The groundhog really wasn’t playing when he called for more winter. 

We were hoping he was.

After the blizzard of 2017 unleashed it’s wrath on the Northeast, we’re still feeling some residual cabin fever as they continue to clean up the aftermath. While we’re at home cleaning up the war zone left behind after the kids were home from school for several days in a row, we’re all hoping this is the last of it.

But wait, there’s more!

The forecast calls for even more snow in the Northeast this weekend, adding a few more inches to our driveways and giving us more time at home entertaining the kiddos. If you and the kids are starting to feel like you’re trapped in a snow globe, take a few tips and tricks from us to keep your house from going off the deep end and staying sane during your next big snow day. 

Crafts!

Well depending on how much energy you have left in you after the last doozy of a snow storm, some crafts are always a fun way to take the edge off your cabin fever. Have some crafts on hand that are low mess will take the pressure off you to entertain the squad for the bulk of the snow day. Then again, why not break the paints out and get messy? Crafts are fun, cute and create little mementos of your snow day adventures.

Snow Day Friendly Menu

One of the best parts about being home for a snow day, is taking it easy on your dinner plans. It’s always a good idea to keep a few staple ingredients on hand that don’t require a lot of prep and some that are just plain comfort food. In our house, pizza reigns king. We always have a couple balls of pizza dough handy for days where you need to throw together a quick meal or throw an impromptu pizza party. Kids get a kick out of decorating their own pizza and with the right enthusiasm and creativity, you might be able to sneak some healthy toppings on their pizza creations.

Just don’t make any sudden movements or they’ll be onto your tricks!

No dough? You can make personal pizzas on English muffins, pita, bagels, canned crescent rolls and even puff pastry if you’re feeling fancy. Make your pizza lunch an event and it’ll occupy the kids, fill their bellies and hopefully prompt them for a snow day nap.

Mini Movie Theater

Even if you have reservations about plopping your kid in front of the TV for long periods of time, there’s no denying that a family movie night snuggled up on the couch can entertain even the fussiest of kids. Of course you’ll probably have to watch Frozen for the 217402347th consecutive night in a row but hey, at least it sticks with the snow day theme and if Frozen on Ice comes to town you’ll probably have a decent shot being cast as Elsa considering how many times “Let it Go” has gotten stuck in your head. Pop up some popcorn to go with your pizzas, set up the living room with pillows and blankets and settle in to watch some family flicks staying warm inside.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

What would be a perfect snow day without playing in the snow? Grab the snow pants and mittens and get out there and build a snowman. Of course you’ll have some tough critics if you just watched Frozen, but do your best Olaf Impression and you’ll be okay. After all, it’s the creativity that really counts. Grab the sleds and head for the hills! Before you know it, your little ones will be tuckered out and ready to warm up back inside. If they don’t nap after all that, call the Smithsonian because you’ve got a brand new kid species on your hands.

No need to drive yourself crazy, just think outside the box. Or in this case, the igloo! 

Snow day fun can be simple and you don’t need much to make a day inside a little extra special with your family. Stay safe and toasty in the snowy days to come, we’ll be spending our days home toasty too, anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring!