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Ideas on keeping the kids entertained when it's cold outside and money is tight...

feels_like_karma's picture

Submitted by feels_like_karma on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 9:45am

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With the weather outside being frightful and cold, it's hard to figure out what to do with the kids when they come over. Money is tight right now with Christmas, so we can't go to a movie or bowling, or anything like that that we've done with them in the past. I feel bad keeping them cooped up in the house, but I'm not sure what exactly to do that doesn't cost money!

We have video games, but we're not the type of people who will let them sit on the PlayStation or DS all day. We give them a limited amount of time, but then when we kick them off, they get bored. We have some coloring books, but that can only last for so long before it gets boring. I know we need to invest in some more board games, and they have a few under the tree so that should help, but right now we don't have many. I don't mind sending them outside for a while if it's not super cold, but lately it's been single-digit temperatures or lower. I want to come up with things that are good for us all to do together.

Does anyone have any good ideas or suggestions based on what they've done?

Stupidlyoptimistic's picture

Submitted by Stupidlyoptimistic on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 11:44pm

Check out Pinterest. Last year, I had the kids make Christmas ornaments, help me make body scrubs, etc. We also drove around looking at Christmas lights close to our house.They had a blast. Also, most of the ingredients are probably things you already have in the kitchen. I haven't been able to do this stuff this year since DH and I have the flu. We watched movies by the fireplace this past weekend, and everyone seemed pretty content.

Another idea would be to check out free programs, fairs, etc in your area. A lot of churches, schools, and community centers do different free activities this time of year.

snowdrop's picture

Submitted by snowdrop on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 12:14pm

maybe go to the library? we go a lot, and have a good routine... skids get books on their own and then we all sit down and read for a bit... peace and quiet for me and a change of scenery for them!

cheap movie theaters are always good too!

baking cookies or something together!

do you belong to a gym or ymca? swimming or basketball

practice homework (it might not be their favorite but it's good for them) you can print sheets online or buy books. Or there are a lot of free math sites to help kids.