Kids Turn Maine Snow Into a Hot Chocolate Stove, You Can Too

It’s always hard to find physically fun and mentally entertaining things to do with your kids during this cold season in New England and my family is experimenting with snow in the coolest way ever. 

So, we had to share it with you! 

One surprisingly fun idea is to make a medium sized snow stove right in your own yard.

Before we get started, there is fire involved, so make sure that there is adult supervision at all times!

We learned this from our son who learned it from, get this, online. Fitting, right? 

I saw the beginning of this snow over on my porch when I spotted a massive snowball in the yard with a hole straight down the middle and a stick poking out the side. 

My son and wife began making their snow stove, all for hot chocolate. 

Turn Maine Snow Into a Hot Chocolate Stove 

Here’s how you do it, according to Woods Bound Outdoors on YouTube,  

Begin by packing a large snowball around a sturdy stick. Once it’s solid, stand it upright and carefully pull the stick out, leaving a vertical hole that will serve as your vent.

Next, poke another stick into the side of the snow mound so it meets the vent, creating an opening for the fire. Add a couple of small sticks across the top to act as a simple pot stand. 

Fill your pot with water and set it on the pot stand you’ve created. Then light several pieces of fatwood and feed them into the side opening. The heat will melt the snow quickly, so timing is key. As the fire burns, the water will heat up and soon come to a boil. 

Watch the full YouTube Short here! 

And just like that, you’ve got hot, boiling water ready for a cozy cup of hot chocolate.

Read More: How Essential Workers Brave Maine's Harsh Winter Weather 

We have our ball of snow and vent but have yet to light it up and boil our pot of water but once we do, I will share with you!

It’s a simple and fun way to get outside, build something together, and enjoy hot chocolate in a totally magical winter Maine way.