By: Kathy Trainor
Who could forget last winter? And the 8 feet of snow in less than 30 days? With another snow storm headed our way and one just over. I had to bring out a few tricks from last year.
When children get “cabin fever,” one way to keep them occupied is by doing something unexpected. In our family, that means celebrating the cold weather with an indoor picnic featuring games and food that the whole family can enjoy.
Possibilities for children’s indoor picnics are as endless as your imagination. Here are some ideas:
Teddy Bear Tea Picnic
Clothing: Kids and teddy bears wear their fanciest clothes
Picnic site: Gather around the kitchen table, or on blanket on the floor
Food: Small cups of tea served with mini sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly, Nutella®, ham and cheese, or egg salad, for instance). Use small cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes.
Music: Sing or play the “Teddy Bear Picnic” song
Camping-in Picnic
Clothing: Children’s hiking attire and gear (jeans and boots will do too)
Picnic site: Sleeping bags, pillows, and flashlights or battery-operated plastic lanterns. If you have small tent or even a large sheet eat in the “tent”
Food: Grilled cheese sandwiches, granola bars, a canteen or Thermos of water, and S’mores (made in the microwave or toaster oven, or a ready-made S’mores kit).
Music: Sing campfire songs
After last winter I didn’t really know what else do it. I also found the kids even loved a Movie Picnic where I let them eat in the living room a HUGE no-no but the treat kept smiles on their face and my sanity.
What are your favorite ways to beat cabin fever?
Community Voices for Health 