8 Indoor Activities to Keep Kids Busy Through Winter

February has arrived, and that means you’re probably just about out of ideas on how to keep your kids entertained while they’re stuck inside from the cold. Fortunately, you’re not in this alone. Here’s how to make the most out of these last few days of winter.

1. Treasure Hunt

Up for the ultimate indoor adventure? All you need are some goodies, some tinfoil to wrap them in and a few good hiding spots. Get your kids started with a map to the first treasure, then place clues at each subsequent hiding spot until they’ve collected all the bounty.

2. Write and Illustrate a Story Book

Here’s an idea that’ll be as much fun to create as it will be to look back on in 20 years. Just dream up a character and let loose. For a true book-like feel, fold a piece of 8.5” x 11” paper in half and staple along the seam.

3. DIY Lava Lamp 

What better way to get your science on than a DIY Lava Lamp? Start with a clear bottle filled a quarter of the way with water, then fill the rest with vegetable oil. Once they’ve separated, add about a dozen drops of food coloring and plop in an Alka-Seltzer. Prepare to be amazed.

4. Indoor Obstacle Course

Get out your children’s extra energy with a homemade obstacle course. Jump through streamers in doorways, plow through pillows and slide in laundry baskets. The opportunities are endless.

5. Board Games with a Twist

 Spice up your favorite board game by trading its characters for pieces of candy, adding prizes or throwing in a new rule.

6. Dance-Off

Help your kids compete to the beat with a fun and friendly dance off. It’s a great way to get in some exercise without stepping out in the cold.

7. Paper Airplane Races

Inspire your kids to take paper airplanes to the next level by becoming pint-sized engineers. Start by seeing whose paper airplane design flies the farthest, and then add to the design with paperclips, small weights, tape and any other ideas on how to improve distance.