Here in NYC we are bunkering down for our second snowstorm and first true blizzard of the year. Along with groceries and emergency supplies another important item on my list are indoor activities to keep my child entertained and I wanted to share what works for us.

Because blackouts are possible and god forbid a grid shutdown would interfere with my toddlers good time, most of these activities don’t require batteries

1. The Matching Game – For toddlers and small children matching simple everyday items is a game within itself. Usually I scatter them around a bit and then ask my little one to gather like items; for example ‘let’s find all the boots in the house and count them’. This game is fun, time consuming and educational.
2. Finger painting – a classic and easy way to keep kids busy although on the messy side great art always comes with sacrifices.
3. Build a Blanket Fort – Transform your child’s play space into a fun fort using house cushions, sheets and blankets. It’s a guaranteed hit and instant core memory moment.
4. Make Slime – I know to some it sounds like a threat to every fiber of peace in life but seriously, MAKE SLIME. It’s a fun way to keep kids engaged and gives them a homemade toy to enjoy for the rest of the evening.
5. Put on a Show – Help your child perform a play that recreates the story of their favorite book. Or if your children are older give them time to craft the play and wait patiently for their performance.
6. Be Detectives – Create a mystery and help your child solve it by discovering clues together. My child and I like to solve the case of ‘what’s for dinner’, I hide three clues that hint at our evening meal. Let’s say we’re having a spaghetti dinner these are items I would tuck away; 1.a fake tomato 2. An empty pasta box and 3. A fake meatball from my child’s kitchen set.

These are just some of the ways I keep my little guy entertained during a storm for more options check out my favorites here