Although we only welcomed 2014 but a day ago, Long Island is already prepping for its first winter storm of the year, and it’s looking like it’ll be a doozey! Luckily, many schools are scheduled to be closed as winter breaks are winding down, and many of schools that were scheduled to reopen today are sending students home early, and planning on staying closed tomorrow. As the inches of the white stuff keep on piling up, it’s only a matter of time until you’re snowed in!
The snow can be really exciting for students as they imagine all of the fun they’ll have with that extra day off, but for parents, being cooped up with the kids during a snowstorm can be stressful. With nowhere to go, you may soon be hearing the familiar cry of boredom - “There’s nothing to do!” ringing down your hallways. You don’t have to let that cabin fever get to you or your kids this winter - you can keep everyone entertained with some snow day fun!
We’ve put together some fun things to do for you to enjoy with the kids - making it easier to keep your home from descending into chaos if you get snowed in this season. From playing board games and building forts to savoring sweet snacks, these ideas are sure to help you make the most out of a snow day, and ensure that you can spend some quality time with your family this winter!
-
Play a Board Game
Go in the closet and dust off some of those old board games you have lying around - you may have forgotten just how fun they are since last time you had a chance to play! Maybe your kid received a new game from the holidays that they can open up! While dusting off some of those old games, donate some of the old games the kids don’t play anymore.
-
Play Cards
Grab a deck of cards and let the games begin! From War to Go Fish, there is sure to be something everyone enjoys. Even if not everyone knows how to play, teaching your kids a new card game can be fun, and is sure to be a winter memory they won’t soon forget.
-
Build a Pillow Fort
Get as many blankets and pillows as you can to create your own fort in the middle of your living room! Use room chairs and couches to help keep the blankets up and throw the pillows inside the fort. (Tip: If you build your fort with a window, it can be a great place to watch movies from - a fun break from the regular routine for the kids!)
-
Play Hide and Seek
This classic game never ceases to amuse, especially if you’ve got little ones at home. Time sure can fly when you’re looking for someone you can’t find.
-
Play Charades
Let your kids act out their favorite things and guess what they are trying to be!
-
Make Hot Chocolate
There is nothing better than sipping on some hot cocoa in the cold weather. If you’ve got chocolates or cocoa powder left over from Christmas, you can make some great cocoa on the stovetop!
-
Bake
There is nothing better than having something to munch on while sipping on some of that hot chocolate. Bake some chocolate chip cookies, try a new recipe from that cookbook of yours or just have some fun baking an entire dessert buffet!
-
Watch a Movie
Snuggle up in a blanket or sit by the warm fireplace with some popcorn and watch a family-friendly movie. With all the streaming options for movies and shows, there are tons of things available with just the push of a button.
-
Make Snow Ice Cream
Place a bowl outside for it to fill with some clean and fresh snow or grab some clean and white snow from outside and make your own specialty snow ice cream. For four servings, you will need about 8 cups of snow, ½ cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix everything together and enjoy! (Safety Warnings: Never eat yellow snow! Make sure the snow is clean and fresh and that an adult accompanies the child.)
Stay warm and stay safe!
Want to share your best winter snapshots? Email them to us at photos@longisland.com and we’ll be sure to include your photos in our Winter of 2014 Photo Gallery!
Have other crafty ideas that you like to do when stuck inside?
Share them with us by commenting below!
