Yahoo Finance 5 snowy day indoor activities to keep kids of all ages engaged and entertained
Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, but some days, that’s just not possible. Luckily, Canadian Tire and Yahoo are here to help. From family-friendly recipes to make when you’re snowed in to games to keep kids of all ages entertained indoors, we’re bringing you everything you need for the season.
A snow day is undeniably fun for kids. Jumping in freshly fallen snow, making a snow angel and building an ice fort are all a must for any kid growing up in Canada.
That being said, there are days when snow and wind partner up to create some serious inclement weather conditions. For kids looking forward to playing in a winter wonderland, being confined to the indoors can feel like a very unfair trade. However, this doesn’t have to mean the day is wasted.
In fact, this is a great opportunity for creative parents to shine, because staying indoors doesn’t mean a day of twiddling your thumbs. Take bad weather and turn it into an opportunity to learn, be creative and bond with each other. Here are just a few ways to spice up a gloomy snow day with games, crafts and maybe even a little bit of laundry.
Board game challenge
It goes without saying that kids love screen time but they also love a bit of friendly competition. Get them engaged in a board game that will challenge their minds and keep them entertained for hours. The Monopoly Ultimate Rewards Board Game puts a modern twist on the classic game. Kids can fly to different properties, collect rent and make purchases using an electronic banking unit - no paper cash here.
Whatever kind of game your family enjoys, Canadian Tire has a wide selection of board games for every interest.
Get physical
Kids need a bit of physical activity everyday and that includes snow days. The trick is to pick a game or activity that won’t result in a smashed television. The Tabletop Air Hockey Table offers a compact version of air hockey that will get kids moving and that competitive spirit flowing. Parents will love how easy it is to tuck away. If you’re looking for a more traditional set up, Canadian Tire has plenty of full-size tables to suit your needs.
Another idea is to set up a game of table tennis anywhere in your home. The EastPoint Sports Everywhere Table Tennis Set includes everything you need to start an impromptu tournament. Attach the net to a dining or fold-up table and you’re all set for hours of back and forth. The set comes with a retractable net, two paddles, three balls and a storage system to keep everything neatly stored.
Get the creative juices flowing
Kids with a flair for arts and crafts will love the endless possibilities that come with the Cool Maker 2-in-1 Kumi Kreator. The intuitive kit makes it easy for even young kids to create custom friendship bracelets in minutes. Choose from a variety of designs, load the machine with colourful spools and watch it spin bracelet after bracelet for all their friends.
Once you get your crafty kids settled in their activity, it’s time to focus on the ones who love drawing. You’ll have a hard time getting them outdoors again after they get their hands on the Crayola Sketch Wizard. Think of it as the modern day version of an Etch A Sketch where kids can learn to draw their favourite characters in 2D and 3D.
Bake up a storm
There’s nothing better than the aroma of sugar and butter wafting through your home on a cold wintery day. Engage your kids in baking their after-lunch treat by taking them through an easy-to-follow recipe. Baking is a fun exercise in chemistry, showing kids how ingredients interact to create something wonderfully tasty.
If you’re looking for fun recipes to try with your family, check out 5 of our favourite winter treats to bake here.
Make chores fun again!
A “fun chore” will probably sound like an oxymoron to most kids, but yes, even chores can be fun if you make it a challenge or a game. Try encouraging them to help with laundry by creating a game of hamper basketball or dream up a mission that requires them to find a hidden item by cleaning their rooms.
Another tactic that turns chores into a game is by factoring in a time limit. You’ll be amazed how quickly chores get done if you offer a small incentive if they can wash all the dishes or vacuum the living room before the timer goes off.
