4 Bizarre Things To Try When Minnesota Dips Below Zero

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These are the days when no one in Minnesota cares what we look like.  #Truth  We have one goal and that is to try and stay warm as the wind hitting our face feels like 22 below zero...or worse.  We don't care if this means we have three layers of pants on, big giant boots with wool socks, and multiple pairs of gloves.  We WILL stay warm.

While you are all bundled, there are a few bizarre things you really should try outside at least once in your life.  These things can ONLY be done when it gets this cold so take advantage of what Mother Nature has given us and go have fun outside.  But then run back inside as fast as you can because these are dangerous temps for our precious skin. 

4 Bizarre Things To Try When Minnesota Dips Below Freezing

1)  Ice Marbles:  this took longer than I thought (even in the negative numbers we have had) but it did work.  Watch the video to see how we made these.

2) Frozen Bubbles:  We usually bring these out on the days when it is warm and toasty, but these are a fun toy in the winter too!

Find your bubble solution, blow it like you normally do and let it float in the air.  As it is floating, it will start to crystallize and freeze.  You might see pieces of it broken but it truly is an amazing experiment to witness.  Your kids will be amazed!

3) Magic Air:  While you are nice and warm (a.k.a.  inside) blow up a balloon and tie the end.  Let your child know that you have placed magic air in the balloon today.

Have your child hold on tight and take the balloon outside.  The magic air will disappear in the balloon while they are holding it.  Have them bring it back indoors and they will see the magic air filling up the balloon again.  (fyi - no special air is needed!)

4) Snow Ice Cream:  Yep...there is no longer a need to head to the grocery store for that special treat.  You can make ice cream with the snow that is just outside your door!  I have done this with my kids and even my daycare kiddos back in the day...and they had so much fun!  I recommend grabbing some new, clean snow...maybe after a fresh snowfall. Here is a simple recipe from Paula Dean on the Food Network:

• Ingredients:  8 cups of packed snow, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Directions:  mix it all together by hand & serve in bowls

Check Out These Fun Winter Ideas from Other Moms in Minnesota

• Playing with the snow inside!  Suzanne said she puts out a plastic tablecloth, fills up a bucket of snow, and lets her kids play inside with it.  They get out cookie cutters, and spatulas and just have fun...while staying warm!
• Jenny's kids made up a new activity that they are enjoying: dog sledding!  They have a laundry basket that the kids all jump inside of.  Then, their dog pulls them around their yard and street.
• Amy said SLEDDING!  If you are looking for a great sledding spot in town, look below for a huge list of the top spots.

What cold-weather activities do you like to do with your kids?

Let me know what fun activities you do with your kids!  Share those with me on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio!  I'll be sharing those on my page throughout the week.

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