Raise your hand if you have cabin fever!
Winter in Iowa can be brutal as a parent. In the summer, it’s easy to just send the kids to the back yard to play, but in the winter when it gets dark so early and is bitterly cold, we spend a lot of time indoors.
While we do have many movie nights and some extra screen time, there are a lot of other ways to keep the kids busy indoors. Here are a few ideas to help you beat cabin fever.
And don’t miss our winter activity bucket list with 25 things to do at home and around Des Moines in the winter.
10 Easy Indoor Activities for Winter
Have Fun with Play Dough
I know not all parents are a fan, but play dough is my go-to for indoor fun. Yes, it is messy, but it keeps my kids so busy. We picked up this dentist set for our three-year-old after the holidays and it has been a hit! I asked for suggestions about how to keep the mess at bay from some Facebook friends and many said the mess is inevitable. Let the play dough harden and sweep it up. I had a couple friends, however, recommend these trays to contain the mess. While they don’t keep everything perfectly neat and tidy, they do help, and we use them for other things, too.
Play with Bubbles
Another idea, which can be a little messy, but also keeps my kids busy for a long time, is letting them play in the sink. Throw in some dish soap and have them wash their plastic toys, and my sons are in heaven. I usually just line the sink with some towels to keep things as dry as possible. Baths are also a great idea. The other night I gave my younger two boys a straw in the bathtub and they blew bubbles to their hearts’ delight!
Make a Sensory Bin
I was reminded of another great idea when asking some friends on social media for ideas: a sensory bin! Throw in some dry beans or rice, scoops, trucks, and bowls, and let them play. You have to be careful of this with younger ones who may put the sensory materials in their mouths, but all in all, it’s usually a good time. Also, if it’s super cold outside, you can bring some snow inside in a tub, put some towels on the kitchen floor, put some mittens on your child, and let them play inside.
Get Dollar Store Treasures
If you really have cabin fever and must get out of the house, there are some places you can go without having to spend a ton of money. My kids LOVE the dollar store. I can give them a very small budget like one or two dollars and they will come out thrilled with their treasures.
Find Free Fun
A trip to the pet store can also be fun (as long as you’re not talked into a pet you didn’t intend on getting!). We also hit up the mall play places to run off some steam, too.
Use Your Imagination
When all else fails, bring out the classics! Build blanket forts! Get out the paints. Bake some cookies and have a cookie decorating contest. And there’s always the option to turn up the music and have a dance party!
What are your favorite ways to keep kids busy indoors?
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Bake something special with them!