Manchester Twp. dad recreates '96 igloo sleepover with kids

Drew Zimmerman built an igloo in his yard and slept in it with his children, just as his father did with him 30 years ago.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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In the aftermath of a recent blizzard, Drew Zimmerman, a 37-year-old watchmaker from Manchester Township, Pennsylvania, recreated an igloo-building tradition he experienced as a child. Thirty years ago, Zimmerman's father helped him and his sister construct an igloo, and the family spent the night sleeping inside it. This week, Zimmerman did the same with his own three children, Opal (9), Onyx (7), and Ruby (5), braving the cold temperatures to share the experience.

Why it matters

Zimmerman's story highlights the importance of passing down family traditions and creating shared experiences between generations. The igloo sleepover represents a unique way for parents to bond with their children, while also teaching them valuable skills like snow construction and winter survival. In an era where many families are disconnected, this tradition serves as a heartwarming example of how to create lasting memories and strengthen family ties.

The details

To recreate the experience, Zimmerman spent two days building up a large pile of snow in his yard, allowing it to freeze overnight to strengthen the structure. He then spent about three hours hollowing out the igloo with his children and shoring up the walls to ensure it was safe. That night, the family huddled together inside the igloo, using a cardboard floor and a comforter to share body heat. Despite the frigid 9-degree temperatures, Zimmerman's kids fell asleep quickly, while he stayed awake to monitor their safety throughout the night.

  • Thirty years ago, on January 14, 1996, Zimmerman's father helped him and his sister build an igloo and spend the night in it.
  • This week, during a recent blizzard in 2026, Zimmerman recreated the experience with his own three children.

The players

Drew Zimmerman

A 37-year-old watchmaker from Manchester Township, Pennsylvania, who recreated an igloo-building tradition he experienced as a child with his own three children.

Jim Zimmerman

Drew Zimmerman's father, who helped him and his sister build an igloo and spend the night in it 30 years ago.

Opal, Onyx, and Ruby

Drew Zimmerman's three children, aged 9, 7, and 5, who slept in the igloo with their father this week.

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What they’re saying

“I remember it was cold. I thought that was freezing.”

— Drew Zimmerman

“Done the right way, taking the right safety precautions, it makes an excellent family tradition.”

— Drew Zimmerman

What’s next

Zimmerman plans to continue the igloo-building tradition with his children, and hopes to pass it down to future generations as a way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

The takeaway

Zimmerman's story serves as an inspiring example of how parents can connect with their children and create shared experiences that will be cherished for years to come. By reviving a family tradition, he has demonstrated the power of passing down meaningful customs and the importance of embracing the wonder of winter with loved ones.