As freezing temperatures and icy conditions roll into town, it can be challenging to figure out how to stay entertained. There comes the point when no amount of outerwear will keep you warm enough to warrant a day outside of the house. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor activities that you and your family can try this winter. Here are a few ways you can remedy that inevitable bout of cabin fever.
1. Get a Little Crafty
Crafts are an excellent means for your family to have fun, be creative and learn something new all at the same time. You’ll most likely already have the necessary materials and ingredients on hand to make some of these masterpieces.
- Slime:Elements like glue, shaving cream and contact lens solution come together to make a squishy material that is so much fun to play with. Add food coloring and you’ll get a vibrant, gooey mixture perfect for hours of play.
- Homemade playdough: Your kids will love customizing their very own playdough. Store it in an airtight container and it lasts for months.
- Origami: Try your hand at making a variety of origami art This is a unique and enjoyable skill that everyone can learn.
- Glow bubbles: Next time you’re at the store, pick up some non-toxic glow sticks. Your kids will spend hours with these bubbles.
- Paper bracelets:With some paper and a little paint, your family can make beautiful paper bracelets.
You might also want to take a trip to your local science center, where you can do a ton of other interesting learning activities.
2. Build or Visit a Play Area
If you’ve never built a fort out of pillows and blankets, or a house out of a big cardboard box, then you’re in for an exciting experience. You can push chairs and couches together to construct walls and a support system. Lay a blanket between them as a makeshift roof. Before you recycle that old refrigerator box in your basement, bring it out so your kids can make it into a house. Have your them decorate with drawings and make it their own.
See if there are any indoor play spaces near you. Many have inflatable structures and bounce houses that are perfect for kids — some of which even allow them to play as various objects and characters. Let their imaginations run wild!
3. Try an Indoor Sport
There are several sports you can modify so that you can play them inside of your home. Create a soft landing space with pillows and blankets. Then, start a wrestling tournament between friends and family. Set up basketball hoops on either end of a room – you can make them with cardboard and tape. If you don’t have a small ball, you can use balled up socks instead.
Your family can also go ice skating at a local rink, try indoor rock climbing or head to a trampoline park. These are fantastic ideas to blow off steam and remain active when it’s cold outside.
4. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Put together some clues and hide items around the house for your family to find. Be as creative as you wish! You can do a theme, like a treasure hunt with riddles written in pirate lingo, or be a little more straightforward. This activity allows people to work together to solve problems, which is a handy life skill. Check out some of these pre-made clues to help get you started.
5. Bake Treats
Baking is a terrific way to bond as a family. Grab a box mix at the store or pull out the flour and sugar to start from scratch. Should you find yourself stuck inside all day, there are plenty of simple recipes for kids to start with. You can use fun cookie cutters and shapers and let your kids decorate to their hearts’ content. Doing this is an excellent way for them to get a little messy and learn the basics of cooking at the same time.
6. Make a Reading Nook
Make a quick trip to the library and pick out a few favorites. When you get home, set up a cozy reading nook, which can also work as a fort for even more fun later on. Your family will love to snuggle up and dive into a book for the afternoon. This is an excellent opportunity to implement more consistent reading in your house. You can also use this spot to play board games.
7. Watch a Movie
When all else fails, movies are there to save the day. Set up an area in the living room and pick out a couple of movies you and your family love. Pop some popcorn, make some yummy drinks and have yourselves a movie marathon. You can use this as a way to wind down after an action-packed day.
Have Some Fun!
With this wide range of activities in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to face the frigid winter days head-on. These ideas will help you introduce entertaining and educational opportunities to your family – all while staying warm.
Jennifer Landis
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