wide variety to enjoy.

Discover unique winter fun, forget the cold, and dive into playing in the snow to your heart’s content!

Fun Snow Play Ideas That Kids and Adults Will Love (51–60)

snow lantern

How to Make a Snow Lantern

snow lantern

Snow-made “lanterns” are wonderfully enchanting.

With just a bucketful of snow, even children can make one easily.

Here’s how: First, pack snow into a medium-sized bucket.

Press down from the top to compact it a bit.

Once it’s firm, take the snow out of the bucket.

Hollow out the inside to about the size of a fist, then place the hollowed side face-down on the ground.

Carve a small opening in the side wall, place a candle inside, and you’re done.

Since it involves fire, be sure to make it together with an adult.

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Snowball Throwing

Snowball Throwing

Snowball Throwing

It’s a game where you hit balls made of snow with a bat.

If you don’t pack the snow a little firmly, it will fall apart mid-throw.

Be careful not to make it too hard, though.

Even if you don’t have a real bat, you can easily make one out of newspaper.

Kids play video games, but they also create games from nothing—that’s what kids do.

Make sure there’s no one around you, then have fun playing safely.

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Airboard

Frog Adventure: Kids' Airboard.avi

Airboard

It’s quite a thrilling sport where you ride a rubber sled headfirst and slide down at high speed.

Adults sometimes go down full courses, but since you can pick up quite a bit of speed, it’s a bit dangerous for children.

Simply sliding down a gentle slope can still be an exciting and fun experience for kids!

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snowboard

4-year-old snowboard kid Rinton☆

snowboard

“Snow boat” sure has a stylish ring to it, doesn’t it? I hear more and more schools now go on field trips for ski and snowboard training.

You’re guaranteed to fall at first, so make sure to wear proper pads and a helmet.

The key to gliding well is to balance with your hips, not your hands! Some kids even use a single ski like a snowboard to slide.

Kids’ creativity is amazing.

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In conclusion

When the snow piles up, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy play that’s different from the usual.

Snow games and sledding are great ways for everyone—from elementary school kids to adults—to get moving together and make special winter memories.

Feel the snow’s chill and softness with your whole body, and use the time to deepen your bonds with family and friends.