When winter hits Chicago, we usually get our fair share of cold weather. That means we’re stuck at home with our energetic kids. Want to avoid everyone going stir-crazy? Here are some cabin fever busters to try.
Think outside the box
Anyone else get tons of packages delivered daily? (Asking for a friend.) What to do with all of those cardboard boxes? Make a fort! I used a razor to cut the boxes, flattened them, and then used some packing tape to hold it all together. We made ‘The Libot Bros’ Cafe,’ complete with little baristas, coffee and ice cream! Get creative with it. You can even decorate the boxes with markers, crayons, stickers and paint (if you’re up for the mess!).
Take on a home project
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This one is for the whole family. Teamwork makes the dream work. We recently took on a DIY board and batten accent wall. It was a fun project from start to finish. Mom measured, Dad cut the wood, kids helped with painting and had a few dance parties in between. Seven hours later and TA-DA! We love the design, and it definitely reinvented our family room.
Stir up something in the kitchen!
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I love getting the kids involved in the kitchen. It’s an opportunity to explore new foods, teach them about measurements, how to follow directions and patience. Sit down with the kids and let them help pick a new recipe to try each week. This will get them excited for cooking day! If you need some inspo, we have tons of cooking video tutorials on our Instagram.
We’re goin’ on a neighborhood scavenger hunt!
Scavenger hunts are so fun and will get the kids motivated to get outdoors even on those cold days. Print out a list with pictures for your hunt and they’ll feel accomplished every time they get to cross something off. There are so many free printables online. Throw the kids in the wagon with a blanket and you’re off. Parents get their steps in, kids are busy and happy. It’s a win-win!
Make screen time interactive and fun!
Are you constantly fighting about screen time with your kids? You can say yes to screen time. We discovered Art for Kids Hub on YouTube – and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver! It’s basically a dad and his kids giving free art lessons, including how to draw, paint and origami. The boys love to video conference and share their screen with their friends/cousins and do art lessons together. They just learned how to draw SpongeBob.
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This article also appeared in Chicago Parent’s January/February 2021 issue.
