Cabin Fever Busters for Snowy Days
As a child, snow days were a wonderful opportunity to experience a world of imagination. For adults, this is only true for about the first hour. After that, the hallways are filled with echoes of boredom. Shortly after the “I’m bored” chorus begins, parents everywhere begin hunting for ways to keep kids engaged, active, and happy indoors. The last week has provided us with the opportunity to add new snow day resources beyond salt, non-toxic ice melt, and other safe tools. With a little creativity and a dash of fun, they can become some of your family’s favorite memories—full of laughter, imagination, and cozy moments together. Stay warm and enjoy the magic of a day at home! Whether you’re snowed in for a day or a week plus, these cabin fever busters will help turn chilly days into cozy, creative family fun.
Get Creative & Crafty
- DIY Art Studio: Set up a craft table with paper, markers, tape, recycled boxes, and stickers. Let kids build, draw, and design freely.
- Snowflake Factory: Cut paper snowflakes and tape them to windows for instant winter décor.
- Comic Book Creators: Have kids create their own comic strips starring themselves, pets, or superheroes.
Let’s Get Moving
- Create an Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create tunnels, balance beams, and jumping zones. Work as a family to be as creative as possible!
- Dance Party Freeze: Turn on music and play freeze dance—when the music stops, everyone freezes!
- Karaoke: Everyone loves karaoke! Use this time to recreate your own family version of “This Family’s Got Talent”.
The Cozy & Calm Zone
- Blanket Fort Reading Nook: Build a fort and curl up with books and flashlights or fairy lights.
- Family Story Time: Take turns adding a sentence to a silly group story.
- Audiobook Afternoon: Let kids relax while listening to a favorite story or podcast for kids.
Kitchen Adventures
- Bake Together: Cookies, muffins, or even homemade pizza—kids love helping in the kitchen.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Set out marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream for a winter treat station.
- Chopped: Kids Edition: Give kids a few simple ingredients and challenge them to create a healthy snack.
The Challenge Is On!
- Board Game Marathon: Rotate through favorites or try a new family game.
- Scavenger Hunt: Hide winter-themed clues around the house.
- Minute-to-Win-It Games: Stack cups, balance cookies, or race with spoons—quick challenges keep energy high. For an even greater challenge, use toothpicks or skewers to create a tower of marshmallows. Whoever’s tower stands the longest wins!
When the Snow Lets Up
- Snow Creations: Build a snowman, snow fort, or mini snow village.
- Nature Walk: Bundle up and go on a winter walk to look for animal tracks.
- Snow Art: Use food coloring in spray bottles to paint the snow.
Random Act of Kindness
- Community Service: Check in on your neighbors and, as a bonus, help them out! This is a great idea for families to do together so that children are able to see kindness in action.
