Build a Snow House

The Guide

1. Wonder Together: Bunnies manage to stay warm and cozy all winter long. How do they do it? Their fur coats probably help, but maybe they make a little room where they can huddle up. Could you make a little room, too? What would you use? How about snow?
2. Think Together: Brainstorm with your child what kinds of things you need to build a house out of snow. A hammer and nails probably won’t help here, right? But a shovel will come in handy, or even just big spoons. Perhaps even a light plastic bowl would be good for scooping! And what could you use to help make the walls nice and sturdy? How about sticks?
3. Build Together: You won’t need an architect’s plans for this building project. Once you’ve found a spot that’s far enough away from cars (and has plenty of snow), begin making a large mound, about five to six feet in diameter. Let the mound settle for an hour so the snow crystals can bond together. Meanwhile, gather together about a dozen twigs or branches and break them foot-long sticks. Pat down the exterior of the quinzhee, then push the sticks into it, all around the sides. Decide with your children where the door should be, and use that spot to begin hollowing out the middle. Little ones can be kept busy with an “important” job, such as filling bucket with snow to make a table later on. Once your doorway is wide enough for to crawl in and out, start digging out the snow. When you touch the tip of one of the sticks, stop digging in that direction; this will ensure your walls are about a foot thick. Use the point of a stick or a small shovel to poke a small air hole in the back to let extra CO₂ escape.
4. Play Together: First, establish (snow) house rules. No kids in the quinzhee without adult supervision, no climbing on top, and no hitting the insides of the walls. Now the fun begins! Bring out a few props, like an old blanket for a rug and a flashlight or camping lantern for light. Encourage kids to build a stove, table, or sink from snow. (Construction will probably have to take place outside the quinzhee.) A few stuffed animals, a couple plates from indoors, and before you know it, a tea party will be underway -- on ice.

Risk Management: As with so many truly enriching play experiences, a snow house comes with risks. Follow directions carefully when you build, allowing at least an hour for the mound to settle and leaving at least a foot on all surfaces. Adults must keep a watchful eye as they allow children to play freely, making sure that the structure does not get compromised. We also teach children about how and why we never climb on the outside of the snow house. As with all things, these become wonderful lessons and keeps safe risk taking a part of our children's lives!