5 FREE Activities to Entertain Kids When You're Stuck Inside

It's January in Chicago, so we're about to have many cold and snowy days. These days always come when I'm not expecting it and totally unprepared. That means that me and my kids are trapped inside the house for days without being able to leave the house. I can only play dress up so many times and I should probably not let my kids watch TV for 24 straight ours. Since these days are coming up quick, I've started to put together my list of activities that will entertain my kids. These are activities using materials and toys that you definitely have around your house. They are fun for you and your kids. I promise that you'll either be playing along too or able to Momervise in the best way possible (drinking coffee and watching to make sure no one gets hurt).

Taste Test

When I was a teacher and I had nothing to do on an early release day or before a break, Taste Test was my go to. If you're able to go out, you can get 5 bags of chips (gasp!) or 5 of something with different flavors and try the differences between them. If you're stuck at home, you can do a blind taste test and try to figure out different foods that you have in your house. Kids think this is super hilarious!

Color Scavenger Hunt

With this one, you can create a list of colors and your kids have to find example of those in your house. You can do a lot of different categories- sets of numbers, letters, etc. This gets your kids up and moving around using their brains.

Sensory Bin

Go look in your cupboard, there is definitely something that you've bought more than once that you'll never use. Dump those containers of Oatmeal in a bucket and add some spoons and other containers. Your kids will have tons of fun scooping and mixing. If you don't have anything in your cabinet, you can use ice, water, or even the snow outside! If you're worried about the mess, remember most things can be vacuumed up or wiped up quickly. Put a towel or shower curtain under the container for extra coverage.



Lego Bath

Baths are great because the clean up is pretty easy and quick. It's also prime Momervising. You can sit and read (or if you are adventurous, clean the bathroom) or do whatever you want.  Make it extra special by dumping in a material that is equally easy to clean up- legos, cars, balls, etc. Your kids will love playing and building. Bonus: your kids are clean so you won't have to take a bath later that night.

What's Missing?

With this, ask your kids to go find 5-10 toys or items around the house. Put them on a tray or counter and cover them up with a towel. Hold the towel up so kids can't see what you take away. Then, show them the new collection. Ask them what toy/item is missing. Hopefully, they take over and play with themselves!

Hope these activities make those cold and snowy days more bearable! As long as you are getting your kids up and about, the days won't feel so long! What do you do to entertain kids in the winter?