5 Ideas for Outdoor Winter Fun

It may be freezing out, but a true Alaskan kid (or kid at heart) won't let the dropping mercury get in the way of a good outdoor romp. Even a few minutes in the yard or in the park can be reinvigorating and just what the doctor ordered to keep the cabin fever at bay.

We found these five, fun outdoor ways to play posted by some super cool and crafty mommy/daddy bloggers:

1. Snow Painting: You'll need spray bottles or any old squeeze bottle, food coloring and snow. Mix a few drops of color into the water bottles, screw the tops on tight and you're ready to paint the town red (and blue and green and orange...) More snow painting ideas from TV-Free Toddler Time

2. DIY Monster-Feet Snowshoes: You'll need cardboard, scissors, markers and old shoelaces. Slo Mo Mama has an awesome tutorial on her blog. (Also check out her Ice Bowl Tutorials).

3. Colored Ice Cube Scavenger Hunt: You'll need ice cube trays and food coloring. A lot like a springtime Easter Egg hunt, this one will have your kiddos running all over the snowy yard looking for these little colored gems. Get creative and freeze toys or coins inside the cubes! From Parents.com's list of 20 Games to Play in the Snow.

4. Old-Fashioned Maple Snow Candy: You'll need maple syrup and clean snow. If you grew up reading Little House on the Prarie books you will already be familiar with this super easy winter treat. Snickerdoodle Steph has a simple tutorial and recipe on her blog.

5. Pine Cone Bird Feeders: You'll need a pine cone, peanut butter, bird seed and twine or string. Yes, many of our feathered friends have flown south, but the ones that remain make for great viewing because with all the leaves gone for now the birds are so much more visible! Silly Daddy has the step-by-step on his blog.

Looking for even more cold-weather activities? Check out 5 Winter Craft Projects to Do With Kids! and our big ol' list of Winter Family Fun Links!