Build a winter playground
Plan and build a small winter playground using safe materials like snow blocks, snow forts, and sled runs; learn teamwork, measurement, and safety.
Step-by-step guide to plan and build a winter playground
4 Outdoor Snow Activities | DIY Winter Activities for Kids
Step 1
Put on warm clothes waterproof boots gloves and a safety helmet so you stay warm and protected.
Step 2
Gather the shovel bucket measuring tape sticks string sled cones and any decorations and bring them to your building spot.
Step 3
Choose a safe flat spot at least a few paces from roads trees and driveways for your playground.
Step 4
Measure and mark a square or rectangle about six paces by six paces using the measuring tape and sticks or string.
Step 5
Draw a simple map showing where the fort the sled run and the play area will go and show it to your team.
Step 6
Make 10 snow blocks by packing snow tightly into the bucket and turning it out onto the marked area.
Step 7
Stack the snow blocks to build the fort walls to the height you planned.
Step 8
Pack loose snow into any gaps between blocks to make the walls solid and stable.
Step 9
Carve an entrance and small windows into the fort using a spoon or your mitten carefully.
Step 10
Smooth the sled run slope with the shovel to make a clear safe path for sliding.
Step 11
Create a soft run-out area at the bottom by piling loose snow to help sleds slow down.
Step 12
Place cones or markers along the run edges and near the fort to show safe boundaries.
Step 13
Have one person wearing a helmet test the sled run while an adult watches and the rest of the team stands back.
Step 14
Share your finished winter playground on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a measuring tape, bucket, or safety helmet?
Use a length of string or marked sticks to measure and mark the six-pace square, a clean large cup or plastic tote to make the 10 snow blocks, and a bike or ski helmet in place of the safety helmet for the test run.
My snow blocks keep falling apart — how can we make them sturdier while building the fort?
Pack each snow block tightly into the bucket using firm downward pressure, slightly wet the snow if it's powdery, and use extra packed snow to fill gaps as you stack to make the walls solid and stable.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children shrink the marked play area and build fewer, lower snow blocks with adult help for carving the entrance and windows, while older kids can measure the full six-pace square, plan a taller fort, and design a longer sled run with cones for boundaries.
What are some fun ways to enhance or personalize our winter playground after building it?
Add decorations like flags or food-coloring snow paint to the fort walls, build snow benches or windowsills, set up timed sled runs with cones for friendly races, and share photos on DIY.org to showcase your finished playground.
Watch videos on how to plan and build a winter playground
6 Snow Activities for Kids
3 Videos
6 Snow Activities for Kids
10 Winter Activities for the Preschool Classroom (It's Going to Be SNOW Much Fun!)
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Facts about winter outdoor play and safety
❄️ Packed snow can be very strong — traditional igloos use compressed snow blocks as both insulation and structure.
🧤 Cold fingers get numb fast — waterproof gloves and warm layers keep kids comfortable, safer, and building longer.
👥 Group building boosts teamwork and problem-solving — planning together helps kids practice leadership and communication.
📏 Simple measuring makes play safer — checking slope angle and run length helps build sled runs that are fun and manageable.
🛷 Sledding is ancient: humans have used sled-like runners for transport and play for thousands of years.
How do I plan and build a small winter playground with snow blocks, forts, and sled runs?
What materials do I need to build a safe winter playground with snow blocks and sled runs?
What ages is building a winter playground suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for building a winter playground?
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