When the weather outside turns frightful, indoor family fun turns delightful. Grab those fuzzy socks and blankets. A winter storm may be brewing outside, but inside, we’re cranking up the fun, family style! Get ready for a season of laughter and togetherness with no cabin fever in sight. What’s for Dinner?If there’s one thing families love, it’s food! Winter is the perfect time to come together and cook up some magic in the kitchen. We’re talking easy peasy. Nothin’ fancy. Pizza or taco bar? Maybe chili or soup and some fresh bread? To make things even easier, invite your old friend, aka, your slow cooker, to the party—think of how much more time you’ll have for family shenanigans.For a fun twist, consider breakfast for dinner . . . or better yet, try a backwards dinner—I don’t think the little ones will mind dessert first, do you?Baking BonanzaWinter screams comfort.We’re looking at you, cookies, cakes, and breads!Gather the ingredients and a few aprons. Sure, baking is messy. Ignore the flour dust flying everywhere. That’s part of the charm. The counters and floors . . . and the kids and Fido . . . are washable. Memories are forever.For a full circle feel-good moment, bring the kids along as you deliver plates of freshly baked goodies to the neighbors, teaching children the beauty of sharing. We call this a win-win.Game Night’s Here—Oh, It’s On! Who’s up for a little friendly competition? Board games, trivia, and cards are all on the menu for a good time. How about the winner claims the coveted chair or favorite spot on the couch for movie night? Bring the Big Screen to the Small ScreenWhether it’s a one-movie night or movie marathon, get the family in on the fun, especially, the little ones.Admission Time – the children will love this!Tickets—gather paper, crayons, maybe a few stickers, and scissors and create your own tickets. Ticket Takers and Seat Guides—children will get a kick leading family members to their seats, little ones’ choice, of course!Concession StandCreate a makeshift concession stand using chairs, blankets, trays, or whatever you have on hand. Don’t forget the popcorn, candy bars, cookies, pretzels—you name it! Center StageThe big and small screens don’t get to have all the fun. Turn your family room into live theatre with a pretend stage. Everyone’s a star in this production.Any comedians or magicians in the family?How about budding musicians or singers?Here’s one for the whole family—an improv play, where everyone wears their royal crowns made of foil and regal robes. Have everyone write down an idea for the storyline and put it into a hat. Pull out an idea and just roll with it . . . get ready for endless laughter!Crafty CreationsGet those creative juices flowing with a few crafty ideas made with things around the house:Snowflakes—you can hang individual snowflakes in the window or gather everyone’s creations and turn them into a whimsical garland.Painted rocks—all you need are small paintbrushes (or little fingers) and paint. Homemade crystal rock candy—part science project, part yum!A Classic Blanket FortressNo matter anyone’s age, a blanket fortress is always a blast! You only need a few items to create a magical hideaway, including blankets (of course), pillows, chairs, and/or couch cushions. Battery-operated fairy lights create an ethereal ambience. It’s especially fun—and comforting for children—to huddle together on nights when the power’s out. Just grab flashlights, battery-operated candles, and extra blankets for warmth. Snuggle up and read books, watch a movie, do a puzzle, enjoy snacks, or maybe, curl up for a long winter’s nap. Get Up and Move No couch potatoes here! Shake off cabin fever with fun exercise . . . and no, sliding down the stairs on your bottom doesn’t count:An impromptu dance partyA family yoga or stretching sessionAn indoor obstacle course using cushions, chairs, and whatever you have laying around the houseA skating rink—glide and spin around the floor in fuzzy socksNeed more space for indoor family fun? Check out the ideas in our Top, Easy Decluttering Tips to Transform Your Home–and Your Sanity—Room-By-Room and Smart Storage Tips for Winter Gear blogs. After all, indoor activities are way more fun when you’re not tripping over bulky skis, a wet puddle of a jacket, and those clunky boots. The ultimate space-saving solution? Keep your winter gear safe and out of the way with this storage unit in Arroyo Grande . . . until your next great adventure beckons. So next time the weather roars, consider it a gentle nudge to snuggle, laugh, slow down, and make new memories, warming your hearts and bringing you all closer than ever, even on the frostiest of days.
