Doesn’t it feel like all the cool activities are in the summertime? Then wintertime hits and you’ve got young kids full of energy running around the house, breaking things or following your every move. My kids always get a little stir crazy during the wintertime when our days are a little slower and simpler. And I kind of have a love/hate relationship with TV so I avoid it as much as I can. But then that leaves me with 3 kids that need something to keep them busy (or I’ll go crazy with them following me everywhere). This winter, I’ve been focused on finding easy fun things that will keep my kids happy, entertained AND get all their energy out.
Bounce House
My husbands aunt got our kids a bounce house for Christmas a couple years ago to help keep them entertained during the winter, and it is probably my favorite thing for the kids. They LOVE it. And now I think everyone should get one. This is the one we have and it fits in our basement or living room (and we have a small house). Just take some measurements to be sure that it fits, but this one would probably fit in most houses.
We don’t pull it out all the time. It’s easy enough to pull out, then roll back up in the closet. So I just pull it out every couple weeks to be a fun treat when they are a bit antsy. This is perfect if your kids have a lot of energy that they need to get out. They sleep so well after an afternoon of jumping on the bounce house.
Get Outside
Okay, I know it’s cold outside. But hear me out. My kids love playing outside and it’s so good for them. So even though getting everyone dressed in their winter gear and getting out to the backyard is a giant pain in my butt, and I hate the snow, I do it anyway. And it sucks but my kids like it so I guess it’s worth it.
While my kids are playing outside in the snow, I will walk back and forth on my driveway so I can get some steps in and keep my body moving (and warm). I usually listen to an audiobook or podcast too. It has kind of turned into a win win for everyone.
Baths
Bath time used to be the worst for me. I saw it as an extra job I had to get done. You have to wash everyone’s hair and bodies, and stay right there watching them so they are safe. But I decided to try switching my mindset a while ago. And now we LOVE baths. And I love baths when I need the kids entertained for a few minutes. Now I play music and my kids play while I read a book, fold laundry or some other task I can do while watching them.
A few weeks ago, I shared our bath time must haves. Be sure to check that out for our favorite toys and bubbles.
Play Couches
We got the Member’s Mark Explorer Sofa for our kids for Christmas and I can’t believe I didn’t get one sooner. This keeps all three kids so entertained. They make caves, slides, horses, lemonade stands, a couch, beds and so much more. The first couple days, they kind of struggled to lift and move the pieces, but now my 4 and 3 year olds have figured out how to move it all around independently. This has been so helpful in keeping out kids entertained while we’re inside.
I know the Nugget is also very popular, and there are a ton of other companies with similar products now. I did tons of research and decided on the Member’s Mark version at the end of the day, mostly due to price. But it has held up great and the whole family loves it. I definitely recommend.
Head To The Library
I kind of hate leaving the house when it’s cold outside. But on those days where we just need a change of scenery, the library is my go to. Libraries are so cool! Our library has such a cute kids area where they can play or go to story time. We really love our local library. And it gives me a chance to sit for a few minutes while the kids are playing.
And if your local library isn’t as cool, keep supporting them! Your support through visiting and checking out books can help them get more money for cooler things!
Which ways are you entertaining your kids during the cold weather? Let me know in the comments!
