It is pretty chilly where I live and I’m thinking it might be where you live too. I’ve got the wood stove burning and a hot cup of coffee at my desk as I work. Staying warm and cozy inside is great for grownups but it can be a little hard on the kids. Whether they are peeling off layers of clothing after playing in the snow or peering out the window wishing they could go out, I’ve got a few ideas to avoid cabin fever.
A Winter I Spy FREE printable and a great activity when kids are stuck inside and feeling bored. Print it out, grab a pen and cozy up with hot chocolate.
Scroll to the end of this post for your Winter I Spy FREE printable download.
More things to do with kids when it’s cold outside
Being stuck inside isn’t all bad especially when it gives you some time to make great memories. Here are 10 more fun activities to do with your kids providing interaction and creative playtime to keep them busy and happy.
Bird Seed Treats
The cold weather isn’t always easy for the birds either. Providing food is certainly beneficial to the birds but watching the different varieties and their activity at a feeder is delightful for us humans. Check out, Making Seed Treats for the Birds. It has a couple of recipes and sweet ideas for feeding feathered friends that you and your kids will enjoy.
Paper Airplanes
Paper airplanes are always fun to make. If you don’t remember how to make the folds, check out this easy tutorial. This simple project will have everyone seeing who can make a plane that flies the farthest!
Homemade Playdough
Homemade playdough is quick and easy to make, and this recipe makes the softest playdough ever. Make a few colors, get out a the cookie cutters and let the kids shape, roll, cut and create to their hearts content. Get the recipe when you click Homemade Playdough.
Bake Cupcakes
Kids love to bake and they love cupcakes! Sweetheart Cupcakes are made with a cake mix. Use the frosting recipe in the post or use a purchased tub of frosting. A few sprinkles and your little princess will be ready for a party.
Sink full of bubbles
Pull up a chair or stool and fill the kitchen sink with warm water and lots of bubbles. Grab the toy dishes and other water safe toys and allow kids to scrub and splash and play. I am always surprised how long this activity entertains little ones.
Build a fort
Making a fort is a delight of childhood and can keeps kids happily occupied for hours. Provide a flash light for reading or coloring if that is something your child likes to do. Make some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a special snack. You might even spark the interest of the family pup.
Paper German Stars
Making folded paper German Stars will have everyone participating. My easy to follow, step-by-step video tutorial will show you how. With a little adult help, I think kids as young as third or forth grade could complete a star. Be warned… creating them is addictive and very rewarding 🙂
Make homemade Pizza
I don’t know too many kids that don’t like pizza and making it themselves is super fun. Use this bread machine Pizza recipe and add your favorite topping!
Magazines
Give the kids a stack of magazines you are finished with and allow them create a their own special menu by cutting out pictures of food and pasting onto paper.
Silly Selfies
This is one of my grandchildren’s favorite activities. Using my cell phone and the Snapchat app, we scroll through the various settings making the silliest faces. They giggle with delight and everyone wants a turn, even the littlest one who is under two years old.
Don’t let messy weather cause grumpy cabin fever when everyone is stuck indoors. Download the Winter: I Spy Game and try a few of the busy-time suggestions for hours of happy kids.
Winter I SPY FREE Printable
Subscribe to get your FREE Winter I SPY printables!
Get our GPTH Newsletter and get instant access to the Free Printable PDF. You will receive a link to the PDF via email within 24 hours. Be sure to check your spam and promotions folders if you do not see the email in your inbox.
Each issue of our Newsletter is timely and helpful and jam-packed with food, crafts, occasional DIY, gardening and faith resources. Relevant and seasonal posts to inspire and guide you with current trends. Available only to those who request it, so please accept our invitation to stay connected and join the Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart community. Just click the subscribe button below.
Great activities and all so much better than just sitting in front of a tv.