Kids have the tendency to get stir-crazy when they’re cooped up indoors. As we still have a few weeks of winter to endure, it can be hard to keep children entertained, and some parents will choose to hand over the iPad or their phones just to keep their little ones occupied.
However, there are ways to keep the kids entertained this winter without spending a lot of money. With a bit of imagination, some art materials, and the willingness to spend some time with the little ones, parents can surely keep kids busy and happy even during the worst of cold spells.
Here are some inexpensive ways to keep kids entertained this winter.
Do arts and crafts
Parents should always have some crafting materials at home so that kids can create their masterpieces whenever they want to. Keep it simple and let kids make a few things that you can reuse. For instance, you can buy a roll of butcher paper and have your kids draw on it. Encourage them to color their drawings. Afterward, roll it up and use it to wrap gifts.
Have a movie marathon
Make a comfy spot in front of the TV by setting rugs, quilts, and pillows on the floor. Then, pick a movie series, such as the “Harry Potter” movies for your marathon. Go all out and serve “Harry Potter” themed snacks such as wizard hat cupcakes, and lots of homemade hot chocolate.
Other movie franchises that would keep your children entertained for hours are “The Lord of The Rings,” “Star Wars,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” the “Toy Story” franchise, “High School Musical,” and of course, all the Disney movies ever made. You could also show your kids a few movies that you enjoyed as a child, such as “The Sound of Music,” “Goonies,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “E.T.,” and “The NeverEnding Story,” among others.
Bake
Teach your kids how to measure, follow directions, and develop cooking skills with one fun activity. Make a simple cake for your afternoon snack, or if your kids are a little older, see if you can ask them to help you make a baked pasta dish for dinner.
Build a fort or a makeshift tent
If you’ve got a blanket or boxes, then your kids can build a fort. Give them clean boxes of various sizes to make their fort, or simply drape a blanket over two chairs for a makeshift tent.
Teach them to make a scrapbook or a journal
Give each of your children blank scrapbooks or drawing pads and have them paste photos and write captions. Let them design their own scrapbook or journal with stickers, washi tape, colored markers or gel pens.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on ways to makeover your home for under $50.
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