In Ohio, the winter months of January, February, and March tend to be cold, gray, and dreary. The 3rd quarter slump is no stranger to most highschool students during the wintertime. However, there is one positive thing the cold weather can bring for students- snow days! Getting the call or text that the Olentangy school district has cancelled school for the day is one of the best feelings ever. The first thing most people (including myself) do once they receive this message is go back to sleep for at least another 2 hours, but after getting adequate rest, students may find they don’t know what to do with themselves on the unexpected off day. I’ve compiled a list of 5 fun snow day activities to make the most of a day of no school. 

1. Sledding; obviously this activity is only possible if weather allows- at least 3-5 inches of snow is required for optimal sledding. Going sledding with friends or family is one of my favorite winter activities! Be sure to dress warm (waterproof pants if you have them) and that you have quality sleds. Then simply find a hill and go! Some good sledding places in/ near Powell include Highbanks Metro park and Gallant Woods Park.
2. Ice skating; If you have a pond or large body of water near you and a pair of ice skates, you can go ice skating! Before skating, make sure the ice is at least 6 inches thick and test it with a heavy rock. Be sure to not go alone in case something happens. If temperatures haven’t been below freezing for the past 3 days, skating outside may not be the best idea, however that doesn’t have to stop you! Indoor open skating is available at Chiller North (in powell) during the winter months, and other places may also offer open skating times too. Indoor skating may be a better option anyhow as it’s warmer and you can rent skates. 
3. Hot cocoa and a movie; after spending time outside in the cold, you’ll no doubt want something warm and cozy- what better than a cup of hot chocolate! Use a hot chocolate bomb or mix (my favorite is swiss miss) in hot water or milk to make the cacao- and don’t forget the toppings; whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint etc. Then pick your favorite comfort movie and a fuzzy blanket- chilling on the couch with friends, family, or your dog and indulging in something sweet may be the best way to rest up on a day off of school. 
4. Make snow creations; if snow is adequate, making snow art is so, so much fun. The best snow to use is the heavy, sticky, packable kind that forms when it’s just below freezing- the powder that falls in very cold temperatures doesn’t work as well for building. You can make the classic things- snowmen and snow angels – but don’t let those limit you. Use your imagination to make anything you want out of snow (your dog, your friend, an igloo, obstacle course etc.) 
5. Bake; If you’re not an outdoorsy person or you hate the cold, take advantage of the extra time to make a fun treat. Challenge yourself with a fun or different recipe than the traditional cookies or brownies- nothing’s stopping you from making cake, macarons, pastries, cupcakes or any other baked goods! Even if baking isn’t usually your thing, you may find stress relief and comfort in making a fun sweet treat- you deserve it! 

Use these snow day activities the next time Ohio weather causes school to be cancelled (hopefully soon) to elevate your snow day experience!