You expect to be stricken with cabin fever during snowstorms, thunderstorms, maybe even power outages, but no one ever expects to be homebound due to a global pandemic. Yet, here we are.
If your kids are on their tenth straight hour of screen time and you’re starting to feel a little bad about it, try some of these family-friendly activities to keep the boredom blues at bay.
1. Make pillow and blanket forts.
2. Have a puzzle race– see who can finish their puzzle first!
3. Bake cookies together.
4. Movie time: hot chocolate + popcorn. Dim the lights!
5. Have a scavenger hunt like this one, or create your own . Try using themes like colors or numbers.
6. Get creative with colored tape: floor maze, racetracks, hopscotch, limbo, endless possibilities!
7. Play simple card games like Go Fish and Rummy or try some new ones out.
8. Go on a nature walk. Gather winter nature items, like pine cones and icicles.
9. Throw an indoor “beach” party with beach towels, sand pails, bathing suits, sunglasses, etc.
10. Silly storytelling; take turns making up funny stories.
11. Host a coloring marathon. Print out coloring sheets for free online.
12. Grab the mani/pedi kit and have a spa day.
13. Host an indoor picnic; invite the dolls and other stuffed animals.
14. Dress up time! Host a fashion show. Make it even more fun by capturing it on video.
15. Write letters to friends, family, the President, anyone!
16. Make magazine collages.
17. Read a book aloud together.
18. Make your own book. Take pictures around the house or in your backyard and print them out, then write captions.
19. Make snowflake cut-outs and hang them up for an “indoor” snow storm.
20. Make puppets out of old socks and have a puppet show.
21. Host a board game marathon; each family member chooses a game.
22. Make a big pot of soup together. Kids can help toss ingredients in the pot! See some yummy recipes here.
23. Host a tea party. All the stuffed animals are invited!
24. Start a dance party. Let your little ones pick the tunes.
25. Create an indoor obstacle course.
26. Put on a play. Have kids act out scenes from their favorite movies or TV shows.
27. Go camping indoors by setting up a tent in your living room. Stovetop s’mores, anyone?
28. Reverse school day: have your kids be the teacher and teach the “class” what they are learning in school.
29. Make a “train” using kitchen table chairs. Kids can take turns playing conductor.
30. Same concept as #29, but make a roller coaster instead. Weeee!
31. Host a marathon video game battle.
32. Start spring cleaning early.
