Here in the Northeast we’re getting a bit of cabin fever. It seems that in the last three weeks, between holidays and snow days, the kids have had off of school as much as they’ve been in school. While I love a good snow day as much as my kids, it can be a little daunting facing yet another unexpected day with all of that cooped-up, unspent energy (and I don’t mean mine!). So, what is a mom to do to help everyone pass the time without killing each other?
Outside Fun
Since most of us have to shovel or snowblow the walk or driveway anyway, the obvious means of entertaining the kids is to take them outside to blow off some steam. The problem is that it takes 20 minutes to get the kids dressed to go out in the snow and they spend about 10 minutes actually playing in it before declaring, “We’re freezing to death!” The key is to create so much fun that they forget that they are cold or they just don’t care. Encourage them to build a snow fort, but not just any fort…the Ultimate Snow Fort! Dig out those buckets and, if the snow is good packing snow, have the kids make snow bricks by packing snow into the bottom of the buckets. Turn the bucket over and tap the bottom until the snow brick falls out. To make your fort stronger, lay the bricks out overnight on a tarp to freeze. Then begin construction. For more in-depth instructions on building the Ultimate Snow Fort check out Disney’s Family Fun site.
Other fun ideas would be to put a new spin on an old favorite with a birdseed snow angel or winter snow Olympics. Instead of making the classic Frosty, try having a fashion show with winners for the most creatively dressed snowman or woman using old clothes and unused accessories from around the house. If the kids are still screaming boredom, then put them to work. You’ll be surprised by how much snow your kids can shovel for you with kid-sized shovels.
Inside Fun
What about those days when it’s just too messy or windy or downright frigid to go outside? You can still build a fort. Turn your living room into the next bunker, Alamo or cave. Push your couches together and drape blankets over top. Use cushions and pillows for flooring and bring in the troops - stuffed animals, toy soldiers, Polly Pockets, Mr. Potato Head. When the troops get hungry, bring food to the mess hall and let them have the special treat of eating in the living room. Or, if you have princesses around the house, turn it into a fairy forest instead of a fort and have a fairy tea party in your forest.
Dreaming of summer? Throw a beach party! Turn up the heat, fill up the bathtub with warm water and have everyone don their bathing suits, sun hats and sunglasses. After a quick “swim”, pack a picnic lunch with your favorite beach snacks and eat them on your beach towels under an umbrella in the living room.
Maybe you prefer camping to lounging on the beach. If you have a tent, pitch it in the living room and grab the sleeping bags. Light a fire in the fireplace, roast marshmallows and hot dogs and tell campfire stories. If you don’t have a fireplace you can still make s’mores. Place chocolate and a marshmallow on top of a graham cracker and microwave it for 30 seconds. Try doing a scavenger hunt while you’re on your “camping trip”. Make up a list of items around the house for the kids to find and the first one to finish wins a prize.
At the end of a long day of indoor activities, a good way to wind down the evening is to have a movie night. Get out a favorite movie or one that they haven’t seen in a while, push the couch right up in front of the TV and give the kids bowls of popcorn or other movie snacks for munchies.
Snow Day Snacks
After fun in the snow, all you can think about is warm, warm, warm! Fix a nice, hot pot of soup or a steaming cup of cocoa. Create a make-your-own pizza or taco bar. For something new and fun, try a warm cheese or chocolate fondue. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat their fruits and veggies! If you’re worried about using a fondue pot with an open flame around young children you can make individual “fondue” cups for each child. Place 1/3 cup of chocolate chips or cheese into a glass ramekin or small bowl. Pour milk, cream or half-n-half into the bowl until the chocolate or cheese is not quite covered. Microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time. Make sure to keep an eye on the bowls as they heat to ensure that the milk doesn’t boil over. Stir with a small whisk or fork until the mixture is creamy and ready for dipping. Serve the chocolate “fondue” with apple, pineapple, strawberry or banana pieces. Serve cheese “fondue” with crackers, broccoli, cauliflower or bread. For a tasty snow day treat and engaging craft all rolled into one, try making these marshmallow snowmen for dessert.
Think Ahead
If you live in a region where snow is a regular winter visitor then it pays to think ahead and be prepared for the inevitable. Have some activities or tools on hand to break up the boredom. Buy those kid-sized shovels before it snows. Create a ready-to-go craft box that is only used on rainy or snowy days. Have birdseed on hand to create birdseed snow angels or pine cone birdfeeders. To keep the novelty, buy a movie, game or craft kit that is only for snow days. A little preparation will go a long way in helping you and the kids have a smooth and enjoyable snow day.
Maybe plan ahead and purchase some craft kits. They don't go bad so you can purchase a few and have them stashed away for when the cabin fever gets bad. Here is a suggestion.
If you have a fun snow day activity or recipe, please share it with us in the Comments section. We'd love to hear it! Snow days don't have to be a drag. Let it be a chance to kick back, reconnect with your kids and get the creative juices flowing...yours and your kids'!
