New York snow days are the best! Here’s how you and your kids can get out of your NYC home and make the most of the next one.

Warm Up with a Special Breakfast

Let your kids sleep in, then treat them to a special breakfast that will give them lots of energy for the day ahead. There is nothing better than a hot breakfast on a cold day! Fill up with waffles or pancakes, eggs, sausage, and whatever else your fridge holds. Add a little fruit so you won’t feel guilty about the carbs!

Image Source: Flickr/Emily Carlin

Head Outside for Snowy Fun

Wait until the snow slows down, then enjoy the winter wonderland outside! Head to the park, where your kids will enjoy building snow men, making snow angels, or just goofing around. Introduce the family to cross-country skiing. You can rent skis at the Scandinavian Ski Shop to use in Central Park.

Spend the afternoon skating at one of New York’s many ice rinks, such as those in Bryant Park (it’s free!), Central Park, or Rockefeller Center.

Hit the slopes with your sled. Check out this interactive map to find the best hills in your neighborhood.

During especially heavy snowfalls, the NYC Parks Department may offer a snow day in Morningside Park. Activities include everything from sledding to snowman building contests to friendly snowball fights. Call 311 for more information.

Warm Up on Your Way Home

Before heading home, warm up with a hot treat. Enjoy burgers and fries at Shake Shack or indulge in cheese at one of the city’s best grilled cheese spots.

Of course, snow days aren’t complete without hot chocolate! Head to your favorite spot, or try one of these perennial favorites: Voilà Chocolat, Jacque Torres, Levain Bakery, The City Bakery, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, or La Maison Du Chocolat. Why not try them all over the course of the winter, then create a top 5 hot chocolate list?

Image Source: Flickr/macinate

Fun Indoor Activities

If the weather outside is dangerous, stay inside and try one of these snow day activities instead:

1. Pop some popcorn, then discover a new show or movie on Netflix.
2. Create snow candy inspired by Little House on the Prairie.
3. Indulge in indoor s’mores.
4. Cut out snowflakes to hang in your windows.
5. Build an (indoor) snow fort from pillows, blankets, and couch cushions.
6. Make a batch of your favorite cookies.
7. Experiment with shaving cream marbling.
8. Create an indoor scavenger hunt.
9. Make ice gems from balloons, water, and food coloring.
10. Play a board game or build a puzzle.

Image Source: Flickr/John Hritz

Main Image Source: Flickr/nakashi

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