Ideas for Indoor Family Fun

Hibernation mode is kicking into high gear with these freezing temperatures!  Are your kids going crazy yet?  Have you watched every movie and played every game you can think of?  When the temperatures drop and snow days are frequent, it may take some creative planning to keep your family entertained, so here are some ideas to get you through these chilly days... 

1.  Cook something!  I'm not talking about a souffle or anything fancy... how about something you eat on a regular basis?  Not only can you talk about nutrition and measurements, but you can have a great time with your kids.  You may even spark a new favorite hobby for your little ones.  Check out this SUPER easy recipe for tortilla chips (http://whatscookingamerica.net/Appetizers/TortillaChips.htm), you could even use cinnamon and sugar for a sweet snack.  

2.  Clean the windows!  Before you laugh at me and stop reading this blog all together, give your kids some shaving cream and let them play with it on a glass surface.  It's a lot of fun and when they're done, spray it with window cleaner and hand them the paper towel.  Kids love to help, especially when it seems like play.  (Don't stop with the windows either, this is just as much fun in the tub!) 

3.  Print your photos and display them.  It's never been easier to take photos, and actually printing them and doing something with them can be just as easy.  There are many apps that you can use to upload photos directly from your phone and print locally.  Let the kids pick out some photos and create a book, frame them, or create a collage.  It might not be the scrapbook you were hoping for, but it might be more memorable! 

4.  Make a family tree.  Help your kids learn more about their roots with this fun craft project.  Use a template from the web, or get creative and make it your own.  Once you complete Step 3, you could even include photos!    

5.  Organize together!  Attack a closet, playroom or cabinet as a team.  Have the kids help you create "Give Away," "Throw Away," "Relocate," and "Keep" piles and stick to them!  This may seem like a big responsibility for the little ones, but organization is a life skill most of us could use some help with.  Listen to music, make it fun, and you'll complete an otherwise boring household task with less pain!   

What other activities are you filling this chilly time with?