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Summer with kids is easy. There are endless outdoor activities to explore, parks to play in, and backyard games to keep kids active and entertained. But when the weather cools and the rain clouds roll in, it’s another story entirely. Preventing cabin fever when the kids are cooped up due to bad weather is no easy feat, but with the help of Mommies Reviews, you can survive the winter with kids without going stir-crazy. These are our best tips for things to do when your family is stuck indoors.
Designate a family game night
Family game nights aren’t just a great bonding opportunity. Playing games as a family also benefits your children’s motor skills, problem-solving ability, and even their grades. Schedule a weekly game night with card and board games the whole family can enjoy.
Identify high-quality online content
We hear a lot about the dangers of screen time as parents, but the truth is, it’s quality, not quantity that matters. Instead of running yourself ragged trying to keep kids entertained the old-fashioned way, identify high-quality content for guilt-free screen time. These are some great places to start:
- PBSkids.org.
- SesameStreet.org.
- International Children’s Digital Library (or your local library!).
- Interactive apps and games.
Find ways to get active indoors
Of course, sedentary activities are best paired with movement to burn off excess energy and keep kids healthy. But you don’t want rambunctious kids to put a ball through the flatscreen TV or terrorize the downstairs neighbors either! For indoor activities that get kids moving, try these ideas:
- Play freeze dance.
- Learn dance routines on YouTube.
- Hold crab-walking races.
- Adapt outdoor games to the indoors.
- Do yoga together.
- Plan indoor scavenger hunts.
- Play active video games.
- Try at-home workouts for kids.
Many of these games require your participation too, Mom! Make sure you’re ready to play with comfy clothes that let you move, like leggings that hold you in (with pockets, of course!) and nursing tops that you actually feel good wearing.
Practice your storytelling skills
Storytelling ignites kids’ imaginations while honing their verbal and social skills. Play storytelling games like story stones and Storymatic Kids to introduce children to concepts including sequencing and story structure and watch your children’s creativity unfold in real-time!
Visit children’s museums ‑ virtually!
Your kids may be stuck at home, but they can still have worldly experiences when they visit popular museums online. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Monterey Bay Aquarium are just a few kid-friendly museums that offer virtual tours.
Give your kids a job
Are your kids bored out of their minds indoors? They may have too few responsibilities on their plates. Give kids a purpose by assigning age-appropriate jobs and remember to be patient if their “helping” isn’t all that helpful. Kids are learning important skills when they pitch in even if they’re not getting much done.
Get outdoors when you can
Finally, get outside when you can, even when the weather isn’t perfect. That may mean bundling up in winter coats or throwing on raincoats and boots, but even in bad weather, time outdoors is good for your family’s well-being. Catch snowflakes on your tongues, make mud pies, or build a fort and have a snowball fight. As long as you’re dressed for the weather, it’s always a good time to get outdoors!
Preparation is key when it comes to surviving gloomy weather with kids in the house. Instead of letting the next rainy day catch you by surprise, arm yourself with indoor activity ideas like these. With fun things to do indoors and out, you can keep your kids happy and active no matter what the weather brings!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
