As the days get colder and shorter, kids are spending more time indoors. To avoid cabin fever, here are 15 fun and creative ways to keep your children busy this winter.
Build an obstacle course
Use chairs, blankets, and other household items to create a course for the kids to run through. Keep in mind ages and abilities of children, as well as the amount of space you have.
Be a movie director or actress
Help your kids come up with a story, and with the help of an app like iMovie, they could create the next Oscar winner!
Learn yoga
It's indoor fun and exercise that the whole family can get involved in. Not only does yoga offer physical benefits, but also it offers mental benefits.
Finally finish that puzzle
You know, the one your kids wanted to get so badly last year but haven't even touched. Set out the puzzle and let them finish it over a couple days or a week.
Set up camp inside
Gather all of the blankets, sheets and pillows you can find and let your kids create their own secret hideaway.
Feed the birds
Fill a plate, bowl, or milk carton with birdseed, or coat pinecones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Hang up your creations and go bird-watching from inside your house.
Have fun with slime
A homemade slime recipe is sure to keep your kids occupied for a long time! Make sure your kids are supervised when making the slime, and let them know it's to play with, not to eat. Everyone should wash their hands after playing with the gooey goodness.
Become a magician
Search for videos online and your kids can learn how to trick anyone into thinking they know magic.
Go outside
It may be winter, but that doesn't mean you can't play outside. If it's not too cold, bundle the kids up and encourage them to play outside. They'll have even more fun if there's snow on the ground, of course!
Winter sports
Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and bowling are all perfect winter sports. While ice skating and skiing do require some skill, bowling is a fantastic and easy indoor activity that offers friendly competition and a little bit of exercise.
Get the whole family involved in making a meal
This is a great opportunity for family bonding as well as a learning experience for the kids.
Search for hidden treasure
Hide a prize, which can be anything like toys or snacks. Then create clues that lead players around the house until the last clue that leads them to the prize. The clues can be riddles or questions that challenge players to think.
Perform good deeds
Bake some treats to share with a neighbor, see what kinds of activities the local firehouse has for kids, or go to your hospital to find out if there is a volunteer program that suits your child.
Play charades
This classic party game is sure to get the whole family moving and thinking!
Make a calm-down jar
If the indoor play gets too rowdy, a calm-down jar can help your child relax.
About Pediatric Services
Doylestown Health is committed to providing family-centered children's services to Bucks and Montgomery County communities. The Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center offers expert inpatient care to all ages including infants, children and teens. Della Penna Pediatric Center Services extend beyond the hospital setting to include health and wellness education, nutrition services and other support services.
