Activities

Boredom Beaters

By Parenting
Wednesday: Go on a backyard icicle hunt
When your child spots fantastic creations, gently break them off (wearing gloves and taking care to stay out of the way if one should fall), and put them in a plastic bag. Find a place in the yard for your icicle display, then stick each one upright in the snow or in a planter that's filled with sand. You can keep adding to your collection throughout the season.
 
 
See Also
Keep your kids active with these cool activities - Parenting.com
Fun activities to help your baby learn the basics - Parenting.com
One mom asks: "What are some fun ways to beat cabin fever this winter?"
 -- Kristin, mom of Madeline, 3, and Avery, 17 months, Corvallis, OR

1. Played Candy Land one too many times? Try adding a twist that involves some activity (for instance, a red card means you move to a red square, spin around, and do ten jumping jacks).

2. Turn off the TV and send your kids on an indoor scavenger hunt. Where's something round? Blue? Upside down?

3. Build a fort with couch cushions and blankets and crawl inside with a flashlight or this cool muffin-size light:night ($40). It's a rechargable lamp that's bright enough to read by and won't get hot  -- perfect for little fingers.

4. Back out the car so your child and a buddy can ride tricycles in the garage.

5. Have your kids put a quarter in a jar for every "I'm bored!" they utter. You put a dollar in for every "I'm going insane!" Then go on a hot-chocolate outing with the money you collect.

6. Yes, it's a pain to bundle everyone up, but go out for a ten-minute blast of fresh air. It'll brighten your mood (or make you grateful to get back inside!).

7. Throw a pool party in the bathtub  -- no soap allowed.



PRINT
Quick Poll

Who's the best-trained member of your family?

My husband
My child
Our pet


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

12 Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Babies

Cheap, easy-to-make and quick costumes for your baby

promotion
 

Blog: The Daily Fave

Shawn: "Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of 'medical diagrams' or 'compound sentences.' Well have I got the book for you, Pops." Updated frequently.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "I have been in charge of the family finances for about a year now and I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING." Updated Daily!

The Best Toys of 2009

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cake Designs

Sweet! The easiest, cutest cakes for boys and girls