Indoor Activities That'll Keep The Kids Busy During The Winter Months.

With the recent time change, colder weather and shorter daylight hours, it can be quite a challenge to find indoor activities to keep our restless children busy and entertained.

Being a mother to two very active toddlers, I've really had to get creative in this area.

Through trial and error, I've found some great activities that will keep even the busiest kid entertained.

* Activities For Toddlers And Younger Kids.

A.) Indoor Obstacle Course.

An absolute favorite of my toddlers; this activity really gets your little ones up and moving.

All the tools you have are right at your fingertips.

Using sofa cushions, large empty boxes, chairs and old bedsheets, you can make an obstacle course that consist of makeshift tunnels or mountains to crawl through, under or over.

Make sure you provide close supervision however, to prevent any mishaps.

B.) Indoor Bowling Game.

Several retailers sell several cool and inexpensive lightweight indoor bowling sets tailored made for toddlers.

Available in a easy to handle carrying case, set these pins up (I use a piece of cardboard if I'm setting them up on a carpeted area) and watch you little one go to town!

C.) Indoor Scavenger Hunt.

This activity is just like the outdoor version, just inside. Simply:

1.) Choose small objects to hide around the home.

2.) Depending on how many children will be playing, divide the groups up into teams.

3.) Provide each team with a list of the items (for smaller kids, list the items by way of drawings if they are not yet able to read) - and start the game.

Whomever finds the most items on the list wins.

D.) Indoor Safari.

This activity is not only fun but educational.

Using small toy animals, place them - some hidden, some in plain sight - around one room of your choice.

Mom and dad can pretend to be the safari guide, and lead the children around the room in search of all the "exotic animals" they can find.

If you want to make it even more exciting, dress them up as if they were truly on a safari (safari hats, vest, canteen. binoculars, etc.)

E.) Let The Inner Artist Shine Through.

Let your small child's inner artist shine through by way of painting or coloring.

So grab a couple of coloring books, painting or drawing paper, crayons or paint and paintbrushes, and let them have at it.These activities will keep them busy for some time.

F.) Host An Art Show.

Let your pride shine through by displaying your child's (and his/her friends) artwork throughout the room of your choice.

Invite your child's friends and their families and let them see all theri wonderful pieces..

After a quick showing, present every child with a blue ribbon and a small goodie bag.

 

* Activities For Your Tween, Teens, and Older.

A.)Wii Fit.

Wii Fit is a great activity that will keep your tween, teens, and older children busy and entertained.

Taking the interactive level of video games to a different level, Wii Fit will help get your kids up and moving.

B.) Take Up A New Hobby.

Hobbies such as building airplane, boat, or car models, beading, crocheting, scrap-booking, playing an instrument, drawing, or painting are a great way of helping your older kids fight the "boredom bug."

C.) Have A Bake-Off!

This activity is really great for a large group of friends - Using one recipe, break off in several groups and work together to see how to enhance the recipe.

All the basic ingredients (including extras) will be lined up for easy access.

Much like a professional bake-off, there will be a panel of taste testers that will decide what team produced the tastiest product.

D.) Host A Dance-Off!

With the active participation of your children, invite a few of his or her friends and host a dance off.

Have the kids perform a dance off with each other, the parents with each other, as well as the attending families with each other.

Ensure that along with the food and drink; the music is tasteful and age appropriate.

* For Kids Of All Ages.

When all else fails, parents can opt for the old standbys to keep the kids entertained.

Standbys such as:

1.) Putting together puzzle pieces.

2.) Playing board Games. (Chutes and Ladders, Memory Matching)

3.) Playing card Games (Uno, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, Spades, etc.)

4.) Playing charades.

5.) Playing word games. (Scrabble, Boggle)

6.) Karaoke (you can rent a machine or.... just turn on your television set - some cable companies offer music channels that provide the songs with the lyrics, turning your television into your own personal karaoke machine).

* Indoor Activities Outside The Home.

But what about indoor activities outside the home? Depending on the age of your child, keep these activities in mind:

1.) Bowling.

2.) Art Museums.

3.) Soft Play.

4.) Video Game Arcades.

5.) Arts and Crafts Programs (Micheal's, A.C.Moore, Joanns)

6.) Indoor Skating Rink.

7.) Laser Tag.

8.) Movies.

Sounds like fun does it not? - With just a little thought and creativity, anyone can come up with some great indoor activities to help the kids fight the "winter-indoor-blues."

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