So, it’s safe to say we’re going to be living with this snow for a while longer. Adults, we can handle this type of captivity (usually, and for the most part). Kids? Not so much.
Indoor Scavenger Hunts
When I tell my kids to “go outside and play”, they reply, “play with what?” Must I do allll the work? My kids work better with a purpose, so I’ve come up with scavenger hunts for outdoors. Bundle them up, give them a plastic sack and send them out with a list like this:
- Something that is the same color as snow
- Something green
- A pine cone
- A rock bigger than your thumb
Photo Albums
As a kid, I can remember how much fun it was to drag out the photo albums and sit on the couch pouring over every photograph. My sister and I used to love looking at old photos of ourselves, our parents and other family members in crazy clothes with crazy hair styles. We would study every picture, look at the house décor, our outfits, what shoes we were wearing—it all created a story in our moldable little minds.
Because kids are born narcissistic (and I mean that in the most endearing way possible), they love to hear about…who else, themselves! Plop them down on the couch with a bunch of photo albums from when they were a baby and have them look through the pictures. You’ll be barraged with 20 questions a minute from “why did I have this rattle in my mouth” to “what was my favorite food” or “why is this beer bottle propped up next to me in my bouncy seat?” Ah, good times.
Tub Time
I don’t care how old your kids are—they’ll be into this one. I tell my 9 and 10 year old to don their bathing suits and hop in the tub and it’s game on. I load the tub with bubble bath, give them fancy drinks in fancy plastic cups and slather clay masks on their face. They think this is hilariously fun and if I keep the water warm, this can allow me about an hour of busy time. Whatever works!
Family Book Time
This one might be met with some initial resistance, but if you can pull it off, it’s incredibly fantastic. Ask that everyone grab a book or magazine and pile together in a cozy, comfortable place (couch, bed, homemade camp-out on the floor). Then, read to each other or ready quietly to yourselves. Add a cup of hot chocolate and a view of the falling snow…heaven.
Looking for some more indoor fun? Check out our favorite ideas at WorcesterCentralKidsCalendar.com!
