When we planned our pre-Thanksgiving trip to our cabin in Yosemite National Park back in September, we had no idea it would turn into the adventure it became. We didn’t know then that the kids would wind up seeing their first snow.
But I couldn’t have dreamed up a better scenario. As we drove down the windy road toward our cabin, then over the tiny bridge and down our private (and unplowed) road, I was blown away. Our cabin, the road up to it, the trees, the entire meadow that is our summertime playground – all completely covered in a blanket of snow.
It was breathtaking. The most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
Top that off with an entire day spent watching it snow from behind the huge picture window in our warm cabin and you can imagine how perfect it all was. Yes, we tried to catch snowflakes on our tongues. And yes, we drank hot cocoa. Wouldn’t you?
Luckily, the snow eventually stopped. We braved the mid-30 degree temps to head outside for some exploring. Although the park offers an array of winter activities, we sought only to play and discover in our own backyard.
The big explorer made a snow angel, roused a snowball fight and designed our first snowman.
The little explorer seemed less enthusiastic, perhaps because the snow came up to his waist and his mittened hands were all but useless. But he never complained.
On our second (and final) day in the park, we ventured down to Yosemite Valley. I was eager to see what my favorite place to explore nature looked like draped in snow. Of course, it didn’t disappoint.
It was especially inspiring to see in fall (which felt like winter) how different the places we usually only see in the summer looked and felt. Snow on the iconic Half Dome, calm rivers, few crowds, many quiet spaces and very cold temperatures.
I don’t know what I expected the kids to think of their first snow experience, but I do know I was surprised by their continued excitement and enthusiasm. It was more than a little contagious.
I know one thing for sure: We’ll be heading back to Yosemite during the winter in the future. Definitely.
Some Snow Tips for First-Time Adventurers
With a nod to my more snow-savvy counterparts, I present a list of some key things this adventure taught me. If you’re planning your kids’ first encounter with the white stuff this winter, here are a few things I suggest:
- Gear up. The right clothing and accessories for all of us ensured no one felt cold, wet or uncomfortable. Borrow what you can from friends. Don’t forget hats, gloves and boots!
- Keep it simple. A first trip to the snow should be about having fun. Give your kids a chance to play and explore freely and leave tubing, skiing and ice skating for future visits.
- Play in short spurts. Playing in the snow is tiring (at least more so than digging in the dirt in our backyard). Opt for several short periods of outdoor play rather than one long outing. The goal? Head inside while the kids are still enjoying themselves.
- Go with the flow. Mountain weather is finicky; don’t fight it. Have indoor activities on hand in case of a storm. And when you do head outside, don’t fret that it takes forever to get all your gear on! You’ll be thankful once you’re outside.
How do you ensure your kids have fun playing in the snow?
looks like fun<br /><br />almost winter
@Joyce: Now that's cool – who would expect to have snow in the summer! Thanks for sharing.<br /><br />@Juliet: Now that's a passion for snow! I feel lucky just to have had a little sense of how amazing it can be.
We have so much snow in Scotland! Roads are closed. Schools are closed. Havoc reigns. It's amazing! I'm stuck at my parents house til the weather improves! But I still love the snow.
Thanks for sharing! This reminded me of our summer vacations to Colorado. We are from south Texas and have experianced little to no snow but almost every summer took a family vacation to Colorado where there was still lots of snow on the Mountains. We played, made snowmen, threw snowballs, and sank down to our waist on several occasions. We camped and it was so much fun. Again, thanks 🙂 joyce
@Mel: I imagine there's nothing in the world like Christmas in Yosemite. Hope you can enjoy that experience – especially with your kiddos!
Looks like such a wonderful trip. We are hoping to spend next Christmas in Yosemite. Glad the explorers like playing in the snow!