Snow angel facts for kids

A child making a snow angel.

A snow angel is a fun shape made in snow that looks like an angel. People create them by lying on their backs in fresh snow and moving their arms up and down, and their legs from side to side. This movement pushes the snow away, leaving an outline that looks like an angel's body, wings, and robes. Making snow angels is a popular winter activity, especially for children.

How to Make a Snow Angel

Making a snow angel is simple and fun! Here's how you do it:

• First, find a spot with fresh, soft snow. It works best when the snow is not too deep and not too icy.
• Carefully lie down on your back in the snow. Try not to mess up the snow around you too much as you lie down.
• Keep your arms straight and move them up and down, like you're making a snow version of a "jumping jack" with your arms. This creates the angel's wings.
• At the same time, move your legs from side to side, keeping them mostly straight. This forms the angel's lower body or robes.
• Once you're happy with your angel shape, carefully stand up without stepping on your creation. You might need to roll to the side or push yourself up gently.
• Look at your finished snow angel! It's a cool, temporary piece of art.

The Best Snow for Snow Angels

The type of snow really matters for making a good snow angel.

• Fresh, powdery snow is usually the best. It's soft and easy to move, leaving clear marks.
• Wet, heavy snow can also work, but it might be harder to move your limbs, and the angel might not look as neat.
• Icy or crusty snow is not good for snow angels. It's too hard to make a clear impression, and you might even hurt yourself trying.

Snow Angels in Nature

Sometimes, animals can also leave shapes in the snow that look a bit like snow angels!

• For example, a pheasant might fly low over fresh snow, and the marks from its wings can look like a small, feathery angel shape. This shows how nature can create beautiful patterns, too.

Images for kids

• 

  A girl making a snow angel in snow

• 

  Snow angel left by a pheasant in Montana's Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

See also

In Spanish: Ángel de nieve para niños