What happened to spring? Some indoor activities to keep your kids busy

Stuck inside this week? Check our list of indoor activity ideas thanks to N.C. Parent Consultants.

Posted 5:53 p.m. Mar 28, 2011 — Updated 5:53 p.m. Mar 28, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Last week I was buying sandals and sunscreens. This morning I pulled the winter coats out of storage. What happened to spring!

While the temperatures are expected to improve a bit this week, it looks like we may be in for a rainy week. And while I don't mind letting my kids slosh through rain puddles, it's not going to be an all day activity for the toddler I have at home during the day.

We'll probably head to the library and maybe hit Marbles Kids Museum this week. Check the box for links to our resource pages featuring indoor places to play.

And the folks over at N.C. Parent Consultants offers up these great ideas too that are free or really cheap. Have fun!

Play indoor volleyball or basketball with balloons/nerf balls and a laundry bin
Have a dance/freeze contest
Create an indoor jumping space - use an old mattress or fill a duvet cover with scrap pieces of foam (you can get from the foam store)
Set up an obstacle course with pillows, have kids complete a set of what ever "exercise" that is age appropriate at each spot.
Create a "living room" sale with old toys and clothes. Have the kids earn "tickets" for each item, pack and bag those items to donate to a worthy cause. (tickets to be redeemed for special outings or activities as a family: movie night, bowling night, family pizza making...) it's a great way to clean out those toy boxes and closets!
Have an indoor scavenger hunt
Play board games, puzzles and of course the Wii (Xbox..)
Get each family member to decorate a page for a family scrapbook
Get out some old instruments or kid's bongos and play loudly!
Old socks, decorations and glue make for a great puppet show
Go bowling, ice/roller skating, to a museum, to your community indoor pool, a bounce house place or sign up for free initial try at an indoor soccer, gymnastics or Tae Kwon Do (you may discover a hidden talent or interest)
Make play dough with your kids and then let them get creative (it's a great sensory experience!) Here's a recipe.

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