It almost never snows where we live. Never. And it did 2 days ago. It was a magic night for the kids. Especially the little one, who has never seen and experienced snow before. At 10 pm we bundled up as much as we could and hit the backyard for some snow fun.
Since that night kids have been glued to the window (especially in the evenings) waiting for the snow. I know - it probably won't snow again here this season so I was sad to see how much kids were looking forward to it.
That's when I hit it me: we can make our own snow. We made it last year. However, this time I wanted it to feel more like snow. And it did. I don't know how and why, but my daughter said it felt cold 🙂
Edit: Check out our latest fake snow attempt. This year we decided to gift snow.
Jump to:
How to make snow
You will need:
- I lb Baking soda
- Shaving cream (I suggest using unscented and organic if possible)
- 2 drops of Lavender essential oil (you can buy them at wholesale prices)
1. Let the kids pour 1lb of baking soda.
2. Spray shaving cream. We used a good handful of it. But you should experiment with it by starting spraying some and then adding as needed.
3. Let the kids 'knead the snow'. 'The snow' will start forming almost immediately.
The rest is in the videos
The clean-up
I found it easier to just put a blanket on the floor and let them play there instead of putting it on the table.
The cleanup was pretty easy. I just grabbed the blanket when they were done and shook it off outside. Whatever was left on the carpet I just vacuumed. Baking soda itself is a perfect natural cleaner, added with some essential oils was like self carpet cleaning.
Kids had a blast playing with snow. Mostly by just touching it and enjoying the sensory play. Later they figured the snow could form in a shape, so they used sand toys to make some mini snow castles. (I was into play too. My hands were messy and I didn't take more photos).
So if mother nature is not giving you snow where you live you can always use your creativity and make your own snow.
OR if you want to skip the DIY part, you can just get a BAG OF INSTANT FAKE SNOW IN SECONDS
How to make snow at home with just 2 ingredients.
IMPORTANT. Make sure not to leave kids playing unattended. Don't use this snow recipe if your kids are little and still putting things in their mouth.
MORE FUN ACTIVITIES
Rachel says
This is fantastic! Love it. We live in a hot climate, never snows let alone frost, and my daughter is always asking me to take her somewhere that it snows! Yay, thank you. Does it last very long before having to throw it away? Thanks, R.
Hailey says
I agree!
Melissa says
Does this save? Can I put it in Tupperware and give as a gift, or does it need to be used immediately?
Tara Cook says
I've done this at our preschool and saved it in a plastic container for about three months. Mine had glitter in it for our "Frozen" theme. Lots of fun. I threw it out and made more only because I thought it was handled enough. I wanted to keep germs at a minimum.
Sonia says
@Tara Cook..You sound familiar.. did you used to work for the Pendergast school district? I was an interpreter there!
Megan says
What is a good portion of each item per child from the recipe above?
Charlie says
"I don’t know how and why, but my daughter said it felt cold."
Lavender oil.
Pamela says
it really does feel cold!!
Casey Nowacki says
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Ida says
Can one use hair mousse instead?
Jessica S says
I am making this as an artificial snow filler for vases for my winter wedding. My concern is how long it will last. I am using the vases for center pieces at the wedding dinner and then giving the vases away as a favor. My thought was that every household would have a nice winter floral vase to put out every year when the season comes. I just don't know if the "snow" will start to come apart or turn bad somehow after so long. If anyone knows how long this will last please let me know. I am going to experiment and see.
lianna says
It stays fine, if it gets hard add a spoon full of water
Robyn says
Use Epsom salts!! After a short time they dry & they look like snow. I used this for my table centerpiece last yr for Xmas & I pulled it out a couple weeks ago & its pretty much the same?The volume does finish over time so just put a good amount in?
Ivy Baker says
I am going to be moving to somewhere that is warm all year round. So, it is nice to know that you can make fake snow. I have always felt that without snow it just doesn't feel like Christmas. It is cool that you can make it out of baking soda, shaving cream, and essential oils. I wonder if you could find a company that could cover your whole yard with this stuff.
Teri English says
Would this work in groups of 4 or 5 per batch with the amount of ingredients listed? Trying to do it with second and third graders.
Lorie B says
Does this harden ?
DOODOO says
No it melts because it turns to real snow!!!
Lumi_loves_unicorns says
Do you know if this works for cloud slime?
Maggie says
That’s what I was wondering to maybe you will just have to test it and find out
Maggie says
I absolutely love playing with it
Kandi Frechette says
what size jar do i need to use to make the fake snow? I am going to do it for a class room craft project.
Stephanie Roth says
I teach adults with developmental disabilities. I think they will love this activity.
Stephanie
Mallory says
Will this stay if put in small containers for e kids to take home?