How to Make a Snow Castle

If you and the kids need a fun activity for snow day, put on those snow boots and head outdoors to make your very own snow castle! Snow castles are the frozen equivalent of the traditional sand castle, and can easily become the envy of the neighborhood when you set one up in the front yard with a few leftover holiday decorations. It doesn't take a lot of time to make a snow castle, but you do need to use a few tricks and techniques to make sure it stands strong through blizzards or that next snow storm. Here's how to make an envy-worthy snow castle:

Snow Castle Building Step 1: Determine the quality of your snow
Snow comes in different varieties; when the temperature drops below zero, you'll have 'dusty' snow that is very difficult to work with. The best type of snow is the kind you find right after a heavy snowstorm. It's wet, malleable, and 'sticks' very easily; plan your building venture around that next snow storm and you'll be on the right track!

Snow Castle Building Step 2: Pick your building site
The best snow castle site will located a few feet in front of a wall or building so that it will be protected from harsh winds and sun rays. The worst place is near a walkway or sidewalk since you put the snow castle at risk for damage and general vandalism.

Snow Castle Building Step 3: Round up the supplies
You'll need as many different sized plastic containers as possible; Tupperware works wonders for snow castle building, especially the extra-thick kind. Beach buckets and large plastic bowls work well also; just pull together a few shapes and sizes that will help you create towers and levels for your snow castle.

Snow Castle Building Step 4: Make the foundation
The best way to make a snow castle foundation is to create a 5" thick 'platform' of snow for the castle to rest on. This adds some elevation and makes it easier to build upward on a flat surface.

Snow Castle Building Step 5: Create your towers
Use the power of your Tupperware to create stacks that resemble towers. Apply pressure to the tops and sides to sculpt your castle and pack in the snow as tight as possible.