Things to Do On Your Snow Day in New York City

[UPDATE: NYC schools will be open today] As I am writing this, the city has not yet declared a snow day for schools, but whether schools are closed or not, it certainly will not be a normal, run of the mill day. Already several favorite places have announced special snow day activities, including a snowman showdown, fun in the parks and snow day deals on Broadway shows.

Read on to hear about these snow day specials, plus we've got the inside scoop on how to know if your school is closed or not, favorite sledding hills, the best hot chocolates in NYC, snow fun and more.

Asphalt Green Snowman Showdown : Asphalt Green opens its 1.5 acre field to the public for a free snowman building event Wednesday, January 12. The event will take place at 1:30-3:30 pm if NYC Public Schools are closed and 3:30-5:30 pm if schools don't close. Expect hot chocolate, festive music, a raffle to win a 3 month Asphalt Green membership, and everything to make your snow day a magical memory. Enter at 555 E 90th St

Snow Day at Brooklyn Bridge Park : If NYC public schools are closed, Pier 1 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park will be having a scavenger hunt, snowman building, and free hot chocolate from 1-3pm. All free. Check the Brooklyn Bridge Park website for updates on this event.

Snow Day in the Parks: On snow days the NYC Parks Department often offers free sledding and hot chocolate at parks in all five boroughs. We haven't heard the announcement for if this is happening yet, but check here for the typical sledding locations and call 311 to see if it's happening today. (we'll update our facebook and twitter as soon as it's announced also)

Snow Day Specials on Broadway: Some popular shows are offering snow day deals to entice you to brave the weather and head to Broadway. Sounds like a great way to spend a snow day to me. One option is Billy Elliot which is offering 40% off on Wednesday's Matinee. NewYorkology is keeping an updated Broadway snow day offers list as well as other useful information like museum closings.

Sledding: If you want to hit the slopes, plan early, by afternoon many stores will be sold out of sleds, so grab one yours and then check out our list of the Best Sledding HIlls in NYC.

Snow Painting: For younger kids or just another thing to do in the snow for older kids, learn how to make snow paint and gems for more snow fun outside.

Hot Chocolate: On your way home stop for some hot cocoa at one of the top spots in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens.

Indoor Activities and Craft Ideas: If you're staying in take a look at our indoor activity guide for ideas, not only of indoor places to play, but some craft ideas too. You could take a look at our reader-suggested list of 50 things to do indoors. We've also been passing some time playing with the free internet radio offerings from Pandora's brand new kids channel too.

Skiing: If you really want to take a snow day and go skiing check out our recommendations for kid-friendly ski slopes and more recommendations for family-friendly slopes in NJ. (Of course don't drive until the roads are safe).

Stay in the Know: Find out how to stay informed on whether it's a snow day at your school.

Watch our twitter or Facebook feed to see if the Parks Department will offer free sledding with snow day locations for sledding, snowman-making and free hot cocoa. Sleds are provided!