How to Keep Children Busy When It's Cold Outside

When it's cold, rainy or snowy, it seems that children can never occupy themselves and are constantly repeating their mantra of boredom. While you cannot possibly entertain your children around the clock, you can give them ideas to keep them busy. Here are some activities that will keep your children occupied on a cold and blustery day.

Things You'll Need

• Family-friendly games
• Premade sugar cookie dough
• Cookie cutters
• Sprinkles
• Family movies
• Beads
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Modeling clay

Instructions

1. Play a game. Choose a game that is both family-friendly and fun. Games like Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, and Go Fish are great for kids because they teach counting, number recognition and spelling.

2. Bake cookies. Use premade store-bought sugar cookies for ease and longevity. Roll out the cookies and cut into fun shapes. Add sprinkles before placing in the oven.

3. Watch a movie. Choose a movie that corresponds with an upcoming holiday."Frosty the Snowman," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "A Christmas Carol" are all fabulous classic choices.

4. Design jewelry. Use a variety of beads and yarn to string a necklace or bracelet. Cut the string to the appropriate length and allow the children to choose the beads and make their own designs.

5. Mold clay. This is an activity that both parents and kids can enjoy. Use clay that can be baked in the oven. This is a favorite of children because they can keep their creation and display them in their rooms.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the movie and play the games with your kids. Regardless of the game, they will love spending time with you.

• Don't expect toddlers and preschoolers to focus on an activity for too long. They have short attention spans.

• Do not allow young children to use the oven.

Resources

• Hasbro's Scrabble
• Teachnet: Homemade modeling dough recipes