Build a Backyard Skating Rink and Enjoy the Snow

For those of us with snow piled all around us, winter can be a time to stay in the house and wait for spring but it doesn't have to be. Why not use all the snow to have fun and one of the best ways to do that is to build yourself a skating rink. It can be in your backyard or even in your driveway.

Find a flat area close enough that your garden hose can reach. Stomp on the snow in that area to pack it down. Have the kids run around on it. Once packed, knock off the high points and fill in the holes with a shovel so that it's somewhat flat. Sprinkle a light layer of water on it and let it freeze. This may take just a few hours or overnight depending on the temperature. Repeat with another light sprinkle until the entire surface has a thin layer of ice. Air pockets can be removed by stepping on them to crack so that your next layer of water fills it in. You want at least 2 inches of ice before the kids start skating and make sure there is nothing sticking out of the surface such as rocks or branches.

The secret to great ice is to water late at night and often but not too thick so that it has time to freeze between layers. Snow acts as an insulator so it's important to keep it shoveled off. You can even use the snow you shovel off to make yourself seating on the side.