5 Activities to do Inside with the Kids when the Weather is Bad

toy cars

Bad weather can really make it hard to send your children outside to play when they are bored. With or without power, children become restless when stuck inside. Moods can become irritable and grumpy, making the weather situation worse.

When my son gets the “I’m bored” syndrome, watch out. Being outside is his favorite thing to do, but when he is told “not today” it can cause an all out war.

While many of you on the east coast are prepared to deal with Hurricane Sandy, it can become a challenge to prepare for other weather events that come without much warning.

Here are some indoor family activities that you and your children can do to have a little fun:

  • Book reading
    This is a perfect time to bond with your children. My children love to read books, but they love it even more when mommy or daddy can sit down and help narrate the book. Play “I Spy”, or make up a new funny story from the pictures in a book. There are so many ways that you can take a children’s book
    and turn it into a new experience.

  • Write a Letter
    Old fashion letter writing is becoming a thing in the past. But why does it have to be? Sit down with your kids and help them write a letter to grandma, color some pictures for a special someone, and put them in the mailbox. Just think about how warm and fuzzy you will make the recipient feel when they see a handwritten letter and colored pictures!

  • Baking
    Gather your kids and let them help make some fresh chocolate chip cookies. Or even some no bake cookies! Kids love to be a part of the process, make them feel important by giving them a part of the recipe to do on their own.

  • Pretend Play
    Bring out the hot wheels and cars, dress up clothes, play kitchens, and get in the act with your children. My son loves to play with his cars and will even take the time to tell me which ones he loves best! Last week it was the volkswagen Polo, and I’m sure tomorrow it will be something else. It’s so much fun to get into their little minds and become their very best play partner.

  • Arts & Crafts
    I’m sure most of you have things like Play Doh, markers, crayons, scissors, etc. Bring out the cookie cutters, rolling pins, dull knives, and let the kids go to town! This is great for their motor skills and fun can be had all around. Don’t be shy, make something fun for your kids and have them guess what it is!


What’s your favorite activity to do indoors with your kids?

 

17 thoughts on “5 Activities to do Inside with the Kids when the Weather is Bad

  • January 17, 2013 at 2:07 pm
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    I can’t stand the “I’m bored” syndrome! I enjoy pretend play with the kids, though it sometimes requires a lot of energy. Baking is a great idea–provided we could come up with some healthier recipes. Thanks for the ideas!

  • January 4, 2013 at 10:52 am
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    We love baking too when the weather is awful! Even making hot cooca can cheer everyone up :)

  • January 3, 2013 at 12:51 am
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    Great ideas! My son and I both get stir crazy in the winter, we’re always looking for new ideas to keep our sanity :)

  • December 29, 2012 at 3:26 am
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    We do fun science projects and miscellaneous art projects. The craft projects that double as educational experiences are our favorite!

  • December 20, 2012 at 8:14 pm
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    Movie marathons are one of our favorite ways to kill rainy/snowy/cold days. We like watching summer movies in the winter. It warms up right up =)

  • December 11, 2012 at 6:26 pm
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    Just in time for the winter days when its to cold to go outside. Keep the kids busy and you to get a chance to be a kid again LOL. These are good ideas for busy time with the kids. My grandson loves to all of these and we usually end up doing one or the other every day. He also likes to play cards war or fish. Thanks for the ideas

  • December 6, 2012 at 10:37 am
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    Reading books is our absolute favorite rainy day activity!

  • December 3, 2012 at 8:27 am
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    I have go to stuff for rainy days too. I have a special tent with tunnels that come out when the weather is bad and my kids go nuts over it. I need to pull out the arts and crafts a little more though. Thanks for the list :)

  • November 4, 2012 at 8:07 pm
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    Welcome and thanks for following! I haven’t played Uno in years!! That’s a great game to bring back out

  • November 4, 2012 at 11:07 am
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    We play Uno cards with the kids when the weather’s bad. Thanks for these tips. I think I will have to start to learn baking to enjoy it with the kids..
    Thanks for following me on Twitter. I just followed you, too. Happy blogging! :)

  • November 3, 2012 at 4:46 pm
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    Awesome reminders to spend one on one time with our kids. I’ve been reading more books with my daughter and doing things like play-doh and I feel like we’re growing closer and that I”m giving her more oportunities to learn. It’s wonderful to see her mind really engaged. We also LOVE to bake!

  • November 3, 2012 at 12:36 am
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    The Wii is a big hit in our home too, love to watch my kids try and bowl! They get so excited about knocking down even 1 pin. We love rainy day play time outside too, when it’s warm. My little guy recently started to ask us if he could play in the rain, it’s fun to watch them dance and splash without a care in the world :)

  • November 3, 2012 at 12:29 am
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    I like to play board games with the kids or the Wii. Every once in a while we will let them play out in the rain, it’s actually happened quite often lately. They enjoy it and when it’s warm out I see no harm in it except the fact that it’s just more laundry.

  • October 31, 2012 at 9:44 pm
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    Good ideas, we do the baking cookies, or treat every few weeks. My son loves it.

  • October 30, 2012 at 4:51 pm
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    Great ideas! Ours isn’t old enough for any of this yet but I’ll keep them in mind!

  • October 30, 2012 at 3:01 pm
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    How timely! Thanks for this post.

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