Get Creative While You're Cooped Up!

Stefanie Head
Jan 14
3 min read

When winter weather keeps you cooped up indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage in fun and creative activities as a family. Here are some ideas to inspire quality time and creative expression when it’s too cold to venture outdoors.

1. Create a Family Art Gallery

Gather art supplies like paper, crayons, markers, paints, and even recyclables. Encourage each family member to create their own masterpiece. Once finished, display your artwork on a designated wall or hang string and clip the pieces with clothespins to create a gallery. Host an “art opening” to showcase everyone’s creations.

2. Bake and Decorate Together

Turn your kitchen into a creative workshop by baking cookies, cupcakes, or brownies. Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Let everyone personalize their treats. Bonus: You’ll have delicious snacks to enjoy afterward!

3. DIY Board Games

Design your own board game as a family. Use cardboard, markers, and small objects as game pieces. Decide on a theme, rules, and objectives together. Once your game is complete, play it and refine the rules as needed. This activity combines creativity with problem-solving.

4. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Hide small treasures or trinkets around the house and create a map or set of clues for family members to follow. Add a creative twist by making it a themed hunt (e.g., pirate treasure, detective mystery). Include drawing or crafting tasks as part of the challenges.

5. Movie-Themed Play Night

Pick a favorite family movie and base activities around it. For example:

Create costumes and props inspired by the movie.
Act out scenes or come up with your own sequel ideas.
Make themed snacks to enjoy during a family movie marathon.

6. Build a Fort and Tell Stories

Transform your living room into a cozy fort using blankets, cushions, and chairs. Once your fort is built, bring in flashlights and tell stories together. You can take turns creating an ongoing story, with each family member adding a part to the narrative.

7. Science Experiments at Home

Get hands-on with simple science experiments using household items. Try making:

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes.
Homemade slime or play dough.
A rainbow in a glass with layered liquids. These activities are both educational and entertaining.

8. Scrapbooking Memories

Gather old photos, ticket stubs, and memorabilia to create a family scrapbook. Use colored paper, stickers, and markers to decorate the pages. This is a wonderful way to reminisce and preserve special memories together.

9. Host a Family Talent Show

Let everyone showcase their unique talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or comedy. Create a “stage” in your living room and take turns performing. Record the show to watch and laugh over later.

10. Seasonal Crafts

Use the chilly season as inspiration for your crafts. Make paper snowflakes, winter-themed paintings, or DIY holiday decorations. Recyclable materials like jars and cardboard can be transformed into creative keepsakes.

11. Cook a Meal Together

Plan and cook a meal as a family. Assign each person a role, such as chopping, mixing, or setting the table. Turn it into a themed dinner night, like a taco bar or homemade pizza party, for added fun.

12. Learn Something New Together

Take advantage of indoor time to pick up a new skill as a family. Try:

Learning a simple song on an instrument.
Following a beginner yoga or dance tutorial.
Trying out a family-friendly craft, like knitting or origami.

13. Puzzle and Game Marathon

Bring out puzzles and board games for a family game marathon. Work together on a large puzzle or challenge each other with games like charades, Pictionary, or trivia. Add snacks and comfy seating for a cozy vibe.

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean boredom. These creative activities are great ways to spend time together, foster imagination, and make lasting memories. Which one will your family try first? Let us know in the comments!

If all else fails, grab some free coloring pages below! Happy arting!