10 Things to Do When it’s Cold Outside
It’s the time of year when the days are rainy, icy, snowy or just plain gray. This is the best time of year to pick up a new hobby or remember how enjoyable an old hobby collection can be. Whether you’re a stay at home mom with little babies and toddlers or a retiree enjoying the long quiet days with no kids around, everyone goes a little stir crazy this time of year. Here are things to do when it’s cold outside to keep you from going stir crazy.
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10 Things to Do When it’s Cold Outside
Angry Birds Tower
Break out the recycle box and grab a few stuffed animals. Every child loves to tear down a tower so have the kids build their own real-life Angry Birds game. Rules are very simple. You build a tower and place a few stuffed animals on the tower. Then give each child 3 or 4 chances to break the tower using small animal friends.
House of Cards:
Use the recycle boxes to build a House of Cards. Spaghetti or macaroni boxes would work perfectly, but feel free to use odd size boxes. See how high it can get before it crashes.
Have a Flashlight Animal Safari
Hide stuffed animals (or plastic toys) around the house. Then give each child a flashlight and let the safari begin. This is a great option if the power goes out as well.
Run, Jump, Stomp
Not every day of winter is cold and rainy. Sometimes you get those reprieves when you can run outside for just a few minutes. Those are the times when you and the kids need something that delivers massive fun in just a few minutes like the Stomp Rocket This simple toy requires no batteries and operates just by the power of a child’s stomp.
*If you have a big room or basement, this Stomp Rocket is even good for indoors! The soft foam planes won’t destroy things in your house!
You connect the tubes and then Run, Jump and STOMP to launch Stunt Planes. There are three different foam planes designed to perform stunts in the air. Change the launch angle to do loops and change how these Stunt Planes fly!
Feed the Birds
The best time of year to be a bird watcher is in the winter months. The leaves are gone and it’s easy to see the birds when they fly in for supper. We have bird feeders where we can see them from the kitchen window but we also like to place them all around the yard so we can enjoy them no matter where we are.
There is one thing that makes feeding the birds easier when it is cold outside – the right shoes!
I love the Muckster Classics that have been winterized with a cozy fleece lining for a slipper-like feel. Now I can go feed the birds, walk out to the icy creek and run get the mail easily without having to wrestle with winter boots. Bonus: These clogs will transition perfectly into the muddy tasks of gardening in the Spring and still keep my feet warm!
Yarn Crafts
If you don’t have the time or desire to crochet a full-size afghan, then do a youtube search and teach yourself how to make a hat. You can donate them to the Salvation Army or make them for your daughter or granddaughter’s dolls.
But why stick to crocheting with yarn? Pull out your plastic grocery bags and learn to make PLARN. Plarn makes great beach bags, Easter baskets or mats.
Maybe you want to crochet a rag rug out of old shirts or sheets? There are tutorials all over the internet to get you started.
Search YouTube
If you just want to get motivated to try something new, check out youtube. You can find tutorials for everything from sewing, home improvement projects, how to play a musical instrument or how to start an indoor winter garden.
Work a Puzzle
Working puzzles is a great hobby that families of all ages can enjoy together because they come in so many skill levels. But if you aren’t careful, you can spend too much money on puzzles. Click here for some tips to help you find new puzzles without spending a fortune.
Spring Clean Early
It’s always easier to clean when you have less stuff. When the days are too cold to be outside in the yard, that’s the perfect time to do some de-cluttering and cleaning. Grab some plastic bags and start separating out your trash from your treasure.
Plan your next road trip
Now is a great time to think about your next vacation, especially if you are one of those people who usually just go to the same place each year. But before you head to a new area, it’s a great idea to find out what real people thought of each area. State by State Travel is a growing resource of real people who have been to hotels, state parks, amusement parks, roadside attractions, and museums. When travelers share their experiences, it makes it easier to know how to plan your vacation.
Clean your Garden Tools
Spend some time getting your garden tools in working order so you’ll be ready for the spring. Some tools need to be oiled, wiped down or cleaned off to keep them ready for the next season.
What hobbies do you most enjoy during the winter months? I’d love to hear your ideas!
