If you live where the winters are long and cold, I’m guessing that you’re as excited for spring as I am. Especially if you’re at home all day with small children, it can start to feel like winter will never end.
We recently had a nasty March blizzard blow through which left lots of people snowed in, especially those in the country, for several days. We thankfully live in town and were able to get out after the two-day blizzard was over thanks to kind neighbours with massive snowblowers.
Being trapped indoors with two toddlers for three days is not for the faint of heart, let me tell you! I was just glad my hubby was snowed in with us so we could occasionally take turns entertaining the girls and each get in some down time.
So, just in case a surprise blizzard blows your way any time soon, or you just need some inspiration to switch things up a bit, try some of these screen-free indoor activities!
- Homemade play-dough: This is great if you can’t run to the store for more play-dough, plus you can do so many fun colours and scents (essential oils work well for this).
- Balloons: Leftover balloons from the girls’ birthday party last month made for many hours of play time!
- Rearrange the toys: Moving toys from one room to another, or even just sorting through the toys to organize them again, switches things up and brings to their attention some forgotten treasures at the bottom of the toy box.
- Bubbles: The storm provided the perfect time to use up old bubbles I found left over from our wedding! Any bubbles will do though – no need to wait for summer!
- Rearrange the furniture: Sometimes we all just need a change of scenery, and toddlers seem to think that it’s great fun exploring new places, even if it’s as simple as moving the crib or bed away from the wall and making a new hiding place!
- Colouring boxes: Empty diaper boxes opened up make an awesome canvas for little artists. Bonus: they can be recycled later ;).
- Dance parties: Turn the music up and have a party! My girls love including their stuffed animals and dolls could join in, too! This is a good way to let off some energy!
- Change locations for normal activities: Have a special snack in their room, read books in the bathroom (great if you’re also potty training at the time), do art or play-dough in a room not usually used for that. Again, change of scenery is key!
- Bake cookies: Everyone likes cookies and you can make it a longer project by doing cut out cookies with fun shapes and decorating.
- Fun with water: There are so many things a toddler can do at a sink of water. My girls love filling up their cups and various toy kitchen things or washing their rubber duckies. Plus, after they’re done, you have no excuse to not wash the floor since they’ve done half of it already!
