Things you can do when chilly weather prevents your family from spending time outdoors.
By Lisa Cordeiro
January 2015
It’s another dreary winter day. The kids look up from their electronic devices and moan: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” The weather is unappealing, so you avoid telling them to go outside and get some fresh air. It’s an indoor day. Again.
What can you do?
Following are some ideas to keep you and your family from going stir-crazy when the weather is not conducive to spending the day outside. Some are free; others are not. Some you need to travel to; others you can do while remaining in your stationary home or motorhome. Read on to see which ones your family might like to try.
Museums And Discovery Centers
The idea of going to a museum makes some kids roll their eyes, but museums are making an effort to capture the interest of younger visitors. Some art museums offer scavenger hunts via paintings; others offer interactive ways to keep kids engaged. Science museums and discovery centers have a wealth of different interactive exhibits or shows. Exhibits change often, so there’s always something new to see and explore.
If you find a museum that’s a hit with your family, consider purchasing a membership. It costs you money up front but will offer great savings if you visit often. You’ll always have a standby option on a cold or rainy day. We have a membership for a nearby science museum that has been a fantastic investment. We usually dash in every month or two for a couple of hours. Another benefit of a membership is that you’re not pressured to see everything in the museum in one day. Have you noticed the size of some museums? They’re huge. If you spend the day, you may end up with tired and cranky kids (and adults!). With our membership, we focus on a different wing each time we visit, or check out the new exhibits. It keeps each visit fresh with new content.
Public Libraries
Oh, there is so much to see and do in a public library! And it will not require spending a cent. If you have a library card, you can bring home books, magazines, music, movies, video games, and more. If you don’t, you can make use of these materials while at the library, including one you may visit in your travels. Kids often protest going to the library — I know mine do. But once we arrive, they begin to explore and find books they want to read or movies they want to watch. Next thing you know, we have a bag full of material to keep them busy for a day or two — maybe more than a week!
Many libraries also have free events that are open to the public. Check the Web sites of libraries near you to see what’s coming up that your family might like to do. We’ve seen libraries advertising events involving board games, video games, musical performances, readings, book signings, story time, movies, puppet shows, magic shows, science activities, crafts, small animals, and more.
Bonus: Many libraries offer free or discounted passes to other local venues, such as museums, gardens, zoos, or walking tours. While you’re there, why not sign up for some passes for an outing on another day? You can schedule it well in advance and pay much less than if you walked up to the window.
Bowling
When I asked friends with kids what indoor activities their families like, many said bowling. That makes sense, as most family members can participate and enjoy it. If you can roll a ball straight ahead, well, you’re halfway there. Next up is aiming at the pins. Some bowling centers have “bumpers” that can be set up to prevent balls from rolling into the gutter; this makes it less frustrating for the little ones, and other family members who may struggle with keeping their ball on the lane.
Some centers kick it up by adding a twist, such as glow-in-the-dark bowling. Others may have additional activities to keep your family engaged after a couple of games of bowling. You may find video games, pool tables, or a family-friendly restaurant on site.
Skating
If the weather is inhospitable, you can still have a taste of winter fun by finding an indoor ice skating rink. Most rinks rent skates for a relatively low cost if you don’t own a pair. You and your family can share a laugh as you try to fight gravity while learning to balance on skates.
Not a fan of skating on ice? You can also try roller skating. Rather than balancing on narrow blades, you have wheels to support you. But, you might be thinking, wheels aren’t steady; they move. Ah, that’s the fun, the thrill, and the challenge of gliding along on skates. You’re all sure to have fun as you circle the rink for an hour or two and then warm up (or cool down) with drinks and snacks.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Another idea for getting you and your family to try something new is indoor rock climbing. This can be quite fun — and also a little scary. Climbing up the walls while fastened to a rope can be a challenge. Not only do you have to conquer the fear of falling, you have to trust that your partner will stop the rope if you do slip. And when you’re watching — or belaying — your kids, you have to learn to let them go. Of course, this activity is generally offered at facilities that maintain safe equipment and climbing practices. Once you conquer the mental roadblocks, it’s an enjoyable challenge. Best of all, everyone gets a workout while participating in a fun family outing.
Indoor Pools Or Water Parks
Most kids love swimming or splashing around in water. A local indoor pool is a great way to swim off the winter blues. And if there’s a water park around, even better. There, you may find waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more. Many adults love it, too. You often see parents, aunts, uncles, and even grandparents going down slides, floating on inner tubes, and having just as much fun as the kids.
Indoor Mini Golf Or Go-Kart Centers
I’m not exactly sure what the lure is with miniature golf, but my kids are enthralled by it. Judging by the number of families at the centers, this appears to be true of many kids. It doesn’t require too much coordination, so family members of all ages can participate. If the facility offers short, wide plastic clubs for toddlers, even they can join the activity.
Another choice is indoor go-kart centers. Go-karts also seem to have wide appeal. Kids who are not old enough to have a license may be especially thrilled with the opportunity to drive. When you add the excitement of racing other family members around a course, it’s a win.
Better still, many venues offer both mini golf and a go-kart track, and often arcade games as well.
Open Gyms Or Play Spaces
If you have a gymnastics school near you, check to see whether they have any open days. They may have set times where kids can explore the gym equipment in an unstructured way, and for a lower fee than that associated with a traditional class.
Also, keep an eye out for indoor play spaces. These venues can be ideal outlets for relieving excess energy on cold or rainy days. Instead of bouncing off the walls in the house or motorhome (and driving parents or grandparents crazy), youngsters can burn off that energy in open areas specially designed for that purpose. After an hour or so, the preschoolers among them will be ready to go home and take a nap.
Try Something New
Few things are as stimulating as trying something new. Look in newspapers or online to explore options for different activities. Does someone in your family like art? Check for art or paint centers near you. You could paint ceramics; take a class that involves painting with acrylics or watercolors; or maybe create something from scratch, such as an object from clay.
Any baseball enthusiasts? You could all go to the batting cages and practice your skills (or, in my case, lack thereof).
How about cooking? Do you have a family member who likes to experiment with recipes? If so, maybe you should all take a cooking class together. Or, you can even organize a cooking activity at home. The entire family could work on different tasks to create a meal to share together later. Of course, this may get a little messy. You’ve heard the saying about too many chefs in the kitchen, so plan accordingly!
Surprise Outings
If your kids are like mine and don’t like change, you could lure them out with a trick: the “surprise outing.” Tell them that you’re all going out and let them know what they need to wear, but don’t tell them where you’re going. They likely will ask more questions; their anticipation will grow; and their imagination will be stimulated as they try to discover what the surprise outing is. The activity itself doesn’t have to be amazing. The anticipation becomes part of the fun, as they eagerly await the mystery destination.
Home Sweet Home
You also can find ways to stay entertained in your home or motorhome without having to drive anywhere or spend any money. If you have younger children, pull out some blankets and pillows and encourage them to make a fort. As a point in your favor, you can tell yourself you’re encouraging them to use creative and analytical skills — or something like that. Once they’re done building their forts, give them some flashlights and maybe some books so they can hang out inside their creation.
Bring your imagination to other activities. If you have space, play a game in the living area where one person is “it” and the other people jump from couch to couch trying to escape capture. Or, pretend the floor is lava and try to make it from one spot to another. Tap into your creativity and entertain each other by coming up with silly monsters.
Some of the happiest memories can be made by playing a board game. Pulling one out may bring back memories of previous times you’ve played together, such as someone earning a killer score in Scrabble or making a humorous mistake finding the killer in Clue. For shorter games, how about a round of Uno or cards? If you’re brave and open to playing a game that may last more than one day, there’s always Monopoly.
Jigsaw puzzles are another entertaining option. They can while away the time and become a team project as adults and kids work together to find homes for the pieces and create a complete picture. A variety of puzzle mats sold today allow you to assemble the pieces on the mat; the pieces stay in place when the mat is rolled up for storage until the next puzzle session.
Whatever activities you choose, keep in mind that kids remember fun and good times, not how much money you paid for them. Sometimes, the most enjoyable winter days indoors are free.