Snow Day Survival: Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained Indoors in Columbia, MD

You might also be interested in our blog on FREE Indoor Activities for Kids in Howard County, MD!

Ah, winter in Maryland. The snow is gorgeous, but after a day or two stuck indoors, my kids (and honestly, me too) start bouncing off the walls. If your crew is anything like mine, you need a solid plan to make those snowy, blustery days fun instead of chaotic. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep the kids entertained indoors when the weather outside is frightful.

Virtual Museum Tours and Educational Videos

Take advantage of online resources for an educational twist. Many museums, like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, offer virtual tours that kids can explore from home.

Or check out educational video platforms like BrainPOP or Nat Geo Kids for engaging content on everything from animals to space exploration. My kids love learning about dinosaurs and outer space this way.

DIY Obstacle Course

Turn your living room or basement into a kid-approved adventure zone. Use pillows, couch cushions, and even painter’s tape to create a course. Think: crawling under chairs, hopping over "lava" (pillows), or balancing on a "tightrope" (a strip of tape). My kids love when I add silly challenges like jumping jacks or pretending to be animals between obstacles.

Bonus: They’ll burn off some energy while you sip your coffee.

Indoor Picnic and Movie Marathon

Snow days call for a little coziness. Lay out a picnic blanket in the family room, make some sandwiches, and pop a big bowl of popcorn. Then settle in for a movie marathon. My go-to picks? Anything animated that keeps both my kids glued to the screen for at least 90 minutes.

Pro tip: Let them pick the lineup to avoid sibling squabbles.

Baking Together

Snow days are perfect for baking! We’ve made cookies, brownies, and even tried homemade pizza. The kids love measuring, mixing, and, of course, taste-testing. For an easy option, grab a cookie mix from Wegmans in Columbia or pre-made dough from Harris Teeter.

Get Crafty

Pull out the craft supplies and let your little artists shine. We’ve made everything from popsicle stick snowflakes to handprint art. The Michaels on Snowden Square Drive in Columbia has great craft kits if you want an all-in-one option. And if glitter happens to get everywhere (it will), just remind yourself it’s all part of the fun. 😉

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that sends your kids searching high and low for treasures. Write out clues or make a list of items to find, like something red, something soft, or their favorite stuffed animal. My kids love the thrill of "winning," so I usually hide a small prize at the end (a sticker or a piece of candy does the trick).

Hyper Kidz Columbia

If you’re desperate to get out of the house but still stay warm, head to Hyper Kidz in Columbia. It’s an indoor play paradise with climbing structures and slides that keep my kids entertained for hours.

Build a Blanket Fort

No snow day is complete without a good old-fashioned fort. Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to build the ultimate hideout. My kids love to bring in books, flashlights, and their favorite stuffed animals for an afternoon of imaginative play.

Science Experiments

Turn your kitchen into a mini science lab! My kids love making slime, growing crystals, or doing the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano experiment. You can find easy science kits at Target in Ellicott City (or just use what’s already in your pantry).

Board Games and Puzzles

Pull out the board games and puzzles for some family fun. Favorites in our house include Candy Land, Uno, and a good ol’ 500-piece puzzle. If your kids are competitive, try pairing up into teams to keep things friendly.

Dance Party

When all else fails, crank up the music and let loose. My kids love making up silly dance moves, and honestly, it’s a great way for all of us to burn some energy. Bonus points for dressing up in goofy costumes or turning it into a freeze-dance competition.

Read-Aloud Time

Snow days are a great excuse to cuddle up with some good books. My kids love when I read to them, especially if I do silly voices for the characters. If your family has a favorite series, this is the perfect time to dive back in.

Online Learning Activities

Snow days are a great opportunity to dive into interactive learning platforms like ABCmouse or Khan Academy Kids. These apps make math, reading, and science fun and engaging. If your kids are into coding, try a free coding site like Scratch to spark their creativity while building useful skills.

Turn Cabin Fever into Family Fun

Snowy days don’t have to be stressful. With a little creativity (and maybe an extra cup of coffee), you can turn cabin fever into family fun. So grab your slippers, fire up the hot cocoa, and make those cold days count!

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