Here we are, in the depth of winter. It’s snowing outside and the kids have a serious case of “cabin fever”.

What’s a mom to do to help keep everyone happy, occupied, and sane? On days like this, I turn my kitchen and dining room into a playground.

Today, we will enjoy getting our hands dirty, and yes, it will be OK to do so in Mom’s kitchen.

We will make cookies, do arts & crafts, and pass the time away laughing and making memories that will last long after winter has passed!

Orange Snowball Cookies

These aren’t for throwing, but they are so good to eat! Orange Snowball Cookies are very simple no bake cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth! Let kids of all ages help any way they can.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz.) box vanilla wafers, crumbled
•  1 box powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup frozen orange juice (undiluted)
• 1 stick melted butter
• Shredded coconut (optional)

1. Mix crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and frozen orange juice together. Add butter, stir to combine.
2. Form into small to medium balls and roll them in powdered sugar, (or shredded coconut, if desired).
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 6 dozen.

Other Edible Gifts and Ideas

A snow day or bad weather day is an excellent time to keep children busy in the kitchen, but also utilize the time by creating little edible gifts such as cookies, candy, breads, cakes, and chocolate-covered pretzels. These can be made ahead of time, stored in air-tight containers, and frozen until needed. My children enjoy making gifts from the kitchen to give to their friends and loved ones on birthdays, special occasions, and holidays.

 Winter-Time Arts & Crafts

When I was a child, I loved making paper snowflakes. I’d take a piece of white paper and fold it over many times and then cut all sizes of triangles and diamond shapes throughout that folded piece of paper. I’d cut it and shape it just right and then slowly and carefully unfold it to reveal a one-of-a-kind beautiful snowflake all my own!

That was my level of creativity. My husband, on the other hand, took paper crafts to a whole new level. He first introduced the children to Origami and then he showed them what they could do using what is known simply as” paper craft.”

To my amazement, my children have made stand up 3-D versions of their favorite animals or cartoon characters completely out of paper!

 Marshmallow Shooters

I was not keen to this idea, but again my husband found it and the kids loved it. This would be a good project to do if Dad is home as it involves PVC pipe and some hand tools. However, once they are made, marshmallow shooters provide hours of giggly fun, for days and years to come. Instructions can be found at Familycapers.com The shooters cost about $2 to make.

Frugal Family Winter Time Fun

Spring will be here before you know it. Take advantage of these times to create special memories with your kids while you can. Be creative. Think of ways to create different work stations and play areas throughout the house that will appeal to various ages and interests within the household.

• Make several different kinds of no-bake cookies
• Turn the kitchen table into paper craft central
• Turn the dining room table into a play fort
• A bar or island can be set up for older children who might enjoy making candy, using melted almond bark and plastic molds.
• The sides of a fridge or chest freezer can be easily turned into a paint or drawing easel using magnets and large sheets of paper
• Set a step stool up at the kitchen sink and and fill one side of the sink with plain or colored water (with food coloring), and the other side with bubble water to create a simple and easy to clean water & bubble play area.
• Have dried beans? Place dried beans and measuring cups in little wash tubs. The is a safe alternative inside for sand play.

Share Your Frugal Fun Family Wintertime Ideas

“What do you do when you are stuck inside all day? How do you entertain your kids on those “Mom, I’m bored!”, stuck inside the house, bad weather days? Please share below!’