As much as children enjoy snow days---and the break from school---there are times when the white stuff becomes too much of a good thing. Blizzard conditions, extreme cold or high winds may conspire to keep you and the kids cooped up in the house. Don't despair, however. Even if the weather outside is frightful, conditions inside don't have to be. You can keep children entertained with creative indoor games that may help ward off cabin fever.
Indoor Sock Volleyball
This game, recommended by Family Fun, allows kids to burn off energy without jeopardizing furniture. To set it up, you will need a large inflated balloon and a 10-foot-long piece of string or twine. Attach the string across a 10-foot-wide playing area that is clear of furniture and breakables, at a height of about 1 foot off the floor. After having the children remove their shoes---but not their socks---split them into two teams, and position them on either side of the string, supporting themselves on their hands and feet with their backs to the floor. Begin the game with one player tossing the balloon into the air, while another player on the same team---moving upside-down crab style---kicks it over the string to the opposing team. If one team lets the ball hit the floor on their side, the other team scores a point, and gets to re-serve the ball. The first team to score 15 points wins the game.
The Camping Game
Select a child from the group to be the moderator, or "campground director," to play this game suggested by Fun and Games. Let the campground director "in" on the trick of the game---out of earshot of the other children. Have the children, each in turn, declare what they would like to bring on the camping trip; the campground director either approves the selection, or forbids it. Julia, who would like to bring a tent, is "forbidden" to bring it, but Sam, who wants to bring sleeping bags, and Hannah, who wants to bring hamburgers, are "approved." The trick, of course, is that the item must begin with the first letter of the person's name. This game---which promotes logical thinking---can provoke some lively discussion, as children try to figure out why their suggestions are banned or approved. Smaller children that appear to be getting frustrated can be privately let in on the secret. A small prize can be offered to the child who finally figures out the trick.
Picture Scramble
Picture Scramble requires a pile of pictures that you don't mind seeing destroyed, such as scanned images, postcards or magazine photos. Rip each picture into 4 sections. With the children out of the room, scatter the picture pieces about. If older children are playing, you can rip pictures into more than 4 pieces, and use more craft in concealing them, such as stashing them under seat cushions or in drawers. Make sure to hold back 1 piece from each picture. Give each of the children a piece from a different picture and have them race to find and reassemble the images. The first child to do so wins a prize.
Memory Test
In a different room from the children, select between 5 and 20 different household objects---such as a pen, coin, button or spoon---and set them on a tray. Carry in the tray, let the children study them for 2 minutes, and take them out again. Give the children pencils and paper, and ask them to write down what they remember seeing. If playing with very young children, use less objects and simply have them whisper in your ear what they remember. The child who recalls the most objects wins the game. In a variation suggested by Kids Fun and Games, you can remove an object from the tray, and have the participants try to decide which object is missing.
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