Activities to Help You Beat Cabin Fever

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Two kids standing on their heads.The winter days are short; it’s cold outside, and everything seems dull. Boredom sets in. Kids and moms become cranky when kept in close quarters, with fewer opportunities to burn off energy. Everyone seems to have a bad case of cabin fever! Worst of all, spring seems like a distant memory.

To help you through the listlessness and mental anguish that comes with winter, I have put together a whole slew of activities to get you through to spring. Some may require more planning than others.

1. Get out the stickers, paper, paint, and glue and start crafting.

Let the creative juices flow. I am a proponent of having a box of craft supplies available all year round, especially in winter!

2. Head to an indoor playground.

There are many choices, including Dave and Busters in Pelham, The Little Gym of Scarsdale, and Sparkilicious in Mt Kisco.

3. Bake some cookies and bring them to a senior center.

This gives you something to do and brings joy to seniors at the same time! Win-win!

4. Spend the day watching old family movies or going through old family albums.

Going back in time with your kids and sharing stories of your past and family tree will create lifelong memories.

5. If you have a pet willing to participate, dress them up.

Let your kids dress up to join the fun! This is a great way to teach your pets new tricks.

6. Set up a tent inside and do indoor camping.

Get out the sleeping bags and flashlights, make some Smores Brownies, and tell stories.

7. Head to your local library for storytime.

Borrow books to bring home and host your own story time with all the stuffed animals. Our local libraries have so much to offer.

8. Pop some popcorn!

Melt some chocolate over your popcorn and add in M&Ms and pretzels. Get popcorn seasonings and perform blind taste tests.

9. Create an Opposite Day. 

Eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. Wear PJs during the day and clothes at night. Try walking backward.

10. Have an indoor picnic.

Set up blankets, make sandwiches, and eat on the floor.

11. Set up an indoor obstacle course.

Jump over seat cushions, crawl under tables, and shimmy between two chairs. The floor is lava! The winner gets to pick what’s for dinner.

12. Work on a puzzle.

Get a new puzzle that the whole family can work on together.

13. Save the boxes from your online shopping and let your kids get creative.

Turn them into cars and have a drive-in movie. Turn it into a boat and voyage across the living room. Make a rocket and head out into outer space.

14. Throw on some music and have a dance party.

Belt out your favorite tunes, or have a rousing game of freeze dance.

15. Plan a staycation.

There are many great spots in or near Westchester County. Rent a hotel room with an indoor pool and enjoy time in the water with the family.

16. Head out into the cold.

Go skiing or tubing, or head out and make snow angels or snowmen. Then, come back inside for a cuddle and some hot cocoa. There are tons of outdoor toys to play with.

17. Have a family game night!

Pick up some snacks and your favorite family game(s). Whip out Pictionary or Apples to Apples, or play Mad Libs.

I hope this list helps inspire you and help you avoid cabin fever this winter. Sometimes, the dark dreariness of winter stifles our normal creative selves. When you feel boredom creeping in, refer to this list to find something your whole family can enjoy.

What’s your family’s favorite way to beat cabin fever?

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