Top Indoor Family Activities to Warm Up Your Winter Fun

Winter is officially here!

While the weather outside may be frightful, or at least chilly here on our Central Coast, the fire inside is delightful.

With the holidays behind us, we bet you’re clamoring to curl up with a good book or slip into a luxurious bubble bath and regain serenity. 

Well, hold that thought as those dreaded words ring through the air: “We’re BORED!”

Looks like the book and bubbles will have to wait. The blustery, cold, wet weather is driving the kids indoors, and they’re depending on you to save the day. 

Serving as the kids’ very own superhero on demand, prepare to juggle multiple hats, including activities director, personal chef, and overall, chief rockstar. 

No need to fret. We’ve got you covered with an array of fun activities that will make you excited to play inside regardless of the weather. 

And not only do you likely have most of the supplies at home or nearby in storage, these ideas are easy and budget-friendly.

Soon, you’ll be thanking winter for bringing you all indoors!  

Turn Your Home Into a DIY Spa

The holidays can leave us feeling depleted and stressed. January is a time for the whole family to regroup and focus on self-care and wellness. 

No need to venture into the cold. Instead, bring the spa to you. And just think of all the money you’ll save by creating a DIY spa experience in your own home. 

What are you waiting for? Let the pampering begin! 

Manicures & Pedicures

First, shape up those nails with a little filing. Then, treat your hands and feet to a warm soak (even more wonderful if you add a few drops of essential oil to the water). Keep some towels handy to gently dry off. After soaking, gently nudge your cuticles back using a little cuticle oil or lotion.  

Now for the fun part. Pick out your favorite nail polish colors and take turns painting each other’s nails. Go classic, colorful, or wild—or mix and match! 

Face Masks

Face masks have never been more popular! 

From drug stores to beauty retailers to Amazon, face masks are readily available for every skin need—tightening, brightening, hydrating, rejuvenation, and so much more. 

Feeling a bit more ambitious? Look no further than your kitchen. Avocados, bananas, oatmeal, yogurt, honey, and even coffee grounds are packed with yummy goodness for your skin. And don’t forget cucumber slices for your eyes.

Obstacle Course

Ready to get out those wiggles and move, twist, bend, climb, and jump? 

Gather and build an indoor obstacle course using a few things around the house.

Grab those large cardboard boxes from your holiday gifts and turn them into tunnels! Pillowcases are great for sack races. Don’t forget couch cushions, blankets, chairs, and anything else you fancy.

Who’s ready to crawl, roll, slide, and maneuver their way to the finish line?

Games & Crafts

Puzzles 

Puzzles are a fantastic way to collaborate. Did you also know they’re great for your brain and can help reduce stress and anxiety?

If you don’t happen to have a puzzle on hand, check out Facebook for a local puzzle exchange group that trades or gifts puzzles for free. 

Snowflakes

Want to bring the sparkle of snow indoors while remaining warm and cozy? How about a craft that captures that magical shimmer?

You’ll need pipe cleaners—white, silver, or blue tinsel ones are perfect—but any color will do. Also gather scissors, string, and beads. 

Customize the size of snowflakes desired by cutting the pipe cleaners into two or three pieces. Start by twisting one pipe cleaner around the center of another one, and keep adding, twisting, and trimming until you’ve created a snowflake shape.

For a little extra somethin’ somethin’, string beads onto the pipe cleaners and twist again to secure them. Once you’re finished, tie a string around the tip of the snowflake, and hang it anywhere it will glisten in the light.  

This craft is easily customized, mess-free, and is very easy on the wallet! Best of all, you can keep these beautiful snowflakes on hand as part of your holiday décor for years to come! These homemade snowflakes are sure to dazzle even on the chilliest of days. 

So next time the wintery weather sends the kids indoors, embrace the time together with games, crafts, and DIY spa days. There’s no greater gift than family time.