Expecting a huge snow storm - looking for ideas to entertain toddler

[vrclay]

So I'm a WOH mamma and most of my time with my little guy is spent outdoors or going places (museums, zoo, airport, train station, etc.). I'm a bit anxious about spending 3-4 days in the house with my 2 year old and 6 month old.

Yes, we will play out in the snow but I'm looking for ideas to burn off some energy inside. We have a tiny house and not much space for running.

Also some arts and crafts ideas would be welcome. I'm planning to pick up some stuff to make beanbags.

Any other ideas?

[COgirl19]

My DD (2 and a half) can be easily entertained with watercolor paints and playdough. She can make a real mess with the watercolors but it definitely keeps her occupied. She has also gotten into puzzles lately. A 24 piece puzzle can keep her busy for a good 30 minutes.

[Honey693]

My 15 month old loves it when I fill a plastic bowl with water, put it on a towel in the kitchen, give her some spoons and let her play. It doesn't make a huge mess b/c it's on the towel and I get some housework done. Plus if she does spill it all over I just end up mopping, so there's another chore done

[blizzard_babe]

We've only had three above-zero days in the past... month?, so we're good with indoor entertainment.

Wrestling, while the 6m/o is napping or safely out of the way . I get down on the floor and throw DS around for a while. Rollicking good time.

Dance party (can be done with 6m/o in arms )!

Play dress-up using your clothes. Can also dress up baby (if baby is compliant and all is properly supervised), which could prove to be a great photo op.

[luv-my-boys]

I did last month when it was too cold to go anywhere but the kids were totally bored. I made a little box of jello pudding and got the boys in the tub and let them have at it with paintbrushes. They painted the walls and each other and when it was said and done I washed everything away. They absolutely loved it!!


I also make outrageous bubble baths with tons of bubbles and lots of stuff like cups/bowls heck even the colander. Shaving cream is also lots of fun (make sure its not the minty kind that burns sensitive areas).

we have a "sandbox" but its rice in a large plastic flat bin (like the kind that goes under beds) with assort. "sand" toys. Ds preschool has something similar but its beans.

we make rainbow muffin tin crayons with all the little bits of broken crayons. We melt them in muffin tins and make great rainbow colors.

[columbusmomma]

Build a fort
Have an indoor picnic
Make an obstacle course

[puffingirl]

We're gearing up for the storm too. Some things likely to occur here:
Put up the play tent and do "camping".
Give the stuffed animals a bath in the tub.
Art--stamping, gluing, fingerpaints, giant rolls of paper with crayons
Baking--muffins, probably
Cooking--getting her more involved with the meals
Loud music for dancing and instrument play

Stay warm and have fun!

[Code Name Mama]

I've been posting "toddler activity schedules" for the past several weeks - most of the activities are indoors b/c we're still in the 20s here. Feel free to check them out - click on my name, then my homepage. There's a search box on the upper right of the main page, type in "toddler activity" or "toddler activities" and you'll bring a bunch of stuff up.
Here's one example of something that would be incredibly fun for a 2 yr old

[Ruthie's momma]

Originally Posted by Crystal_R

My 15 month old loves it when I fill a plastic bowl with water, put it on a towel in the kitchen, give her some spoons and let her play. It doesn't make a huge mess b/c it's on the towel and I get some housework done. Plus if she does spill it all over I just end up mopping, so there's another chore done

My 2.5 yo loves also loves this! Plus, she enjoys the following:

*Craft "stuff"-painting with water colors, molding play dough and drawing with crayons and colored pencils

*Using a large box as a bath tub (with or without water), house, car, bed, etc.

*Listening to music and singing and dancing

*Reading a lot of books

*Helping me cook a meal or bake some cookies

*Building houses, cars, etc. with the cushions from the couch

Of course, watching a favorite show or movie while snuggled on the couch under a blanket is a great way to pass some time. Sharing a warm drink is a wonderful addition!