30 Ways for Families to Beat the Winter Blahs

Is your family already tired of being cooped up this winter? Do the kids have cabin fever? Are you counting the days until spring? In honor of KC Parent’s 30th birthday, here are 30 ideas to revitalize, recharge and reenergize during the long, cold days of winter.

• Go ice skating. Crown Center Ice Terrace in Kansas City, MO, and The Ice at Park Place in Leawood offer affordable skating fun—and exercise!—for the whole family.
• Visit a nursing home. Some residents don’t have many visitors; offer up a friendly conversation, play a game of cards or have the kids read a book to them.
• Think beyond snowmen. Build a snow monster, a snow dinosaur or an entire snow zoo.
• Have a game night. Turn off the electronics, get out some board games, make some snacks and have fun!
• Perform random acts of kindness. Bake cookies and deliver them to teachers or do household chores for an elderly neighbor.
• Visit the zoo. The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round and hosts family nights and other events throughout winter.
• “Count up” to spring. Cut out spring shapes, such as flowers, butterflies and raindrops. Punch a hole at the top and add one each day to yarn strung across a room.
• Reminisce about summertime fun. Organize summer photos in an album and have the kids write captions.
• Have a movie night at home. No sad movies allowed!
• Visit your local library. Most have programs, fun events, story times and reading clubs.
• De-clutter. Clean out closets and donate items to a charity.
• Make a “must-do” list for spring/summer. The list might include Deanna Rose Farmstead, a Royals game, planting a garden and trying a new bike trail.
• Volunteer at a food bank. Teach kids the importance of giving back.
• Go on a weekend getaway. It doesn’t have to be far away or expensive; booking a room at a local hotel (with an indoor pool!) will refresh your family.
• Get crafty. Go online to get fun ideas or get creative on your own.
• Bake. Nothing beats the scent—and taste—of freshly-baked cookies. Plus the oven will help warm your house!
• Make snow ice cream. Mix eight cups of fresh snow, a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and one teaspoon vanilla. Serve immediately and enjoy!
• Go for a walk. It’s tempting to stay inside on cold winter days, but a brisk walk in the crisp air is invigorating!
• Visit an indoor water park. Great Wolf Lodge and Coco Key will help you pretend it’s summer.
• Explore! Visit a new museum or a part of Kansas City you haven’t been to before. KCParent.com has reviews and tips.
• Try a new restaurant. Never been to a Japanese steakhouse or tried Thai food? Make a point to try a new menu.
• Redecorate. Have the family pitch in to rearrange furniture, paint a room or hang up new wall décor.
• Trace your family tree. Interview grandparents and other relatives to hear stories about past generations. Help the kids make a family tree.
• Start a gratitude journal. Have all family members write one thing a day they are thankful for.
• Create a hot chocolate bar. Add-in ideas: marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermints, flavored creamers. Invite friends over for the fun.
• Have an indoor picnic. Spread out a blanket and pack some yummy food. Bonus: no pesky ants or flies!
• Join a community center. Some places offer short-term commitments. Get the family off their bottoms and doing something active!
• Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Things to look for: snow shovel, icicle, snowman, smoke from a chimney.
• Feed the birds. Spread peanut butter on a bagel, then roll in bird seed. Attach yarn to it and hang from a tree. Your feathered friends will thank you!
• Write “just because” cards. Choose a few people, such as neighbors, teachers or friends, and write a note telling them how much they mean to your family.

Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her family. Her kids love to play in the snow while she counts the days until spring.