We are more than halfway through another cold, snowy New England winter.  With the official start to Spring on March 20, warmer days are not far away. Until then, many of us are looking for fun ways to make the next four weeks pass quickly. It’s a bonus when we can get outside and get some fresh air in our lungs and sunshine on our faces while doing it. 

What better way to make the best use of the winter landscape than to sled and skate? Those with young kids are often looking for things that burn energy and at the same time are fun and family friendly. The bonus is that these are all either free or relatively inexpensive activities and make for lifelong childhood memories. 

We have 2 public areas that are great for sledding here in town. 

The Coolidge School Park 

41-45 Parker Street, Maynard, MA   01754

This hill is a bit steeper and you will definitely get some speed going down the hill. It is a wide hill so it can support many sledders at one time. This hill is perfect for brave sledders who don’t mind speed and the larger incline. 

The Maynard Golf Course 

50 Brown Street, Maynard, MA   01754

This hill is large and can give you a longer ride, but it is not as steep or as fast as the Coolidge School Hill. This one is perfect for the younger kiddos. 

Standing on either of these hills you will most likely hear from those sledding that they each have multiple generations of families who have sled on these same hills. Both of these locations have free parking areas and easy to get to locations, however please note that both of these locations do not have bathrooms or trash removal during the winter. So please be sure to plan ahead and to bring your trash with you to dispose of at home. 

Another low cost, fun and sweet New England tradition is making homemade snow ice cream! 

Ingredients: 

• 8 cups of fresh white snow (best after a fresh snowfall) 
•  14 oz can of evaporated milk , milk or cream. Sometimes I use a liquid flavored coffee creamer
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• Sprinkles if you like them
• Large mixing bowl – I use a large metal bowl to keep the ingredients extra cold. 
• Mixing spoon
• Optional added sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness 

Mix together to desired consistency and enjoy! 

Too runny: Add more snow 

Too dry: Add more liquid 

Too soft: Freeze for a bit to firm it up 

We have made this outside in the snow. It makes for the easiest clean up and keeps the snow cold.  

Approximate cost: under $10

Food Coloring Fun 

Another relatively low cost activity in the snow is using the snow as an artist’s canvas! Kids love this one, but as an adult it can  be equally entertaining. Ideally you would want to use spray bottles or squirt bottles. These can be purchased locally. For younger kiddos I like to use the travel sized bottles that you can find in the beauty area of the stores. You can usually get them for about $2 each and they will last you numerous years if you clean, dry them and store them properly. The food coloring is around $5 in our local stores. These will last you all season long as it only requires a few drops per coloring session. 

Items needed: 

• 5 or more spray or squirt bottles large or small depending on the size of your artist/s 
• 1 package of food coloring 

Disclaimer * Sometimes this activity can stain. I would suggest doing this activity in older play clothing, dark colored clothing and washing items directly after this activity to avoid staining. 

Approximate cost: $15 but provides for numerous uses. 

Ice skating is also a fun activity, but please remember that our Fire Department warns that no ice is 100% safe ice. See their poster below. 

Please be careful whether it be sledding or skating and enjoy the rest of the Winter.