8 Creative Ways To Beat Cabin Fever Without Spending A Small Fortune

There is something taking over households everywhere: cabin fever!

Parents dread it, because how many times can one person hear, “I’m borrrrrrrred”?

So, what’s the remedy? These eight cool and fun ways to beat cabin fever:

Treasure hunt

A scavenger hunt (this one is for spring, but we also have winter, autumn and summer) for hidden treasure can be a great way to pass the time and get everyone up and moving. Make a map and hide little gems around the house (small toys, candy, etc.). Don’t forget to include landmarks on the map, like pieces of furniture and so on, so that they’re easy to find.

You could even take turns being the treasure-hider and have each family member draw up a different map. Step up the game by dressing up like pirates (use paper-plate pirate hats, felt eye patches and aluminum foil hooks) and getting into character.

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Make-your-own meal night

A hands-on project in the kitchen is not only fun and creative, but it will fill tummies. Think pizza, tacos or burritos, subs or omelettes. Each person can man a “prepping” station, where they wash produce, cut up veggies and shred cheese, etc.

Meal bowls are also popular and can be made into virtually any dish, from stews and soups to casseroles and more. Start with a base like rice or potatoes, add protein like meat, fish or egg and then mix in the fun extras such as veggies, beans and sauces.

For dessert, let everyone make their own ice cream sundae, cake pops, ice cream sandwiches, smoothies or dessert skewers.

Fondue

This is a fun way for the family to spend an extended amount of time preparing and then eating dinner. Go with the traditional cheese fondue starter, broth-based main course and chocolate dessert, or hit the internet to find some really fun alternatives, such as cheesy pizza fondue, or chocolate peanut butter fondue! Put out lots of different dippers for variety.

If you have younger kids, prepare fondues that can be melted in the microwave to avoid risk.

Comic book creation

Encourage the family to create their own comic book. You can find blank books at the dollar store, or make them yourself by folding paper and stapling them down the middle. Give the comic a cool title and come up with a storyline. Assign each person a character that they will create: Do they have superpowers? A cool costume? Do they live in this time period, a long time ago, or in the future? You’ll be amazed by what your kids come up with. Let it be an ongoing project that you can go back to. Or, create your own series!

Family talent show

From juggling to telling knock-knock jokes to doing magic, everyone has a hidden talent. Send out “invites” to everyone in the family to join you in one hour in the living room and to bring their best talent. Make popcorn, set up a voting system and put on the greatest show on earth, right at home! If you want to take it up another notch — and you’re comfortable with it — hit social media with some video footage and have your friends and family vote, too.

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Camp — in the living room

It may be wintertime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go camping. Pitch a tent in the living room, pack your sleeping bags and flashlights, and enjoy the great outdoors… indoors. Indulge a little with hot dogs (which you could serve on skewers), mugs of hot cocoa and s'mores, and eat on a blanket on the floor picnic-style. Play flashlight wars on the walls, put on a shadow puppet show and tell spooky stories.

This “theme” type of idea can be carried on throughout the year with carnival day (set up some simple games and prizes) or beach day (get into your bathing suits and do some fun sensory play with play "sand", which you can make by mixing olive or baby oil and flour).

Let the creativity flow

There are so many ways to pass the time by imitating some of the world’s most talented artists. Clay is always fun to experiment with. You can pick up clay at the dollar store and set in small bowls of water at a table where things can get messy.

Prop an easel in front of the window and paint the landscape or sunset. Or, for an extra fun challenge, practice your ceiling fresco painting skills by taping pieces of paper to the underside of a table (like a coffee or kitchen table) and drawing on it upside-down!

Mad science lab

Kids love to mix things, and they’ll love a cool science lab setup, complete with coloured water, different liquids (for different effects), such as vinegar, oil, or things like contact lens solution (which can be used to make slime), and ingredients like baking soda. Arm them with various tools, such as eye droppers, measuring spoons, and small whisks. To eliminate the mess and overflows that will ensue — and trust me, mess will ensue — use rimmed baking sheets to catch the excess.