The latest winter storm creeping in on the east coast has me putting together a plan. Feverishly. And no, I'm not talking about running to the grocery store for French toast ingredients. I'm talking about what to do to keep my kiddos entertained and active while (if) we're stuck at home.
Sledding and snowball fights and snowman making is awesome, and we'll be doing it, but if there's one thing the last bit of winter weather made clear, it was that these outdoor activities have but a small window. After 30 mins to an hour, the kids are done. They're cold and are over it. So, then what?
Sledding and snowball fights and snowman making is awesome, and we'll be doing it, but if there's one thing the last bit of winter weather made clear, it was that these outdoor activities have but a small window. After 30 mins to an hour, the kids are done. They're cold and are over it. So, then what?
There's tons of artsy craftsy things to do, and we have enough Disney movies to choke a dinosaur, but what I really need are things to help them BURN SOME ENERGY. Because if I don't come up with some ideas, they will come up with their own...and they'll likely involve chasing the scared and barking dog...or chasing the screaming and crying sibling--ALL of which is crazy making for mommy and daddy.
So in between sipping hot chocolate and snuggling under a blanket on the couch while watching a movie, I'll be weaving in some things to keep them busy. My list below includes activities with teeny tiny material lists because the point is to use materials you likely have on hand, not to send you to the store during a snow storm.
The Save Your Sanity During a Snowstorm List
--or--
Yea, It's a Snow Day...Now What?
So in between sipping hot chocolate and snuggling under a blanket on the couch while watching a movie, I'll be weaving in some things to keep them busy. My list below includes activities with teeny tiny material lists because the point is to use materials you likely have on hand, not to send you to the store during a snow storm.
The Save Your Sanity During a Snowstorm List
--or--
Yea, It's a Snow Day...Now What?
1. Walk the Line- Use painters tape to lay out a long line on the floor. Have your kiddos take turns walking from one end to the other with arms out as if on a balance beam. Have fun with it by having them hop on one leg, or walk only on tippy toes, or making sure the heel of one foot touches the toes of the other when walking. Mix it up a little more by creating turns they'll have to follow while keeping balance or by having the line move around obstacles.
2. Freeze Dance- Have them do the crazy dance to music playing while you control the volume. At random points in the song, turn the volume all of the way down, at which point they have to "freeze".
3. Balloon Volleyball- Pass/volley an inflated balloon to each other without letting it touch the floor!
4. Build a Fort- Use cushions, pillows, sheets and blankets to build an indoor fun house. Let them grab flashlights and pretend to be camping. They'll love having this special space all their own, and they'll love helping you plan and build it.
5. Treasure Hunt- Hide several clues throughout the house leading them to a special hidden prize or treat. A variation of this would be to draw a treasure map instead of writing out clues. You could also make it more of a scavenger hunt by hiding several objects throughout the house and giving them a list (even a picture list if they're not yet reading) of all of the items they need to find. Once they collect all of the items on the list, they get a special treat or prize.
Of course, you can link back to some previously posted crafts if you're feeling up to it:
Or better yet, bake your buns off with these recipes if you have the ingredients on hand (and be sure to get your little helpers involved so that everybody wins):