How to Make a Fun Box for Kids during a Power Outage

Kids may not understand why the power has gone out and why it is so cold and dark. This is the time to teach them to stay calm and have fun in a different way. Find creative ways to play with your kids and entertain little ones during power outages.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box, crate or basket
• Toys
• Coloring books & crayons
• Books to read
• Board games
• Card games
• Paper games with pen

1. Gather a box or tub of books, toys, coloring books and crayons. When the electric is out it is time to go back to the old days of fun and entertainment with old-fashioned toys and games. Everyone can read books, play board games or drawing pictures together. Hang the family art with tape on a door or wall like an art gallery.

2. Games such as Trouble, Candyland, Monopoly, and Yahtzee can be played together as a family. They do not require batteries.

3. Card games are always great for family fun night and can be just as fun when the electric is not on. Just light a lantern or candle and huddle around for some fun to distract from the wintery weather.

4. If it is dark and cold and you must huddle under blankets to keep warm you can sing songs, play shadow puppets with a flash light or tell stories. Paper and pencil games can be fun too, like playing tic-tac-toe and connect the dots.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect the dots is a paper with several dots in even rows. Each person takes a turn making a line anywhere on the page. Once a box is closed, you place your initial inside. The one with the most initials when the dots are all connected wins.
• If anyone has, any other ideas to share feel free to post a comment and I will add them here.
• If the kids seem to be getting too cold get them up to exercise with a fun chore game. First, explain they need to warm up and you have a game to play. If there is enough light to see to move around, have them march through the house and pick up anything that is out of place. Offer a reward! Now have the winner tell you what they want you to move around and do! Hmmm, maybe they will be willing to repeat that same exercise later. What kid doesn't want to tell Mommy or Daddy what to do for a change! LOL

[mrymerry]

on 5/19/2009 Add 2 decks of cards to the box. A family of 6 can play Canasta, or almost any card game with 2 decks of cards. You can also build a house of cards with 2 decks. Dominos are always good as well.

[utopiandream30]

on 3/3/2009 This brings me back to the good old days! Thanks for sharing, 5*

[joni04]

on 3/2/2009 These are all great ideas even with lights! *****