It's Raining, It's Snowing! What Should We Do with the Kids?!
February 3, 2010, Updated from January 7, 2009
By the OK Weather Team

With the recent spate of cold snowy weather we've had and the potential for another big storm on the way, we thought this list of ideas might be helpful to get you though. Like many with young children, this question comes to mind: What will we do at home with a day off from school on a snow day? How about those days where the weather is just too cold or rainy outside? Our Kids has come up with some suggestions to make your day(s) a little easier. These tips work for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-aged children.

If the snow or cold weather isn't too bad and you want to head outdoors, consider these options:

  • See a Show. Take in new productions at our local children's theatres. The New Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley runs from February 12 to April 6, 2010 at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo. The show is recommended for ages 4 and up and plays on weekends and weekday field trips. Imagination Stage also has a new production, Peter and the Wolf running from February 6 to March 21, 2010. The production is recommended for ages 5 and up and is on weekends. For the younger set, check out StoryTheatre where Groovy Nate performs February 9, 11, 12 & 13, 2010.
  • Paint Pottery. This is a great activity for ages 3 and up. Kids love to paint, and why not go somewhere where they can create a masterpiece all their own? There are a plethora of options to choose from in the DC area. Check out the Our Kids Pottery Guide for a full listing of paint your own pottery options.
  • Visit a Museum. If you live within walking distance of the metro; make it an adventure and head to one of the many great museums Washington, DC has to offer. The Our Kids website has a variety of listings. Visit an Art Museum, Children's Museum, History Museum or Science Museum. Need a specific recommendation?
  • Visit an Indoor Pool. This activity is GREAT fun for kids of all ages. When do you ever get the chance to swim during the wintertime? Head to a local Indoor Pool or Water Park.
  • Go Ice or Roller Skating. Need to burn off some energy, either of these options provide lots of fun for kids of all ages. We have a Roller Skating Compilation and Ice Skating Compilation. Lace up those skates and have fun.
  • Commune With Nature - Indoor Style. Our area has so many nature centers. Take your pick from the Our Kids website and visit the indoor part of the center. If it's not too cold, get the kids all bundled up and hike one of the many short trails that are around the various nature centers.
  • Go To an Indoor Play Area. Our Kids lists many of the play areas online and most have open playtimes. Most offer open playtime options for various age groups. Several newer locations include: At Play Cafe in Reston, Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn, MoBu Kids (formerly Monkey Business) in Falls Church, Be With Me Playseum in Bethesda, Great Kids Village in Silver Spring & Columbia and Sport Bounce of Loudoun in Ashburn.
  • Going Stir Crazy? Try a playdate with your neighbors. Not only does this give you some much needed adult contact but changing the scenery might help everyone. A playdate at the neighbors in the morning and then at your house in the afternoon gives a little something to everyone.
  • Play Outside. Build a snowman, snowdog, snowcat, snowfort or whatever your kids can imagine. Have a snowball fight, go sledding or make snow angels. Just be sure to dress your children from head to toe and remember not to keep the little ones out to long. Come back inside to enjoy a hot chocolate treat.

If you want no part of going outdoors, try these options:

  • Go "Camping." In our house we get out old sheets or blankets and make tents. We also have a small pop up tent which works for an 'outpost'. Have the kids set up camp, build a pretend campfire, get out the flashlights and stock the campsite with books, snacks and whatever else your little one might like to play with.
  • Take a Boat Ride. Get to your camp or other destination by canoe or boat. We get out pillows (from the beds or couch pillows) and sit on them while fishing or rowing the boat, sing "row your boat" if necessary. Another option is to grab those big boxes in your attic and let the kids use those as their boats (or whatever their imagination builds).
  • Play a Board Game. Every time we get ours out the fun lasts for hours. Cariboo, Hullabaloo, Boggle Jr. Candyland, Checkers (age 4 and up), Monopoly and Charades for Kids are hits. The Cranium brand seems to have a game appropriate for all ages and comes highly recommended by many OK readers.
  • Get Crafty. Play with all those toys that have made their way to the back of the closet or bin. Every time we're stuck at home, whether for a snow day, rain day or sick day we end up playing with the toys we've forgotten about. Try out the Playdoh, paint with your watercolors, let the kids stamp or do any type of arts & crafts. If you need some places to look for ideas on crafts, check out the Our Kids arts & crafts links. There are a lot of sites out there where you can print off coloring pages or activity pages for your kids to entertain themselves with.
  • Play Hide and Seek or do a Treasure Hunt. This can be as easy or difficult as your child will permit. For the little ones you can make a map of pictures and for the other children make maps with words or directions/hints. Hide their toys or special little treats you may have stocked up on throughout the year.
  • Bake Cookies! Yum and lots of fun. Be sure to have the kiddos wash their hands before starting and definitely taste test. Another option is to incorporate the cookie making into a math lesson for kids. Between measuring cups, addition and subtraction it's a school day at home.
  • Have a Cleaning Party. Each month we have one at OKW headquarters. This is my personal con to get my kids to clean the house and go through their toys. We start in the basement of the house and end up in the bedrooms. The kids job is to pick up their toys off the floor and pick things they don't use anymore to donate. I followup with a good vacuum cleaning.
  • Oh yeah - you could also have a movie morning. Pop in a fun video, grab some hot chocolate, popcorn or both and snuggle up with your kids.

Other tips for a successful snow day adventure:
  • Try to plan ahead now for the winter season. Head over to Michael's, AC Moore or another local craft store, pick up some fun craft supplies and save them for a snowy day.
  • Even if it is a few days out before the actual storm that is being forecast, head to the library and pick up some new and interesting books before the mad rush. Same goes for the grocery store -- try to stock up on some basics so that you can do an impromptu cooking session with the kids.

Become a member of Our Kids! These types of activities are just the tip of the iceberg -- check out the Our Kids weekly newsletter where you'll get a week's worth of activities (and much more) delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday. As a member you'll have access to a full calendar of events that are searchable online! Become a Member Today!

Do you have an activity or tip you can share about bad weather days? Send a note to Our Kids and we'll add your suggestions to this page.