Packing for the Snow

Packing for the snow does not have to be a huge laundry list of items and massive amounts of things. There are really only a few major items you need when packing for the snow especially if you are only going up for a day of fun.

What is more fun than packing up the kids and headed to play in the snow? The kids love it, it burns major energy and its something you can only do in winter months! But what you may not know is what to bring, so I’m here for packing for the snow and must haves to bring.

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What you may not realize is packing for the snow, at least for myself, used to bring me such stress!

I thought I had to basically pack the house up because who knew what we would need.

Now granted the items you need depends on how old your kids are, if you have a newborn or small baby than you may need extra items like bottles, diapers, pacifiers, etc.

But usually that stuff is most likely already in your diaper bag anyways, so for this post we are only talking about packing for the snow. Specific items needed for a fun day of playing in the snow.

Warm Winter Clothing

Now this may seem like a no-brainer because you obviously need warm clothes for the snow.

But what some may not know or realize is actually very important is the right snow gear.

Now you as an adult or if you have teenagers, you could get away with wearing jeans and a big jacket for the snow.

Especially if you don’t plan to play around in the snow.

But for young kids especially, they will want to play around, fall into the snow, build snowmen, make snow angels, etc. They will need snow pants or overalls.

You can find some great deals at Carters for kids snow jackets and overalls.

Snow pant overalls are perfect for kids because they cover their legs, stomach and part of the chest.

Which means you can throw a long sleeve t-shirt underneath and a jacket and they will be perfectly warm and stay dry.

H&M Kids as well as Target also have some great deals on winter snow clothing.

You don’t need to go to an expensive outdoor shop to get these items. Especially when kids grow so quickly you will probably need new ones each year!

So don’t waste money.

You can find great deals especially during fall season at one of those listed above stores. You could also search in Thrift Stores or even second hand kids clothing stores like Once Upon A Child or even Goodwill.

Snow Boots

Now this could fall under the clothing category but finding the proper footwear for you little one is probably the most important.

The need to keep their feet warm and dry when playing in the snow!

A great place I found boots this season for my girls is Carters. They have a BOGO free on shoes which you can score multiple pairs for way less money.

Boots should fit snug but not too tight. You don’t want them too big or else water and snow could get stuck inside.

Snow Gloves

This again is so important it needs its own section. Gloves are just as important as boots to keep your kids hands warm and dry.

You won’t want to just use any soft glove you may have at home for cold days. You need specific snow gloves.

Especially if your kiddo wants to make snow balls and play in the snow for a long period of time. We want to avoid frost-bite.

You can find inexpensive gloves at Target or even Amazon.

Sunglasses or Snow Goggles

Keeping your eyes protected is something most people often forget about for the little ones.

Us adults usually have our sunglasses always on us especially if we are driving.

But even little kids need something to protect their eyes.

The sun is harsh and it bounces off the white snow and can cause sunburns, especially on the face and eyes.

Having snow goggles or sunglasses on hand for everyone will help prevent any damage.

Snacks & Water

This may seem like another duh section, but make sure and pack some snacks and water bottles. Pack extra too. More than you think you will eat.

You may get stuck in traffic, or behind a slow moving snow plow and you don’t want to hear and deal with hungry grumpy kids after a long day of playing in the snow.

Or there may not be anywhere to stop and get food in the middle of your fun snow day depending where you go.

So packing snacks for the snow adventure will let you just hand your kiddos a snack to hold them over and keep playing.

Sled

This is not necessarily a must-have item, but it will add to the adventure.

Having an inexpensive play sled to just go down hills or pull your kid around in the snow will add to the playing in the snow experience.

We got this one from Target which actually has a high back and buckle so even your super little ones will love playing in the snow too!

Amazon also has these sleds for older kids who can sit up by themselves and hold on tight as they fly down the hill.

Snow Toys

A hack for you parents out there, you don’t need to purchase snow specific play toys. Target and Amazon both sell snow specific play toys which are fun and super cute.

But if you want to save some money, just take some sand toys that you may have lying around from the beach trips and take those instead.

They will accomplish the same thing and kids can pack it full of snow and create an icy snow castle.

Tire Chains

Depending on where you live and what car you drive, you may want to invest in some tire chains so you don’t get stuck up in the snow or get turned away by traffic control.

Chains on your tires will help your tires not slip and slide all over the icy road and will allow you to safely get up to your snow adventure.

Change of Clothes

You may want to also consider when packing for the snow, a change of clothes. This way if your kiddo did manage to get a little wet from all the snow fun, they will have something dry to wear on the ride home.

Plus this will come in handy if there are any accidents.

And speaking of accidents,

Portable Potty

If you have a potty training toddler or you have an extra potty training kid potty lying around, or you can purchase one inexpensively at Target or Amazon you may want to throw it in the trunk.

Nothing is worse than the middle (or even start) of your snow play day you kid announces they have to use the potty.

Now if you have a boy, this could be easier as there are plenty of trees out in the snow. But girls are a different story.

Having a little potty in the backseat is a life saver. This way you can sneak away to the car and let your little one go potty without having to pack everyone up and drive to find a bathroom.

Carrots and Coal/Rocks

These are must haves to create an amazing snowman! Olaf vibes anyone?

Bringing these items will make building a snowman with your kids that much more exciting!

You could even use rocks and sticks you find on the ground there, which could even be a fun scavenger hunt for the kids.

At the very least bring a carrot to create the picture perfect snowman.

Hopefully these items have helped you while packing for the snow and will give you some new ideas to create a perfect snowy adventure with your kids. Don’t forget your phone or a camera to capture the fun moments.