Activities and experiments that embrace the cold.
Today Minnesota is experiencing record breaking freezing temperatures. Our governor closed all public schools state wide due to the freezing weather and wind chill. Brrrrrrr! I am a native Canadian girl, but I am most happy when the thermometer hits 90 degrees F. Not so conducive to Minnesota winters. The only thing that gets me through the cold is my Cuddle Duds (they are truly amazing), knowing that summer has to return at some point and a delightful cup of coffee.
Minnesota Cold
For todays activities, I am turning to my friend and Minnesota Cold expert Nathan. He enjoys embracing the cold and uses science to turn the frigid temperatures into a fun learning opportunity. He has made a series of fun videos that I just had to share with you.
Frozen Banana Experiment
Did you know that you can actually pound a nail into wood with a piece of frozen fruit? Amaze your kids with this easy to duplicate frozen experiment. And when you are done experimenting, why not make a yummy smoothie. Experiment and snack rolled into one fun learning moment, sounds delightful to me.
Blowing Frozen Bubbles
I have seen this idea done a number of different times, and I have yet to try it. Bubbles are always fun to play with. We have made colorful Bubble Snakes, blown beautiful bubble art, but have yet to create a frozen bubble. Adding this to our ever growing list of things we need to experience.
Sledding on a Frozen Towel
Ok sledding is cool, but seriously does it really work on a towel? I might advise using an old towel that mom does not want anymore:) Check out how to make your own sled in the video below.
How to build an Igloo
I grew up making simple snow forts as a kid. It is a classic winter activity that is loved by all ages. I love how Nathan and his son tested the strength of their structure. Also note the icicles on Nathans beard, yep thats cold!
Nathan’s Minnesota Cold Series currently has 11 videos, but I am sure he has more in the works. Make sure to click like on his YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on his new experiements. You can click here to see them all. He has been featured on WCCO 4 News, NBC’s Today show and CNBC news. I love being friends with a local celebrity:) Thanks Nathan for sharing with us and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
These ideas are seriously so cool! I love the frozen towel sledding. Of course we don’t get weather like that, so I’ll have to live vicariously through you. 😉
I am totally willing to trade places for a few days/weeks Allison:) You know my love of the cold. Totally agree that towel sledding looks like a blast!
These are so neat!
I totally agree Joyce. I have been wanting to do frozen bubbles for a while, guess what is on the list for tomorrow:)
This post couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time. Although we are no where near the level of temps that you are experiencing – NYC will have it’s coldest day tomorrow! My kids have already requested an igloo but I think I’ll go for the frozen bubbles!
Love it Monica. The frozen bubble is calling me and the kids tomorrow too:) Have fun
I’ve always wanted to try the frozen bubbles, but it normally doesn’t get that cold here. I may get my chance tomorrow though!! Record cold coming in tonight. 🙂
Bummer about the cold weather Genny, but turning it into a fun learning experience is so your style! It sounds like frozen bubbles will be happening all over tomorrow:)
This is amazing! My kids would freak if I hammered with a banana and I reallllly want to ride a frozen towel now. Thank you for sharing these amazing videos!
I know right! My kids really want to make a frozen sled too. How cool (no pun intended) is that!
These videos are great! I love that Nathan embraces the cold and has fun with it!
I totally agree Ana:) I wish I had that kind of love for the cold!
How fun! If it’s gotta be freezing, at least these are some cool things to try!
I couldn’t agree more Lauren:)
Absolutely adored these videos, thanks for sharing! What a lucky little guy to have such an amazing, fun loving Dad!
I love the idea of frozen bubbles. We don’t usually have cold weather like that here in Florida. We do have a freeze until noon today so maybe i’ll give it a try and see what happens. Thanks for sharing this fun post.
Love these videos! I was just thinking about trying to freeze food outside. We are going to try making ice cream!
Thank you for making this winter a little more tolerable! That snowman pinata is just genius.
So much fun! Living in FL we could never do these (bummer!) but my girls were completely amazed watching them and wishing we could go visit the snow 🙂
Tammy, these are so cool! Thank you so much for introducing us to Nathan! Love his spirit of adventure!