A Dozen Indoor-Friendly Kids’ Activities That Banish Winter Doldrums
The dreaded words have been spoken: “I’m bored.” Ugh. But spring is still weeks away (thanks a lot, Groundhog), and it’s bitterly cold outside. While snow days can be a blast, the bone-chilling cold, dreary skies, and cold drizzle of winter can be a real bummer for kids, and (who are we kidding?) adults too.
Time for reinforcements. Hence, this collection a dozen foolproof activities for kids to keep them entertained on those winter days when it’s too cold to go outside. From perennial childhood classics, like pillow forts and silly jokes, to creative and crafty fun, these ideas are sure to make the hours fly by and banish the winter doldrums for good!
Need more ideas? We’ve got you.
Put on a movie: This list of 55 funny kids' movies will have the whole family laughing.
Make mealtime fun: We’ve got 62 tasty kid-friendly dinner ideas that grown-ups can enjoy, too. From Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac 'n Cheesy to Tater Tot Casserole, these recipes have your picky eater’s number. For our next trick, pull out this parenting hack at the dinner table too.
Crafts, crafts, and more crafts: Rain or shine, these crafts will keep your kiddos busy for hours.
And now for those indoor-friendly kids’ activities we promised. Before you know it, the hours will be flying by and winter boredom a thing of the past.
Build a fort.
What child—or adult, really—doesn't like building forts? Toss kids a few blankets, sheets, and pillows and watch them turn ordinary items into a wondrous haven fueled by their vivid imagination.
Get tips to build the best pillow fort of all time.
Make paper airplanes.
Nothing gets kids excited like making their own playthings. Paper planes are easy to make and will keep your child flying high all afternoon.
Learn how to make a paper airplane.
Write a song.
It’s easy when you start with a familiar tune. Afterward, have a family singalong!
Get our songwriting activity and fill-in-the-blank printable.
Feed the birds.
Kids will love watching all the birds that these pine cone feeders will bring to your yard! Let the fluttering begin!
To make pine cone bird feeders: Wrap a length of string around the top stem of the pine cone. Fill the opening of the pine cone with peanut butter then roll the whole pine cone in bird seed. Hang outside from a tree branch. Remove and refill as needed.
Make a tie-dye T-shirt.
Brighten their day by setting up a tie-dye station. Let them design their own pieces and watch their creativity with color flourish.
Learn how to make tie-dye heart t-shirts and gym bags.
Invent your own trail mix.
Healthy eating should always be a top priority. Promote smart snacking by encouraging your children to make their own trail mix for a tasty activity.
Create a custom trail mix with these tips.
Plan a Nancy Drew-themed scavenger hunt.
A scavenger hunt helps boost observational and cognitive skills, while encouraging young minds to slow down and pay attention. Geared toward slightly older kids (think 8-12), this hunt takes inspiration from our favorite literary sleuth—and the kids can get in on the fun of creating clues for their siblings and friends. Cut out letters from a magazine to patch together cryptic clues, each leading to the next. Winners can enjoy Nancy's favorite blondies.
Find more scavenger hunt ideas.
Play charades.
Actions speak louder than words—especially when it comes to charades. Your kids will enjoy acting out people, places, and things with this classic guessing game.
Get 200 fun charades ideas for all ages.
Make a time capsule.
Your future self will be glad you did! We know what you’re thinking, but this activity actually does not involve digging a hole outside in the bitter cold. It’s more practical (and safer) to store your capsule in a temperature-controlled, not-particularly-frequented space, such as the back corner of a closet or under a bed—or entrust it to another family member for safe keeping for a designated time.
Get tips for making a time capsule with kids.
Tell silly jokes…
Nothing like the giggles to chase away the winter doldroms.
Find 150 laugh-out-loud jokes for kids.
…or puzzle out some riddles.
A few good head-scratchers will make learning fun and exercise their critical-thinking skills.
From easy peasy to tricky, these riddles are great for all ages.
Pull out the craft bin!
Set their creativity free—while exercising their fine motor skills too. There’s no better way to while away the hours indoors than with a day of crafting.
Find 47 easy crafts for kids to do at home.
You Might Also Like
