Tag Archives: indoors

Waiting to go Outside

I am sure that I am not alone in thinking that the arrival of Spring is much later than I would like it to be this year. Sure, it has already started, according to the calendar. The calendar is blissfully unaware that it’s still pretty cold and there are still about ten inches of snow covering much of my yard. Each day I wake up hopeful, wondering whether it will be the day that the sun comes out for so long that it melts away all that remains of winter. Ordinarily I would be concerned if the remaining snow were … Continue reading →

How to Get the Ya Ya’s Out

It’s cold outside, even if it is not snowing. It seems like we have spent most of our time indoors for a few months, now. If you are the parent of an active toddler, then you will probably agree that you miss outdoor play as much as I do. Not only is it healthy for kids to play outside, there are plenty of opportunities for them to run, jump, climb, and otherwise make good use of their boundless energy. Now that play time has primarily moved indoors, our active toddlers need one or more outlets for all of that energy. … Continue reading →

Minimizing Allergies from Cleaners and Detergents

If there is any asthma or allergies in your family, then you might want to take a good look at the cleaners and the detergents that you use in and around your home. The same goes for personal care products. Many of these products contain chemicals, perfumes and dyes that can bring on indoor allergies and dangerous asthma symptoms. While you can focus on buying natural products, these can be expensive and some may still cause allergy irritation. Here are some general guidelines about reducing the allergens in your home from cleaners and detergents. Avoid dryer fabric softener sheets. These … Continue reading →

Indoor Baseball

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Up until recently, the weather has been frightful on the East Coast. The first few weeks of the baseball season have seen postponements due to snow and sub-freezing temperatures. It is for this reason that my family has taken to playing an indoor, more imaginative variation of our national pastime. Around 7pm when our hometown Major League ball club, the Philadelphia Phillies, take the field, we recreate a baseball diamond on our living room floor. Using nothing more than three square pillows from the sofa, an old toy hardhat, a washcloth bear from the bathroom, a small stuffed animal duck … Continue reading →

Mission: Possible

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Last week, we took my brother and sister-in-law out for a night on the town. It was our Christmas gift to them – dinner, ice cream, live music and whatever else came up while we were downtown. Over an amazing meal, they relayed a story of a game that they play with their kids, ages 6 and 8, which was sparked by a recent viewing of the new movie Night at the Museum. I was fascinated by their story. I thought it was a wonderful and unique game, and I promptly obtained the green light to pass this creative idea … Continue reading →

Build an Indoor Fort

Yes, you can buy indoor tents, castles and forts. These mass-produced nylon edifices can rise up from a crib or bed, often featuring television cartoon characters, or they are simply erected on the floor. They are usually available in the shape of castles, sun domes, etc. But where is the fun in that? Plus, they are often rather costly and frankly there is just no need to throw your money away on such a toy. I guarantee that you have enough materials laying about your home right now to make a stellar fortress/castle/cave/tunnel/igloo/whatever your child wants to pretend it is. … Continue reading →

Frugal Indoor Fun: Host a Party

Hosting a party is a fun way to entertain your children indoors. You don’t necessarily need to invite anyone else but your family, but if you do it’s even more fun! This article is assuming that you might invite a few friends to enjoy this fun activity with. Here are some ideas for fun parties that can be done anytime of year when you are stuck indoors. Have a Sandwich Making Party This is easy if you ask each child to bring one or two ingredients. Assign several different sandwich toppings: pickles, alfalfa sprouts, onions, grated cheese, sliced tomatoes, shredded … Continue reading →