It is February and we are still getting snow and it is still bitterly cold. Winter is getting long and we are all looking for ways to break up the monotony of endless days in the house. Here are my favorite snow day ideas that we use around our house to change things up, engage not only their bodies but their minds as well, and survive the winter with lots of children in a fairly small house for many days in a row.
1. Host a party. Whether you have neighbor kids to invite or just your family choose a theme or topic and run with it. I always try to not only include fun in our parties but also learning. We have done parties about countries, kinds of dance, animals, heroes, etc. We choose fun food that we can all make together, maybe watch a movie about the theme (YouTube is great for this), and even read a book if we can find one. Games are great too and they help to get the wiggles out before a movie or book. Simple relay games can be done in a limited space and can be done with almost no preparation or supplies.
2. Have a (friendly) Competition – Give the children 5 minutes to run to their rooms and create the best dance possible. Let the children act out a story while mom and dad try to guess what it is. Test everyone’s Bible knowledge as the children go head to head with mom and dad in a fun Bible game. See who can do the most jumping jacks, sit ups, one legged hops, etc.
3. Build a fort as a family. Once the fort is built instead of turning on the tv yet again, grab some popcorn and drinks and start telling your favorite memory from your childhood or the story of when each of your children was born. It will be amazing how the children will cling to these stories involving people they know and love and the hours will fly by.
4. Read-A-Thon – Set aside a week or even just a couple days and see who can read the most. Set the guidelines to meet the needs of your family or even just set a family goal and reward. If everyone pitches in and we read for 20 hours combined this week we will have an ice cream party on Friday night or whatever works for you!
5. Adopt a Nursing Home – Last year for Christmas my children and I spent an entire month making decorations to hang up in “our” wing of the nursing home here in town. This would be a great project with a focus on Valentine’s Day or even just spring. It would give the children a purpose to their crafting and yet would keep their hands busy for a good cause.
What is your families favorite way to pass the long cold days of winter?
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