It's that time of year again; I'm not talking about the holidays -- it's winter!
The weather has been getting colder and the snow is bound to be here any day now (if it's not already). Pretty soon, the kids are going to be out from school for the holidays and maybe even a few snow days. When that happens, it's easy to get tired of the doing the same activities every day.
Not sure what to do to beat cabin fever? Here's 10 ways you may not have thought of trying.
1. Take a bath. - My kids love to take baths. Give them some bubbles, cups, a few bath toys and as long as they like in the tub. If they are old enough, give them some cheap shaving cream to clean the tub walls!
2. Head outside. - I know, it's cold but if you bundle up you can enjoy the outdoors for a half hour. Enjoy a nature hike, a snowball fight, clean off the neighbor's driveway or walk to the closest store to pick up something you (may or may not) need for lunch.
3. Scavenger hunt! - Create a list of items to find (it could be a check list or set up like a bingo game) with items to find at the mall. The list could include a mall walker, a red sweater, a police officer or security guard, the word “the,” a store for babies or anything you can think of that could be found. The first to fill their list gets to pick out a snack!
4. Take a trip to the library. - The library isn't a place to just stop by, grab books and leave. You can spend hours inside the library. Find one in your area that has a great children's area, hopefully with a cozy place to curl up in. Have your own story time. Read as many books as you can. Check their calendar for activities. Most libraries have an active children and family program. Give the kids some computer time to use programs you don't have at home.
5. Forget the snow, have a marshmallow fight! - Move anything fragile, grab a bag of marshmallows start throwing. Kids have a blast with this. (Or check out these fun marshmallow shooter reviews!)
6. Create a collage from found items. - Raid the recycling bin and the craft tub. Gather some old magazines, cardboard and start gluing items together. Add glitter, colorful buttons and paint. You and your kids can create a work of art that you'll always remember.
7. Enjoy an afternoon of baking. - Turn an afternoon of baking into a full day activity. Plan what to bake and who to give it to (think firefighters, mail carriers, Police officers and anyone who works outside). Together create a list of what to buy at the store. You can include a budget lesson and talk about ways to save money. Make a trip to the store and give everyone a job. After lunch, start baking up a storm. Don't forget to enjoy plenty of the goodies you have created.
8. Make art/cards for friends, family members and members of the Armed Service. - Do you have family members and friends that you haven't seen in awhile? Maybe a grandparent who lives far away? Why not create beautiful works of art to send to them. You could also create cards for members of the military. If you missed the deadline for the holidays, no worries. Cards and art work can be sent anytime of the year.
9. Create a family inspiration board. – Inspiration boards can be many things. Traditionally, it's a poster board with pictures of places you'd like to visit, activities you'd like to participate in or quotes that inspire you. You could still do that with the little ones (Just grab some old magazines and cut out pictures that look like fun!) but you have another alternative with the use of Pinterest. Creating an account is quick and easy. Surf the web for pictures that show things you want to do in the next year or vacations you want to take and start pinning!
10. Have a theme day. - For one week, pick a theme for each day. Themes could include formal wear (borrow mom and dad's clothes), beach party, camping, silly kids, or holidays (celebrate as many holidays as you can in one day). Have fun with it! Don't forget to take lots of pictures!
Cabin fever? Not anymore!
Jessica Streit is an educator, freelance writer and single mom of 2 boys. Her writing can be found on a variety of topics including personal finance, education and parenting. She blogs about overcoming debt and living a royal life on a budget at The Debt Princess.
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