Creative Winter Activities

Ah winter! People in northern climates can become like bears, hibernating to avoid the cold outdoors. When the temperatures drop, it gets dark early, and the magic of the first snowfall has long since worn out, kids often find themselves bored and grumpy—and sometimes with a bad case of cabin fever!

Not sure how to help your kids chase those winter blues away? Try some of these fun ideas and you’ll boost everyone’s spirits—including your own!

Movie Making

Are you living with a pint-sized drama queen? If so, he or she will have fun putting on a performance—solo or with siblings, parents or friends—for you to record on video! Let the kids dress up in costumes or your clothes and act out a play. They can even create a puppet show with homemade sock puppets.

If your child is camera shy, give cues: have him sing a favorite song, tell a story, count to 20, do his ABC’s, etc. Try asking your child questions about her favorite food, book, music, or thing to do in the summer. The video will make a great keepsake or a wonderful gift for family living far away.

Dining In

Children love to pretend and imitate adults, so they’ll think it’s a blast setting up their own restaurant. Have the kids help you plan, shop for, and even make a dinner. Even toddlers can help decorate; an inexpensive paper tablecloth and homemade construction paper placemats can be colored with crayons, glitter or paints (parents can laminate placemats to save if they’d like). Older kids can create menus listing the meal of the night and offer to serve dinner, too! You can use monopoly money for the "cashier" at the end of the "restaurant" meal.

Family Room Picnic

Spread out a big blanket on the floor and enjoy a yummy dinner (pizza anyone?) with your sweeties. You can even use your picnic basket!

Or try a family camping trip! If you have a small tent, try setting it up in the living room, complete with picnic and nap-time accessories.