The first snow and cold snap of the season are fun at first, but then the freezing temperatures and boredom sets in. Even if snow isn’t much of a problem in your area, cold temperatures can keep you inside searching for ways to keep yourself and your family entertained and warm. Here are some fun, simple ways to beat winter boredom!

Movie Marathon

If you haven’t had the time to catch up with the Harry Potter movies, or maybe your kids have been dying to watch the original Star Wars trilogy, now is the perfect time for some fun, family bonding. Make some popcorn, line up the movies, and order some takeout! Create a theater-like atmosphere by hanging blankets over the windows and stocking up on small boxes of candy.

Head to the Local YMCA or Gym

If you’d rather get a little more physical than a movie marathon, head over to your local YMCA or gym. If you have a little one, most gyms have kid care available, so you can get your sweat on while your kids can run around and make new friends! If your YMCA has a pool, consider planning a swim lesson with your little one. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise and a fun change in the middle of winter.

Get Organized

Too cold to go out? Organize your home! Create “keep,” “throw out,” and “donate” piles. Once you’ve decluttered, you can better utilize the space in your home. This can be a great opportunity to show your kids the importance of keeping organized and giving back to the community. Or, if your mail tends to sit in the same spot on the entryway table, make a point to clear the mess! Shred any sensitive information and recycle what you can. If the thought of spending hours organizing is not your idea of fun though, try organizing your home two minutes at a time!

Hold Family/Friends Game Night

There is no denying that technology has taken away our attention from classic forms of entertainment. Bring your friends and family face-to-face with a game night! Dust off your board games and cards and teach your kids a new game. Not only do board games encourage cooperative play, but can also help to improve cognitive skills. Your kids will soon forget about being constantly updated on their phone! Need more reasons to plan a game night? Check out these health benefits of board games.

Don’t let the cold weather get you down. If the weather is nice enough, you can even jump into one of these 6 winter home improvement projects.

Have some favorite ways to beat boredom? Comment with your ideas below!