Snow days, days filled with excitement for many, offer a perfect time to enjoy frosty activities with your family. These days are perfect to enjoy a “natural laboratory” for hands-on science fun.

Below, you will find four remarkable activities that go beyond just building a snowman.

1. Instant Maple Toffee

This sweet treat is an awesome way for you to use the best of the cold weather.

The Activity:

1. Boil maple syrup until it reaches 112-115°C or 235-240°F. 
2. Pour the hot syrup in lines over fresh packed snow.
3. Voila! You can now enjoy a delicious and natural treat.

Note: Ensure you are using fresh, “white” snow, and steer clear of high-traffic areas or pets.

2. Frozen Bubbles

Do note that this activity requires the outdoor temperature to be below -10°C or 14°F.

The Activity:

1. Mix 3 cups of water, 1 cup of dish soap, and ½ cup of corn syrup.
2. Use a straw to gently blow a bubble onto a cold surface or a fresh batch of snow.

3. Snow Volcanoes

Let’s be honest, everyone has seen vinegar + soda volcanoes, but rarely has anyone seen, much less done them, in a snow bank. 

This activity allows you to experiment with endothermic reactions and viscosity in the cold.

The Activity:

1. Build a mountain out of snow with a plastic cup hidden and sitting upright at the top.
2. Fill the cup with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring (optional).
3. Pour in ½ cup of white vinegar and watch as the “lava” flows down the snow.

4. Freezing Point Depression

This activity will be sure to leave your sweet tooth satisfied!

The Activity:

1. Place ice cream ingredients (1 cup cream, 2 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp vanilla) in a small coffee tin.
2. Place that tin inside a larger gallon-sized bucket packed with snow and 1 cup of rock salt.
3. Roll the bucket back and forth on the floor for 15 minutes (this is best done outdoors).
4. Congratulations, you now have perfectly churned ice cream.

This concludes our four unique activities filled with cool science and fun!