After every school vacation, I ask my students what they did outside, and February break is always the one when too many answer, “Nothing.” Gone are the days when most children were sent outside until supper, even in rural Maine, where we’re so well known for our passion for the outdoors.
The good news? Getting kids outside doesn’t take much. Often, they just need a little prompting. Research shows that even twenty minutes outdoors can boost mental and physical health — and add play and hands-on discovery, and the benefits grow even more.
Freeze bubbles
Perhaps I’m unusually drawn to outdoor science, but when the forecast dips below 10°F, I get excited — because that means bubbles will freeze.
Take the solution you probably last used at a summer birthday party, blow a bubble outside and watch the magic happen. Tiny specks of ice form first, then spread like fern fronds until the bubble turns nearly opaque. Sometimes it pops on its own; other times, a gentle puff sends delicate ice feathers flying.
Too windy? Pour the mixture into a small dish, dip a cookie cutter and hold it out of the wind. In the sunlight, the ice crystals sparkle, and no two bubbles freeze the same way. No solution handy? You can easily mix your own with dish soap, glycerin or corn syrup and water.
Make a quinzhee
Sure, every Maine kid has made a tunnel in a snow pile left by the plow, but how about a quinzhee? The word “quinzhee” comes from Athabaskan and means a hollowed-out pile of snow. To make one, pile snow, pack it lightly with a snowshoe or shovel, let it sit for at least an hour, then dig out the inside.
Letting it sit is key — it allows the snow to compress and bond in a process called sintering, making the structure sturdier. Some people poke sticks about a foot into the pile, which not only makes it look like a porcupine but also helps measure roof thickness and create vent guides for fresh air.
A word of caution: quinzhees can collapse, especially if anyone climbs on top. Children should always be supervised while digging or playing inside.
Explore the subnivean zone
For a deeper dive under the snow, explore the magical subnivean zone. “Subnivean” literally means “under snow,” referring to the layer just above the ground but beneath the snow, which rarely dips below 32°F.
This hidden world is a lifeline for creatures like voles, mice and ermines. It offers cover from predators, insulation from harsh winter weather and a pantry of leftover grass and wildflower seeds.
Dig a straight-walled pit to the ground, and you’ll get a glimpse into this secret world. Snow layers tell the story of winter storms and temperature changes, and you might find tunnels, tracks or forgotten food.
Look for icy layers — it could mark a brief thaw when temperatures rose above freezing. How might that have helped or challenged the animals living there? Follow a small animal’s tracks to see where it disappears under the snow, only to reappear elsewhere. Why do you think it chose that path?
As snow begins to melt approaching spring, vole tunnels become more visible, especially in open grassy areas. Their winter tunneling compacts the snow immediately around them, which melts more slowly than the surrounding fluffier snow, revealing their hidden paths.
Eat something from outside
No winter is complete without tasting freshly fallen snow — and you can make it extra fun. For a simple treat, pack snow into a bowl and drizzle it with maple syrup and heavy cream.
For a little more adventure, try maple taffy. Boil maple syrup to 235–240°F. No thermometer? Drop a small amount into ice water — if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready. Pack fresh snow outside, drizzle a line of hot syrup and roll it onto a popsicle stick for a sweet, sticky treat.
No snow? Look to the evergreens. Native firs, pines and spruces are packed with vitamin C and offer a light, almost citrus flavor when made into tea. Pour hot —but not boiling — water over the needles, let it steep and enjoy a taste of the woods. Always confirm plant identification with a field guide or expert before tasting.
Find signs of spring
February can feel like the depths of winter, but as of Groundhog Day, we’re closer to the spring equinox than the winter solstice. Whether buried in snow or bundled in sweaters, signs of spring are appearing. This is the perfect time to start a nature journal and track phenology — the seasonal changes around us.
Listen for birds each day. How many songs or woodpecker drumming sessions do you hear in twenty minutes? Which bird is most common? Many recognize the black-capped chickadee’s “chickadee-dee-dee” call, but its spring song sounds like “CHEESE-bur-ger.” Even if you’re unsure, recording sounds and what they remind you of helps with later identification. Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help.
Watch tree buds over time. Woody branches swell daily, ready to open leaves or flowers when daylight and warmth are sufficient. Bring buds inside in water and sunshine — watch how quickly they open to see spring just around the corner.
While it’s too early to plant seeds outdoors, look for tree seeds on the snow. How many shapes can you find and draw? Trees that rely on wind, like birches, have been dropping their small winged seeds for weeks, signaling that new growth is only weeks away.
February may feel long and cold, but it also offers the last moments of winter magic and subtle hints of spring. Even short periods outside help children notice these changes and feel better in body and mind.
For more family-friendly outdoor activity ideas, see my March 2020 article or “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” by Richard Louv.
