CABIN FEVER: Fun Without Electricity

Our winters in Oklahoma, USA are typically mild with occasional bouts of precipitation that melts within a couple of days. Last year, however, we had a blizzard on Christmas Eve and this year we had record snowfall. We don’t have blizzards here. We aren’t prepared to deal with that much snow. Our daughter’s school was closed for 9 days and it was so deep there was no hope of getting our little Honda over it. With no plowing done in the residential areas, we were stuck there until the thaw. We broke out our board games and other things and made memorable family moments. Here are some family favorites to help you survive your children those snow days and long, dark nights.

Topple: this game provides a nice lesson in balance, fine motor skills, and gravity. The playing board sits on a pedastal topped with a round ball. Each person picks a color, rolls the dice, and places his/her piece on the correct level. Who ever makes it all come crashing down is the loser or winner if your kid is into destruction.

Uno: I loved this fun card game as a kid and my daughter does too. It is easy to play and never gets old, at least to me. They also make versions for younger children that can’t read yet.

Ants in the Pants: This is left over from her toddler years, but she still loves it. Something about making that plastic ant fly through the air is just fun. We actually end up seeing how far we can make them go more than trying to shoot into the bucket.

Candyland: My daughter used to want to play this one ad nauseum. Over and over and over. It is a bit simplistic to keep the adults entertained, but she really enjoyed it. This one is good for any age as long as they can match colors.

Whac-A-Mole: This battery operated game helps to get the aggression out from having to spend days inside with your family. Parents, you know what I mean. Up to four people can play, each gets a hammer and you whack your mole based on light, sound, or a combination of the two. 

Tinkertoys and Lincoln Logs: these two classic toys (yes, I had both) are good for hours of creative play. You can build and create anything.

Blankets, chairs, furniture, and clothes pins: these are the makings of a super cool tent. All you need to add is imagination.

Arts and crafts: I keep a closet shelf stocked with construction paper, scrapbook paper, scrapbook scissors, markers, glue, glitter, ribbons, buttons, sequins, and all manner of left over art supplies that we have used on various projects. The munchkin can get in there and get whatever she wants to entertain herself for hours.

We have used each and every one of these winter, more than once. I am soooo ready for spring.