Cardboard boxes - we've played in them, made them into castles, decorated them...for whatever reason, it keeps them entertained forever. In the picture above (taken first week of January, that's why my tree is up :), we made it into a train and I pushed them around the room. Nice exercise for mom! ;)
Cooking - Abby is obsessed with cooking and baking. We've been stocking up our freezer with meals, cookie dough, and muffins/breads. Her favorite request: brownies ... I can't complain! :) She also likes putting on her apron and washing the dishes afterward. Just make a nice bubble bath for the dishes, give the girl a sponge, and she's a happy camper for awhile. :)
I cut different shapes into boxes and had her sort items through the holes. Then she got to decorate the box with stickers. :)
Blanket forts - we have been making lots of forts with old sheets. We do puzzles, color pictures, and read all the time, so it's a nice change of scenery inside the forts. Plus, Tim finds it hilarious to rip down so he can watch us rebuild it! ;)
Messy play - we've made play dough and cloud dough (pictured above). Cloud dough was insanely messy, but Abby loved it. It is really easy to make - 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 2 cups of flour. Mix together and enjoy!! I like how it's made from food, so if your little one wants a sample (because you know they will!), it's safe to eat! :)
Any other fun ideas for indoor play? What are you doing to keep sane this winter?
Great ideas! We have major cabin fever over here too, I'm going to have to remember to make a blanket fort- I loved those as a kid!
ReplyDeleteThe cloud dough looks like fun!! I'll have to give blanket forts, cloud dough and sensory play a try while we're cooped up inside. I rarely bake and freeze or cook and freeze so I'd love to hear your tips on doing it successfully (how long things last, thaw out, keeping things fresh, etc).
ReplyDeleteThis is a good list! I swear, they love a good box just as much as something expensive (if not more)!
ReplyDeleteLove all of these ideas! Cloud dough is a favorite at our house. I've tried the cardboard box and coloring but my mini didn't go for it!
ReplyDeleteSuch great ideas! I loved playing with cardboard boxes a kid. You just can't go wrong with them!
ReplyDeleteSuch good ideas! Cardboard boxes are always a plus! Stopping by from the Friday linky.
ReplyDeleteKristen @ www.ladybug-blessings.com
These are such great ideas. Love them! We are big on forts in our house :-)
ReplyDeleteYes! We are so ready for some outside play. These are great ideas to keep the little ones busy inside! Thanks for stopping by and linking up with me!
ReplyDeleteCardboard boxes and bins are the best! Juliet loves getting inside of them. I swear, anything that isn't expensive or made to be a toy is exactly what kids gravitate too! haha
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up for H54F! Hope to see you again this week :)
Caitlin @ Coffee with Caitlin
coffeewithcaitlin.com
I need to look into sensory activities!
ReplyDeleteI found a ton of ideas on Pinterest! I used a lot of stuff from around the house...cotton balls, clothes pins, ice cube trays, etc. She really liked it :)
ReplyDeleteAgree! Christmas this year was very low key - we learned our lesson last year as Abby only wanted the box the toy came in! haha
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting H5FF! :)
Washing dishes is a great activity that can take a good half hour. Also, helping cook-- wash the veggies, measure dry ingredients, etc. It is a little messy, but it is an equivalent of sensory play, plus dinner gets cooked!
ReplyDeleteAbby is obsessed with the Pioneer Woman/cooking ... and yes, it is definitely messy but a good learning experience too! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great ideas! Thank you for sharing them at the Intentional Parenting Link Party- pinning these for our next indoor day!
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