Blame it on the groundhog, but this winter is giving us a firm test in endurance. And if you’re in an area hit with low temps, incessant rain or heaps of the fluffy white stuff, you might be getting a little stir-crazy. As parents and outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we see you. 

But succumbing to screens or letting the little ones run wild doesn’t have to be your MO during this (seemingly endless) winter season. With a little imagination, you can keep the whole family entertained without giving yourself to the elements – or going crazy in the process. 

Top Chef, Family Style

Nothing feels quite as good on a cold day than a home-cooked meal or treat. Rather than trying to cook amidst the chaos, bring the chaos to the kitchen! Cooking can be both fun and educational for kids, teaching them about measurement, chemistry and following instructions. Plus, who doesn't love a warm meal or sweet treat? 

From cookies to cakes to bread, there are plenty of recipes that kids can help make. Even younger children can participate in simple tasks such as stirring or adding ingredients. For example, making homemade pizza is a fun way to involve the whole family. Kids can help knead dough, chop toppings, and assemble their own pizzas. Try our favorite (and simplest!) pizza dough recipe, and don’t worry about the mess – grab a stack of our Not Paper Towels for easy cleanup.

Fort-Building Challenge

There’s nothing more timeless than an old-fashioned blanket fort – and nothing that entertains the little ones more! And since all you need are some blankets, pillows, and chairs, you can create a cozy hideaway on a moment’s notice. Let your kids use their imagination to create unique fort designs, then use the finished products for reading nooks or cozy movie nights. You can even encourage children to fill their forts with their favorite toys or books to make it feel like a secret clubhouse.

Dance Off

Can’t get outside? That doesn’t mean you can’t get the whole family moving! A dance party won’t just get the blood – and endorphins – flowing, it’ll also burn up some long hours when the weather outside is frightful. Plus, dancing is a tried-and-true stress relieverv, so start channeling your inner John Travolta. 

Feeling creative? Give your dance party a theme by dressing up in costumes or choosing a specific genre of music. If you have a karaoke machine or microphone, you can add an extra element of entertainment by getting family members on stage. 

Fine Arts Hour

For children who love to create, the indoors can be just as magical as the outdoors. Set up an art station with paper, paints, markers, and other art supplies, then spur your kids’ creativity by adding some outside-the-box items from around the house. Rocks, paper clips, beans and cereal, popsicle sticks and string or ribbon are just a few ideas. 

Encourage your kids to create their own masterpiece or provide prompts to inspire their creativity. You can also try making homemade playdough or slime, which can be a fun sensory activity for smaller children. For a family-centered approach, consider a collaborative art project, like painting a mural or creating a collage together. This can be a great way to bond as a family and create a lasting memory.

Full STEAM Ahead

Snow day? No problem. Give your kids an educational activity at home with a science experiment – or 10.  There are plenty of simple experiments that can be done with household items, from creating a volcano to designing a lava lamp, which teach kids about chemical reactions and the properties of different materials. You can also try building structures with toothpicks and marshmallows to teach engineering and problem-solving skills.

Check out Mommy Poppins for lots of ideas for easy, at-home science projects for the whole family.

Game Time

For families who love games, your indoor options are endless. Board games and card games are classic options, but you can also try creating your own game as a family. If you’re out of ideas, you can always turn to the virtual world. An online escape room or multiplayer video game can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. While it’s important to limit screen time, these games can be a fun way to bond with kids and introduce them to new forms of entertainment.

Feeling competitive? Host a family game tournament: Gather a variety of games – from board games to card games to video games – and see which family members prevail!  You can even create a prize for the winners, such as getting to choose the next family movie or dinner menu.

Hunting Season

This might take some effort, but will also provide hours of entertainment and help your family make lasting memories. Plan a scavenger hunt throughout your home, creating clues and hiding items in various locations. Tailor the scavenger hunt to your child's age and interests, and get the whole family involved in creating the clues. A good scavenger hunt gets kids moving and using problem-solving skills. Check out Good Housekeeping for creative ideas for at-home scavenger hunts.

We get it, keeping kids entertained indoors during a seemingly endless winter can be a struggle. But with a little creativity and a healthy appetite for chaos, you can keep your kids engaged and entertained while creating lasting memories.