Indoor fun.......

PLAY!!

Play shop- create different “shop kits”The next time you’re at a craft store, pick up some fake flowers on clearance.  Make some homemade plant labels, save some empty seed packets, and hang on to those temporary pots from store-bought plants — all these supplies will make great tools for a flower shop at home.  A notepad, pencil, apron, tray, and play food are all you need to play restaurant at the dining room table.

Boxes- Let them build a castle, a spaceship or sail to a new world. Go to your local grocery store or appliance store and see if they have any cardboard boxes you could take off their hands.  Bring a few home, and let your child’s imagination take over. 

Get your groove on- Even moms and dads can benefit from this little break in the day.  Crank up the peppy music and get dancing.  Even 10 minutes of dancing will get rid of the extra energy and it’s a stress relief for you, too. 

Cook it up!- If they’re old enough to stir, sift, and pour, let them help you with the basics — pasta and pizza sauces, muffins, and breads are all kid-friendly.  And it’s a good chance to teach about numbers, fractions, nutrition, and providing for the family.

Make a tent fort in the living room- then go inside and have an adventure or read some books

Have a lego building contest- see how creative you can get using all blue pieces, something a certain height etc.

Have a party- invite some friends over and have a ball

Pop a bowl of popcorn- and settle in with a favorite family movie

Have a “bored game” day- play some classic, favorite board games and then try something new

Volunteer your time- go visit the elderly or go somewhere that will benefit your community

Have a picnic- right in your front room- complete with picnic basket and blanket

Go on a treasure hunt- Think of some unusual spots around your house, or plant some treasures in rooms and on shelves (in an age-appropriate location, of course).  Then make a list of objects, and have your child go on a treasure hunt.  If they can’t yet read, draw a sketch of the hidden item

Break out the puzzles- Take out that 1000 piece puzzle, spread it out on the kitchen table and dig in!

Put on a show- Go through the sock drawers for a handful of orphan socks. Get some yarn, buttons and big fat needles. Have fun creating wacky puppets and then put on an equally wacky puppet show.

Family memories- kids love looking at pictures of themselves at various stages- break out the photo albums and show them what you looked like at different stages too. They will love looking at all the different family members throughout time

Read a book- everyone picks out their favorite books. Talk about the story after and/or make up different endings