Don’t let the weather get your grandkids down — there’s no better occasion to enjoy cozy indoor fun. Try some of these ideas to brighten everyone’s spirit and strengthen your family bond.
MAKE A TENT OR FORT
Indoor tents and forts make fun play areas as well as cozy retreats for reading or watching movies. To build a tent, take several bed sheets, tablecloths, or blankets and hang them over tables or backward-facing chairs. For a more permanent structure, connect PVC tubing into the shape of a box. Then drape over it with sheets.
HOLD AN ART WORKSHOP
Gather the basics such as paper, paint, and markers. Then scrounge for a variety of recyclables such as boxes, toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, caps, old magazines, and anything else you can think of. If you have any crafting supplies such as yarn, fabric, or glitter, pull those out as well. Then let your family’s inspiration flow, and create to everyone’s heart’s content.
DO A READ-IN
First, head to the Daniel Boone Regional Library and have everyone pick out some books. When you return home, pull out pillows and blankets in the family room, and spend the day lounging and reading. Another option is for everyone to take turns reading aloud from a book that’s geared toward all ages.
LEARN SELF-DEFENSE
Rent or buy a martial arts DVD on basic self-defense. Then gather your grandkids to practice techniques that could help them escape a dangerous situation.
HOLD A MAGIC SHOW
Pick up magic trick books or watch magic videos online. Then practice up, and invite the neighborhood kids to come and watch your act.
HAVE A DANCE-A-THON
Crank up the volume to some pop, hip-hop, or whatever your grandkids’ favorite music is, and see whose energy holds out the longest.
PLAY BAKERY
What better way to warm up on a chilly day and enjoy family time than to bake up some tasty treats? Make a day of it and get all your baking done in advance for an upcoming gathering or so you have treats to store. After you’ve sufficiently sampled the goodies, freeze the remainder.
SIZZLING SCIENCE FUN
Search online for fun experiments you can conduct at home with basic household products and ingredients. Perform a few. Then make a video of a really cool one to post on YouTube.
DO A WORKOUT
Physical fitness is vital for the entire family. Look for a HIIT, Zumba, or another cardiovascular exercise video with today’s hottest music and moves.
PAINT A WALL MURAL
Is your family artistic? If so, choose a wall in your basement, garage, mudroom, or playroom in need of a personal touch. Before you begin, draw your mural idea on a piece of paper. Then buy three or four quarts of primary color paints plus a quart of white and black. You can mix the colors at home to create additional colors and shades.
HOLD A GAME NIGHT
Pull out the cards and board games and gather some snacks. Then start keeping score to see who the night’s grand winner will be.
ENJOY A PICNIC
Who says picnics are only for outdoors? Put together all the fixings of a picnic, complete with a picnic basket if you have one. Then spread out a blanket in your family room and enjoy the grub.
TELL STORIES
Write a dozen or so story prompts, each on a separate piece of paper, and toss them into a bowl. Then take turns pulling out a story prompt and telling a story. Another option is for one person to start the story, then go around the room, and each of you adds a sentence to the story. See how long you can keep the story alive.
GET CULTURED
Choose a culture your grandkids would like to experience and learn more about. Look for recipes from that culture online as well as mealtime customs for a fuller experience. Then have everyone pitch in and help cook the international fare.
PERFORM A PUPPET SHOW
Pull out old socks or brown paper lunch bags and make your own puppets. Draw on faces and use yarn or string for the hair. Then take turns performing your acts.
Local indoor venues for family fun and activities:
BONKERS
3812 Buttonwood Drive
goingbonkers.com
If you’re looking for a place to let your kiddos climb, crawl, and play, Bonkers in Columbia is the place to be. Enjoy an arcade, a bouncing ride, a play maze, a super slide, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, and a wall crawl! Plus, you can celebrate all your wins with prizes from the prize center!
LEVEL UP ENTERTAINMENT
2300 Bernadette Drive
levelupthefun.com
Level Up Entertainment has all the interactive games you need to enjoy with your family. From bowling, laser tag, and ropes courses to mini golf, roller skating, and arcade games, Level Up really has it all!
SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK
7175 Oakland Mills Road
skyzone.com
Have one-of-a-kind fun at Sky Zone with your family this winter. Whether you are taking a day off from school, looking for a place to hang on the weekends, or celebrating a birthday, Sky Zone has all the jumping, playing, climbing, and sliding for you to enjoy. And don’t worry, the little ones won’t miss out with their super cool toddler zone made just for them. Let the fun begin!
TIGER BOUNCE
3601 Buttonwood Drive
tigerbouncecolumbia.com
The perfect child entertainment is right around the corner at Tiger Bounce. Designed specifically for children 12 and under, Tiger Bounce is the spot for private parties, meet and greet events with your kids’ favorite characters, soft play climbing structures, bounce houses, a skating and activity floor, and so much more!
TINY TOWN PLAY CAFÉ
901 E. Nifong, Suite B
tinytownplaycafe.com
Tiny Town Play Café is an indoor playspace and coffee shop for families with kids nine and under. While your little ones explore six child-sized playhouses—a grocery store, school, office, house, vet clinic, and construction site—designed for imaginative play, parents can enjoy locally brewed coffee and treats.
