January Eco-Activity: Snow Watercolor Painting

Dec 23

This month’s eco-activity is Snow Watercolors - a super simple way to turn a regular winter day into something bright and joyful (with stuff you probably already have at home).

And if the forecast refuses to cooperate? Scroll down for some indoor no snow options

What is Snow Watercoloring?

Exactly what it sounds like: you “paint” directly on snow using watered-down paint or watercolor. It’s sensory, open-ended, and very engaging — the whole outdoors is your canvas.

What you need

Snow (even a thin layer or icy bits work!)
Watercolors or a few drops of food coloring mixed with water
A few jars/cups for mixing
Paintbrushes or a spray bottle / squeeze bottle / old condiment bottle
Optional: a muffin tin or tray for color “palettes”

How to do it

Mix your colors.
Watercolors + a little water = perfect. If you’re using food coloring, a couple drops in a cup of water or spray bottle goes a long way. You can even bring your whole watercolor palate outdoors for easy set up.
Set up a “snow canvas.”
You can paint right on the ground, on a piled-up snow mound, or on a cookie sheet/tray filled with snow (great for porch/stoop painting).
Paint + explore.
Try brush strokes, drips, splatters, spirals, or “painting” snowballs. Spray bottles make it extra fun and tie-dye.

No snow? No problem. Here are two easy indoor swaps:

Indoor Swap #1: Snow Tray Painting

Fill a shallow tray/baking dish with:
- crushed ice, OR
- shaved ice, OR
- a bowl of ice cubes you blitz in a blender (adult help!)
Paint it the same way: watercolor, colored water, spray bottles, brushes.
Lay down a towel underneath and call it a day.