If you are like me or your kids like my kids winter is a hard season. Colds and viruses run rampant because we are not out of doors as much as we need to be. As a result, the close quarters of the house start to feel like they are closing in on us.

Here are four screen-free activities my husband and I have found that help our clan when we are stuck inside far too long.

1. Games!
   • My oldest is 4 and he is beginning to really enjoy games. Card games, board games, puzzles. You name it he would love to play it. We play “Sorry!”, “Uno,” “Go Fish,” and occasionally Lego games on the Xbox.
2. Kinetic Sand
   • I never thought that I would be an advocate for kinetic sand, but I will gladly stand corrected! Just today, my older three were playing with their kinetic sand for over an hour! An hour! That is unheard of in our house! 100% worth the money.
3. Indoor Jungle Gym
   • This one is a little pricey, but definitely a worthy investment. My boys are extremely active and this was a life saver for me and them. Not only does it help them get energy out, but it inspires their creativity. They were imagining that it was a pirate ship the other day and a zoo today. They were the monkeys of course!
4. Jaxx Zipline Imaginative Furniture
   • My husband bought this for the kids probably 2 years ago. It’s going on 3 years now. We have never regretted the buy. They are cushions that make a couch. They can even become mountains where bad guys lurk on a treasure hunt. The possibilities with the cushions are endless and the more you have the more fun there is to be had! Plus it is made in the USA, you can’t beat that!

When cabin fever is running rampant through your house, take a breath. Look for something quiet to do, like reading books, coloring with your toddler, or going on a “treasure hunt” with your kids. I was reminded today to just be present and enjoy the moment. What a great place to start. Slow down and enjoy the moments inside with your kiddos on a freezing cold day.