11 Ways to Keep Kids Busy on a Snow Day
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Holy moly. It seems one of the Eleven Ways to Make it Snow actually worked?! Now, that we got what we worked so hard it, the kids are home from school and us parents have to keep them busy on a snow day? If you live in the mid-west, I am so so sorry – you might be in it for the long haul. In South Jersey, though? Chances are, we’ll only have 2 snow days (3 tops) in a row, so, with the right activities, keeping the kids busy should be fairly manageable. Either way, I wish you the best of luck and we should all take comfort in knowing that we’re not doing this alone.
Play in the Snow
I know. This suggestion probably has you thinking “duh, Elizabeth. Of course we’ll play in the snow,” but it has to be included because it IS one way to keep kids busy on a snow day! Make sure they’ve used the bathroom and break out the snow gear to get ready for some fun in the snow.
Play Board Games
You know what I’m talking about. All those board games you’ve purchased with utopian thoughts of having family game nights when, in reality, everyone’s tired and cranky by the time game night comes and it’s easier to just watch a movie instead. Believe me, I’m right there with you (if you HAVE managed to make family game night happen, please tell me your secrets!). Dust off those board games, set them up and enjoy some cutthroat friendly competition with the kids.
Get Crafty
You’ve spent hours on Pinterest planning the perfect house, but now’s the time to use Pinterest to make some of those kid-friendly crafts you’ve pinned! If you’re not already, consider giving South Jersey Family a follow over on Pinterest!
Try Some New Recipes
While you’re over on Pinterest, might as well find some new recipes the kids could help with. I mean, you’re stuck in the house and will need to eat, so….
Make Pillow & Blanket Forts
Using some good old imagination ought to do the trick! Build a fort to hide from pirates, build a castle for your princes and princesses, or (my boys would love this) build dog houses and pretend to be {housebroken} dogs!
Watch a Movie
Pop some popcorn (we like ours with M&Ms!), close the curtains, and turn the living room into a movie theater. If things go well, you may even turn it into a double feature!
Write some Snail Mail
You know how exciting it used to be to get a letter in the mail? Or a birthday card? I mean, you may STILL get them, but probably not as often since we tend to rely more on e-mail and the internet more. Write to a grandparent, write to a friend, write to a soldier and thank them for their service.
Color
Break out the crayons and do a quick online search for “free coloring pages.” TONS of free pages will show up and can be printed on your home printer super quick and easy. Your refrigerator will be covered with works of art!
Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Now, this could just be the teacher in me, but I know my boys would LOVE to have an indoor obstacle course. Clear the room of anything sentimental and breakable (who am I kidding, we have kids…they’re all probably in storage for the next 10+ years) and let your inner ninjas out!
Have a Dance Party
You guys, my kids would do dance parties for.ever. Like, seriously. You could use your radio or Amazon Echo/Google Home, BUT I prefer to put YouTube up on the TV and play music videos for our dance parties. You will have to keep an eye on which videos pop up, but having the visual adds a whole ‘nother element to home dance parties.
Let them be Bored
Yep. I said it. Just let them be bored. You know, it’s actually good for kids to be bored? It lets them get their imaginations going and gives them a chance to come up with ways to keep occupied on their own. Just keep an eye on them, but they may end up reading a book, play with Legos, or play a board game on their own!
Once the snow has melted, you’ll be ready to get out of the house. Check out the South Jersey Family Kids Eat Free Restaurant Guide and enjoy a reasonably-priced family meal out at a restaurant!
Elizabeth Dukart is a proud born and raised Jersey Girl, wife, and mom of 2 boys.
Created in 2018, Elizabeth owns and publishes South Jersey Family: a free resource allowing local families can enjoy quality time together with the help of a local events & activities calendar, local reviews & recommendations, and more. Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest are her favorite forms of social media. In addition, Elizabeth helps to empower local women by co-leading the Cherry Hill Believe Inspire Grow Pod through monthly meetings and a Facebook Group.
When she’s not busy taking over the world, Elizabeth can be found listening to The Beatles, being silly with her boys, watching movies with family, searching for deals in the aisles of Target, or sharing her Keto experiences, finds, and recipes on Keto Mom NJ.
