How to Do Snow Days in Little Rock With the Family

Snow day! As the inches pile up, it’s hard not to get distracted by the winter wonderland outside the window. Our advice? Take some time to make it special whether you cozy up indoors or get out to explore.

To get you started, we dug through the archives of our former sister publication Little Rock Family for some frosty fun ideas.

Where to Go Sledding

If you are able to venture outside of your neighborhood, try these slopes in public parks or take some suggestions from readers.

The Clinton Presidential Center: You don’t even need a snow day to sled the hills on Clinton Presidential Center Park grounds. The soft, green inclines are popular for box-sledding on warm, sunny days—and they’re perfect for wintry weather, too.

North Shore Riverwalk Park: In downtown North Little Rock, this riverside park offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River and downtown Little Rock. Enter the park at Riverfront Drive and N. Willow St. (across from Dickey-Stephens Park). There you’ll find a large green space with a gentle slope that will thrill young sledders.

What readers suggest:

“Front yards and driveways here in Chenal Valley (especially Challain Place) in Little Rock are great for sledding!” – Amber Hamilton Henson, who shared the view from her front door above

“The hills of Magness Creek Village.” – April L. Kiser

“Snake Hill in North Little Rock.” – Amanda Webb

Five Family-Friendly Instant Pot Meals

Cozy, easy and guaranteed not to cut into your sledding time. Put these crowd favorites on the menu tonight.

Cheesy chicken and pasta via FoodnService // This one offers a lot to love. It’s easy for the cook and delicious for your family, that is if your kids happen to enjoy cheese and pasta. Get the recipe.

Pork roast and potatoes via Berry & Maple // Weeknight-worthy timing and affordable ingredients make this delicious recipe a must-try. Get the recipe.

Loaded baked potato soup via Bless This Mess // A wide variety of fun topping options lets your kids customize their meal. Get the recipe.

Chana masala-style chickpeas via Yummy Toddler Food // This recipe is a wonderful way to introduce new spices to your kids without the dish actually being spicy. Plus, extra veggies? We’re in. Get the recipe.

Chicken and rice burrito bowls via The Kitchn // Whether you do Taco Tuesdays or Tacos All the Days, this Mexican-inspired bowl is a great dish to add to your rotation. Get the recipe.

Indoor Activities and Crafts to Prevent Cabin Fever

Got some old winter clothes laying around? How about some extra duct tape? Get creative and try these fun crafts.

Duct Tape Purse or Wallet

At Christi Gillum’s house, DIY duct tape purses and wallets were a hit with her children.  “This project is great for elementary children and up,” she days. “You can make the purses and wallets whatever size you choose. Basic sizing instructions are below.”

Supplies:

• cardboard or sturdy construction paper (portions of cereal boxes work well)
• duct tape of choice
• scissors
• Exacto knife (optional and requires close adult supervision)

Wallet instructions:

1. Cut two pieces of cardboard in the desired size of wallet.
2. Cut pieces of duct tape. You’ll cut the pieces of tape twice the length of the wallet you want. This usually means 10 pieces at 7-8 inches each.
3. Take the first five strips of tape and attach them to the cardboard slightly overlapping each piece. Repeat this with the other 5 strips and piece of cardboard.
4. Place them on top of each other and trim any excess edges.
5. To connect the two, you’ll add sides with strips of duct tape.
6. Then fold the wallet. It will have sections and fit into pant pockets like a store bought version.
7. Place a very heavy book on it overnight to help flatten it.

Purse instructions:
You’ll need the same basic supplies as used in making the wallet. A sample purse size would require cardboard strips and duct tape strips roughly 9 x 7 x 7.

1. Cover the two sections of cardboard with duct tape on every side.
2. Cut a 3 x 9 strip for the bottom of the purse and wrap it in duct tape.
3. Once you have all of the pieces covered in strips of duct tape, you tape them all together.
4. For the carrying strap, use two pieces of duct tape with a half-inch contrasting color for a cool stripe. A typical strap length would be 20 inches. Tape the strap on and your handbag is ready!

Sweater Weather Wreath

Does your front door or mantle look a little bare after you stowed away all of the holiday baubles and bows? You and your children will brighten up any spot in your home with this cold weather-inspired wreath.

Supplies:

• styrofoam wreath
• wool scarf (one or more)
• mittens
• flannel fabric or old shirts
• straight pins, fusible web tape, fabric glue or hot glue for attaching fabric, etc.
• wire or ribbon for hanging
• scissors
• iron
• prefabricated letter form, optional

Instructions:

1. Wrap the wreath form with the flannel fabric of your choosing.
2. Make sure to cover so that no foam is visible.
3. Attach with the method appropriate for your children’s ages.
4. Loop/drape the scarf around the wreath.
5. Prop gloves on the bottom portion of the wreath.
6. Hang with ribbon or wire.
7. Optional: Attach a prefabricated letter form with hot glue if you wish to personalize your wreath. Economical varieties may be found at discount or craft stores.

How to Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Bombs

Now this is how you end a snow day.

Special supplies:

• Silicone mold: Look for a food-grade semi-sphere mold that produces spheres no bigger than 2.5 inches in diameter — you want your bombs to fit in a standard-size mug.
• Optional special tools: Double boiler for melting chocolate, pastry brush for forming your spheres.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate: Chocolate chips, baking chocolate or melting wafers all work well.
• Hot cocoa mix: Grab your favorite store bought variety or make your own with this easy recipe. Just add confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder and powdered milk to your grocery list.
• Fillings: The only limit to this recipe is your imagination. Some popular fillers are mini marshmallows, caramel sauce, crushed chocolate cookies, mint chocolates and chopped peanut butter cups.

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate: You can use the microwave (make sure you don’t burn your chocolate with these tips) or a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
2. Form the shell: Use a spoon or pastry brush to coat your mold with chocolate, then place the mold in the freezer for five minutes. When the five minutes are up, add another layer of chocolate to make a thicker shell, then freeze again.
3. Add the fillings: Once your shells are set, gently pop the semi-spheres out of the mold. Fill one half of the sphere with the fillings of your choice. At minimum, you need to add 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix.
4. Assemble the bomb: Place a microwave safe plate in the microwave for 90 seconds. Press the other half of your bomb on the plate to slightly melt the edges, then quickly assemble by placing the slightly melted half on top of your filled half.
5. Put on the finishing touches: Have fun with decorating! Drizzle with extra chocolate and sprinkle with fillers for a fun finish.

However you plan to tackle the snow, tag #heysoiree in your photos and we just might share them with our readers. Have fun and stay warm!