Snow days are the days your little ones look forward to when winter rolls around. Parents, on the other hand, not so much. It can be a challenge to let your kids play outside all day, every day. So, when they are in the house, it is not easy to find screen-free activities to keep them entertained and active. That’s why we have put together this guide of snow day activities for kids in the kitchen to give your little ones plenty of fun ways to get creative and play on your next snow day.

1. Make homemade butter as a science experiment.

There is no better way to burn off some energy than to get your little ones to participate in a classic science experiment making homemade butter. This experiment is so simple and age-appropriate for three and up. All you need to begin with is heavy cream and a small mason jar with a lid. Fill the mason jar approximately halfway with heavy cream and get to shaking! You now have butter once the cream turns solid and separates from the buttermilk. You can go a step further by adding some spices or sweeteners to make flavored butter.

2. Make a mug cake.

If you don’t have the energy to bake an entire cake, bake a mug cake instead. This simple activity can be made in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for little ones. All you need to get started are a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, oil, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Then, you can mix it up and get creative by trying variations with sprinkles for a funfetti cake or white chocolate chips instead of chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, and the best part about this activity is everyone gets their own cake! So grab your ingredients and get mixin!

Check out some more fun recipes below:

Dairy-Free Nutella Recipe

Hot Chocolate Smoothie

3. Have an indoor picnic.

Mix up your mealtime routine by having an indoor picnic for a fun snow day activity. All you need to do is move any furniture out of the way, grab a blanket, and spread it on the floor. Next, prepare fun finger foods and snacks such as sandwiches, fruit salad, nachos, tacos, or chips. You can even have them help prepare the foods and decide what items they want to eat. Then turn on some relaxing music for the ultimate picnic experience!

4. Make cookies.

Is there any better way to have a little fun in the kitchen on a snow day than to make a batch of cookies? These sweet treats are the perfect way to get your kids in the kitchen. Depending on their age, they can help with mixing, pouring, or measuring ingredients for the cookies. Then the best part once they are baked—decorating! This activity is sure to keep your little ones entertained while outdoor time is limited.

Here are some of our favorite cookie recipes below:

Healthy Peppermint Patties

No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Fudgy Flourless Brownies

5. Create a hot chocolate bar.

Cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold snow day. Hot chocolate is the perfect drink to keep you warm and to keep your kids entertained when it gets too chilly outdoors. Set up a hot chocolate bar that includes marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, colorful sprinkles, or chocolate chips, or any other delicious toppings you may have in your pantry.

You can also try our kid-approved Hot Chocolate Smoothie recipe here

6. Make Homemade Play-Doh.

What’s a better create and play activity than making homemade play-doh. Play-doh is the perfect option when you have a lot of time on your hands and need an activity to keep your kids occupied. You will only need a few pantry basics: flour, salt, cream of tartar, and oil. Then, you can get creative with it and add any colors or glitter for extra fun.