Keeping the family entertained on those cold days in winter is something every parent struggles with each year. Here are some great indoor activities that will keep the kiddos warm and busy for hours!

1. Learn a Hobby: You can pass away the time by learning how to crochet or knit this winter. Not only does this keep idle hands busy, you also are rewarded with a beautiful hand-made item when you are done! The internet is full of “how-to” videos to get started. Keep it fun and simple and the kids will continue with this craft.

2. Photo Box: Do you have a shoebox full of photos from years gone by? A perfect family activity is going through all of these photos and either putting them in a photo book or scanning them in to make an online album. This also is a fun way to look back on the years with your kids to reminisce.

3. Puzzles: This activity never gets old! Set up a card table, chairs and dedicate some time chatting and putting your puzzle together as a family.

4. Stop-motion Video with Play-Doh: Let the kids be creative! Have them make Play-Doh figures and take a sequence of still photos. Upload photos onto your computer (or use an app) and play the photos back to create a movie of still photos.

5. Movie Marathon with Treats: Start a Sunday afternoon with a stack of your favorite movies and a big bucket of popcorn. Have each family member pick their favorite flick and kick back and enjoy a day of comfort and entertainment.

6. Nerf Gun Targets: Kids enjoy a little competition from time to time, so make your own targets to use indoors for the kids to aim their Nerf guns at to win points. Prizes can certainly be awarded!

7. Make a Short Movie: Dust off some of those old hats, coats and Halloween costumes in the closet and have the kids put on a show! Take video segments on your phone or tablet and put them all together to make a short family movie.

8. Trace Silhouettes: This is a classic activity that is guaranteed to get everyone in the family giggling. Tape a white piece of paper on the wall/door, turn off the lights and use a flashlight to cast the child’s shadow on the paper. Have another family member trace the silhouette and see if there is a future artist in your family!

9. Make Snowflakes: It may be snowing outside but the kids can play with snowflakes inside too. Use either paper, popsicle sticks or cotton swabs to make beautiful snowflake decorations for around the house.

10. Indoor Obstacle Course: This activity is by far my kids most favorite. We make a full course throughout the house using the furniture, blankets, tents, tunnels, laundry baskets, ice cream buckets, Dad’s big shoes, stuffed animals and more! We even time the kids when going through the indoor obstacle course and they like to keep going through to beat their best time. Hours of entertainment and a good activity to get the kids up and moving!