Winter has a magical charm—fresh snowfalls, cozy evenings by the fire, and the excitement of holidays. But let’s be honest, when the temperatures drop and kids are stuck indoors, that magic can wear thin fast. As a parent, I’ve learned that having a few go-to indoor activities can be the difference between a harmonious snow day and a day filled with cabin fever.
Over the years, I’ve discovered creative ways to keep my kids entertained and engaged during the winter months. These aren’t just time-fillers—they’re activities that spark imagination, encourage learning, and (most importantly) keep everyone’s sanity intact.
Turning Snow Days into Creative Playtime
One of my favorite ways to beat the winter blues is to transform snow days into opportunities for creative play. When my kids were younger, we’d build entire towns out of cardboard boxes, complete with hand-drawn signs and pretend stores. Even now, at six and nine, their imaginations run wild when they’re given some basic materials and a bit of inspiration.
One winter, we created a “living room carnival.” Using scarves as ticket booths, stacking cups for games, and paper plates as prizes, the kids spent hours running their own little midway. They loved it so much, we ended up playing carnival for the rest of the week.
Another snow day favorite is DIY crafts. I keep a stash of art supplies—construction paper, markers, glue sticks, and the ever-popular glitter glue—ready for days when the weather keeps us inside. One year, we made “snow globes” out of empty jars, plastic figurines, and fake snow. The kids loved personalizing their creations, and those little globes became keepsakes they still display proudly.
Winter brings with it the charm of cozy days indoors—if only it wasn’t for the challenge of keeping the kids entertained when they’re cooped up in the house. After the excitement of the first few snowfalls wears off, the reality sets in: how do you keep everyone from getting bored when the temperature drops? I’ve spent years finding ways to make these cold, dreary days as enjoyable as possible, and I’m happy to share a few tried-and-true ideas to make snow days more fun and productive.
Board Games Galore
One of the easiest ways to pass the time during snow days is with good, old-fashioned board games. My kids absolutely love playing board games, and I find that they offer not only a great way to bond as a family, but also a chance to practice patience, strategy, and problem-solving. Scrabble has become a staple in our household, and I’ve watched my six-year-old, Maya, grow in her spelling and word-building skills while having a blast with the game. Quirkle, a colorful tile-matching game, is another favorite, and it’s perfect for all ages, from Maya to the adults. It’s a fun way to engage in some friendly competition and work on pattern recognition.
Charades is another game we play frequently, and it’s perfect for snowy days when everyone is inside. Whether we’re acting out animals, movies, or silly scenarios, the laughs that come from this game are always worth it. The best part? It’s completely adaptable—Maya’s version is simpler with actions like “eating pizza,” while we make the adult rounds more challenging. The variety keeps everyone engaged, and it never feels like the same game twice.
Learning Apps and Online Resources
When it’s cold outside, and the kids are stuck indoors, I’m all for finding fun yet educational ways to keep them busy. Learning apps like IXL and Duolingo have been great tools for keeping my kids’ brains active while still allowing them to have some screen time. IXL helps Maya with her math and reading skills, and Duolingo makes learning Spanish fun. The colorful visuals and interactive quizzes keep them hooked, and I love that they can get through lessons at their own pace.
Another fantastic way to spark creativity and learning indoors is through spontaneous online classes. I’ve recently discovered Outschool.com, where kids can take short, live classes with teachers and other children from all over the world. From cooking lessons to art classes, Outschool provides a wonderful variety of options that break up the day and introduce my kids to new skills and ideas. The best part? These classes are flexible and easy to schedule around family time, so we can make it a fun and spontaneous part of the day.
Baking and Cooking Together
When the snow is falling outside and the kids can’t get their energy out, we turn to baking. We’ve made everything from cookies to cupcakes and even homemade pizza on some snow days. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, and it teaches them valuable skills they’ll use for years to come. Maya especially loves to mix, measure, and decorate cookies, and she’s already becoming a little chef in the making.
Baking not only keeps them busy but also provides a delicious reward at the end. Plus, the kitchen is a perfect place for conversations, and the process of cooking together always leads to moments of laughter and learning. If you’re looking to change things up, try making a snowman-themed cake or festive treats that reflect the winter season!
Staying Active with Indoor Games
While it’s tempting to let the kids zone out in front of the TV all day, I’ve found that keeping them physically active indoors helps avoid cabin fever. There are a number of fun, energy-burning games we play inside. For example, “Just Dance” on the Nintendo Switch is a favorite, but you don’t even need the game console. You can follow along with dance tutorials on YouTube, and the kids have just as much fun mimicking the moves. It’s not only a good workout, but it gets everyone laughing and moving together.
Trivia games are another fun way to stay active mentally while still having fun. We’ve played everything from family trivia to pop culture quizzes. It’s a great way to get everyone thinking and learning while competing in a fun, low-pressure setting.
Crafts and Creative Play
In addition to all the games and activities, I also love to introduce a variety of arts and crafts projects to keep my kids entertained. There are so many low-maintenance craft ideas that can be made with things you already have around the house. Finger knitting, for example, is something the kids are really into lately. It’s surprisingly simple and therapeutic, and they’ve used it to create scarves for their dolls, colorful bracelets, and little decorations around the house.
Kinetic Sand has also been a hit during the winter months. This material is perfect for sensory play and provides hours of entertainment. The best part is that it can be used over and over again—Maya loves building designs and making tiny sculptures with it. It’s calming and meditative, giving her time to relax and focus on something creative. We’ve also started using things we already have around the kitchen—like cookie cutters or spoons—to make even more intricate designs. The possibilities are endless!
Staying Connected with Family
Snow days are also an opportunity for us to reconnect with family members who live far away. We FaceTime with out-of-town relatives regularly, and it’s a great way to bring a little cheer to an otherwise quiet day. Whether it’s catching up with grandparents, cousins, or aunts and uncles, these calls provide a much-needed sense of connection during the winter months.
Making Winter Memories
At the end of the day, snow days are an opportunity to make lasting memories. Whether it’s building a fort out of blankets, baking cookies, or dancing around the living room, it’s these little moments that bring joy to long winter days.
Sure, there are challenges—cabin fever is real, and not every activity goes as planned. But with a bit of creativity and flexibility, those snowy days can become some of the most cherished times of the year.
As I watch my kids grow, I know these winters won’t last forever. So, I’m embracing every snow day—messy crafts, glitter glue, and all—because these are the days we’ll remember when the seasons change.