Storm Activities for Families
Getting through a storm with children can be tough!
Here are some great ideas of fun things you can do with you kids to help entertain them and keep them calm during the storm.
-Card games/board games. Games and puzzles are a good way to pass the time. As preparation for the storm, research new card games on the internet and print directions. Gather the family and learn the rules together. U
-Build a fort. Pillows. Check. Blankets. Check. Sofa cushions. Check. Dining room chairs. Check. Hours of fun. Check.
-Play flashlight tag. Stock up on as many batteries as you can find before the storm. Flashlight tag is an oldie but goodie and will have parents giggling with their kids.
-Create shadow puppets using a flashlight and your hands.
-Arts and crafts. Color, make a collage, or take turns drawing family portraits.
-Play “Museum After Dark.” The “museum guide” has a flashlight. The rest of the players spread out and strike interesting poses as if they are a piece of art. The museum guide walks around and examines each piece of art using funny words to describe what they see. If the museum guide can make the “art” laugh or move, that person becomes the new guide.
-Conduct a scavenger hunt. With or without a flashlight, searching the house for treasure can keep kids (and parents) busy for hours. And it’s so much more fun to bump around in the dark to find that long lost doll or forgotten box of toy cars.
-Cook with them. Choose meals that are easy to prepare and let your kids help cook. No power? Get the fireplace or grill going and everyone can cook their own hot dogs on a stick. Don’t forget the s’mores for dessert.
-Take turns being “it” and play hide and seek (with or without flashlights depending on if you have power)
-Devour the ice cream. There’s no better excuse than a dead freezer to demolish your ice cream supply. And, it keeps it from becoming a gooey mess if you wind up without power for a few days. Since the best way to conserve your freezer’s chill is to keep the door closed, have someone time your mad dash for sugar.
-Go through family photos. Whether you’ve got printed photos in albums, or a collection of photos on a cell phone. Gather everyone around and look at photos of some of your family adventures/holidays/good times.
-Play dress up/put on a fashion show.
-Talk to your children. Before, during and after the storm, it’s important to talk to your children, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Encourage them to ask questions and express concerns. Reassure them that they are safe, stay upbeat, keep them busy and maintain regular family routines.
Children are influenced by the adults around them, so remaining calm, having fun, and staying aware of adult conversations about the weather conditions will help your child weather any storm.
For additional ideas, check out our “Storm/Bad weather resources” album on Facebook.