Teenage Winter Activities

Because of the freezing temperatures and cloud-filled skies, winter may seem like a bummer to many teenagers. However, just because it is chilly outside doesn't mean that there aren't indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, despite occasionally frightful weather outside.

  1. Make Snowball Votive Candles

    • Small votive candles are best for this project.

      These candles may be useful in the home or even given away as Christmas gifts. To create the candles, you will need paraffin wax, a double boiler, hand mixer, a medium bowl, oven mittens, a metal spoon and white votive candles. After breaking up paraffin wax into small pieces (1 inch to 1/2 inch), place them in the top part of the boiler. Pour two cups of water into the bottom boiler and attach the top back to the base. Turn the heat to low and cook until the wax is melted, about twenty minutes. Put on oven mittens and remove the top boiler. While the wax is hot, pour it into a medium bowl. Let it cool for about a minute and then mix with a hand mixer until it looks like foam. Spoon the wax around the votive candle, leaving 1/2 inch of the wick exposed. Mold the candle into a ball after it has cooled down enough to touch. Allow the candles to cool on wax paper.

    Snowball Wars

    • Snowballs are easier to make in deep, compacted snow.

      Deep, compact snow makes it easier to construct snowballs. Powdery snow is more difficult to mold into a hard, round snowball. Teens may gather and create forts to protect themselves from snowball attacks. Water balloon launchers may also be used to launch snowballs long distances.

    Create a Painting in the Snow

    • Fill up a few old spray bottles with cold water. In each spray bottle, add a few drops of food coloring, making each bottle a different color. Take these bottles of colored water outside and use them to spray images onto the snow. Experiment with different spraying methods (spraying far away, spraying directly up into the air and letting the droplets fall onto the snow or spraying double-coats for darker colors). Have a team of local judges rate the results.

    Winter Campfire

    • Winter campfire gatherings provide a warm, social environment for teens.

      Use a snow shovel to clear out an area of snow in your backyard. Create a fire circle by setting rocks up in a circle formation (about two feet in diameter). Place old newspaper in the bottom of the pit and add dry firewood to the top. Place chairs around the fire pit (about two feet away). Light the newspaper using a grill lighter and wait for the wood to catch. Roast marshmallows or hot dogs and other grilled fare around the fire with some friends.

    Snowman Competition

    • Creating original snowmen allows teens to express competition and creativity.

      Gather a group of friends and hold a snowman competition at school. Create unique snowmen (think cartoon characters, snowmen in beach gear) and add accessories like clothes and props to complete your design. Have an assignment such as creating a celebrity snowman. Choose an individual who does not know you and the people involved in the competition and have him judge whose snowman is the best.