Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

4 Indoor Activities to Keep Kids Busy All Winter Long

Winter can be a tough season for parents and children alike. Between the cold, snow, and fewer daylight hours, sending the little ones outside for a bit of peace and quiet is no longer such an accessible option. As a result, many children experience winter boredom, and many parents find themselves adding ” entertainer” to their already long list of duties.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids occupied this winter while they’re cooped up inside, look no further than Ohio Valley Goodwill!

Here are four easy, fun indoor activities you can find when you shop at Goodwill:

Board games from Goodwill

#1: Board Games

We all have special memories of playing board games with siblings, cousins, and friends. Ohio Valley Goodwill is a great place to stock up on board games and puzzles for all ages! Because you’re not paying traditional store prices, it won’t be such a big deal if a piece or two goes missing, which is bound to happen. Board games are also great for bringing families together, so consider planning a game night, complete with comfy clothes and snacks.

#2: Books

You can find a wide variety of books at Goodwill, giving your kids a chance to pick up something outside their usual genre. Consider setting aside some reading time for the entire household during the day, and you’ll enjoy a little peace and quiet, if only for a moment!

DVDs from Goodwill

#3: DVDs

Did you know you can also find DVDs at Goodwill? Thrift shopping for movies is a perfect way to expand your home library on a budget, and the best part is that you can donate the DVDs back to Goodwill when you’re done with them! If your kids are showing signs of ” cabin fever,” put on a movie, and you’ll buy yourself a few hours to tackle other chores around the house or get some much-needed rest.

#4: Craft Projects

Frames from Goodwill

Winter is prime time for craft projects, and your local Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store is full of great supplies just waiting for your imagination! If you want to start simple, or if your children are younger, painting projects are an easy way to keep small hands busy. Grab a picture frame, glass jar, or even a small wooden shelf, some paint colors, and an oversized shirt to use as a paint smock. Your kids will love putting their personal touches on their latest project!

If your kids are a bit older, think about finding yarn or fabric that can be repurposed and cut into small strips to use for weaving projects. You don’t need a loom ““ just a ruler ““ and you can weave simple placemats for the table! It’s easy to find instructions online for more complex projects.

Bonus! Get Started with a Supply Trip

Shopping for supplies at your local Goodwill store is a great way to start entertaining your little ones all winter long without spending a bundle! Take this list with you and let the kids help find items they’d like to keep for those long winter days ahead. You could even pick up a basket to store all these items in “” this way, you’ll know exactly where to go when you start hearing, ” There’s nothing to DO!”

Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill store today. You’ll be very glad you did!