It's cold outside, but that doesn't mean you and your family are stuck with nothing to do. Check out our top 10 winter activities this year.
TIP #1
Take your family ice-skating at a local rink.
TIP #2
Make homemade thank you's for your holiday gifts. Grandparents will be appreciative of the thoughtfulness and the time you spent thinking of them.
TIP #3
Bake cookies for neighbors, friends or yourselves. Your kids can help mix, stir and decorate, and the sweet treats will brighten everyone's day.
TIP #4
Didn't get to the local soup kitchen or food bank over the holidays? They need volunteers all year long. Spend a couple of hours over the weekend with your family helping others.
TIP #5
Make it a movie night with a family favorite. Pop popcorn and add flavors for variety - like cocoa, cinnamon and chili - then pile up on the couch to share the evening together.
TIP #6
Make use of that fireplace! Roast marshmallows and make s'mores while warming up your house at the same time.
TIP #7
Host a family talent show. Give everyone a day's notice to prepare acts, props, etc. Let the winner choose a special treat, like where to go out to eat next, what breakfast to make the next morning, or what movie to watch next.
TIP #8
See if there's a campground nearby with cabins available to rent. Pack up for the weekend and head to the wilderness for some heated "roughing it." Take along games, cards, coloring books, etc., for an electronics-free weekend.
TIP #9
Get a head start on spring-cleaning. Rummage through closets and under the beds for items that are no longer needed. Challenge each child to find five items they want to donate to a second-hand shop.
TIP #10
Make your memories last by creating a scrapbook. With a few key materials from a craft store, you can share your family's story and personality in a fun, easy way. Let each person decorate their own page, and add stickers, write captions and let creativity take control.