Don’t get me wrong…I love homes. I love looking inside them and imagining life in every one that I see. I love my own house! But after long stretches of bitter cold winter days and rain, clouds, and gloom, I know that my family is sick to pieces of being cooped up inside! (Yeah, yeah, I know…I used to live up north in Philly and I should be used to it. But moving to NC has pretty much wimpified us, and we are FINE with that! Don’t hate!) We’ve been grasping for ideas to beat this cabin fever and keep our two boys from destroying our house, so I thought I’d share the best of what we’ve come up with so far.
Need to get the heck out of the house??
Trampoline Park
This is not a totally cheap option, but it isn’t terrible. For about $20, our boys get an hour to actually burn energy and they LOVE it! Our boys are 7 & 2, and this has been totally age appropriate for both! I have had to put on the jumpy socks and follow the toddler, but honestly?? So FUN! Defy Gravity Charlotte is definitely bigger and has a greater variety of activities for older kids, but we also love W8Less in Cornelius, because it’s smaller and more contained…you can basically see your kids from anywhere. Our American Ninja Warrior obsessed 7 year old loves the ninja courses at both, but he will tell you the one at W8Less is the best! You have to purchase the socks, but you can reuse them for future visits, so keep these puppies in your car!
The Mall
I know…why, right?? I haven’t had a purpose for an actual mall since my kids were born. Thanks, Amazon and Nordstrom! But seriously…driving to Southpark takes forever, so that’s a road trip in and of itself, plus my kids think it’s a blast! Large open area full of random large objects equals entertainment for hours. There’s a fountain, massage chairs, actual cars parked inside, a virtual reality station at Microsoft, and a Lego Store. Aside from that, there is window shopping (or actual shopping) for me, no one cares if they run, and there’s a Cheesecake Factory. There’s also always tons of unpredictable people watching you can do. Recently, we went and got to watch a group of men disassemble the giant Christmas tree…my boys thought it was the coolest thing.
Bowling/Arcade
I actually hate to bowl, but my 7 year old loves it, and if he’s happy, I’m happy. Our favorite spot is Sparetime in Huntersville. My 2 year old loves the dinosaur ball ramps, so he can bowl with us! A word to the wise…when they say the alleys are slippery, believe them. The 2 year old took off down one and totally wiped out. At least it’s next door to the emergency room??? They also recently remodeled their arcade area, and if your kids are still young enough, they will love climbing on the motorcycles and pressing buttons on machines and you won’t have to spend a dime! We aren’t so lucky with the 7 year old, but we have managed to figure out where you can get the most bang for your buck on tickets. We save our play card from visit to visit, and he loves to rack up his points. They always get to pick a prize at the end, and everyone is happy!
Bookstore
I think there are like 3 of these left, but we are lucky enough to still have a Barnes & Noble in Birkdale, and my boys both love it. They have a Lego table and a Thomas the Train table that both boys will play with for a long time! I get a latte from the coffee bar and sit and relax on the bench for as long as they’ll play…aaaaaaand then I frantically chase the 2 year old to keep him from wrecking the place…but whatever. There is basically a $5 charge to leave this place, since both kids will inevitably want to buy something. I make them pick a book. At least it’s a book, right?
College Sporting Event
If you check the schedule, Davidson Basketball offers $5 tickets if you’re wearing Davidson gear! My boys never make it through an entire game, but there is plenty to walk around and see if they get wiggly, and they love a visit from the Davidson Wildcat, who walks around in the stands for most of the game!
Grocery Shopping or Lowes
The reason is the same…large aisles, big carts, lots to look at. Get something done that you needed to do anyways while entertaining the kids! Free cookies at Harris Teeter or Publix…but mine love Publix, because they let you pick sprinkle, sugar, or chocolate chip. It’s the little things. Lowes has tractors they can climb on, which entertains them for longer than one would think. You’re welcome.
Bored, but don’t feel like venturing out? Or spending money?
Family Workout
If you don’t have Beachbody On Demand, you are missing out! I haven’t been to a gym in years. But now, they have a Kids & Family section with kid-friendly workouts, dance workouts, and even a whole partner program that can be done together, parent/child! My 7 year old loves doing these and my 2 year old loves playing the ball and my resistance loops while we sweat! He tries to join in too!
Fire & S’mores
My 7 year old is addicted to s’mores…and I haven’t done anything to prevent it, since they’re delicious. On cold nights, we build a fire, roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and usually watch a movie or play a board game. Our latest favorites have been Exploding Kittens and Bears vs. Babies. Yes, they are as crazy as they sound…we all think they’re hysterical and you should definitely order them if you don’t already have them…especially if you have boys.
Nerf Guns/Laser Tag
I can’t even believe that I am putting this in writing, because the whole thing literally gives me anxiety, but my kids absolutely love this. They build forts (normally out of my furniture and sofa cushions, hence the anxiety attacks) and hide and run around with Nerf guns. They love for mom and dad to join in, and if I can get past freaking out about the mess, it’s actually kind of fun?? Much preferred for me is the laser tag set that Santa brought for Christmas, because there are no little Nerf darts to run around and clean up everywhere when they are done!
Bake Something
My 2 year old got an Usborne book from his Ninny (the unfortunate name they call my mother) about a Dinosaur who loves to bake cakes, and he’s lately been obsessed with the idea. He loves to push a chair up to our island and help me bake anything! We have done cakes, but he is also happy with muffins or cookies, which tend to be easier. I even have muffin recipes with hidden veggies in them that are freezable and great for kid breakfasts and lunchboxes. Kid entertained, lunches prepped…two birds, one stone!
And if all else fails, get a sitter and plan a girls’ night or date night!
My latest girls’ night favorite has been AR Workshop Davidson! I recently planned a friend’s birthday celebration there…they do all the prep work and help you through creating your own rustic wood sign or project for your home! You can bring in food and wine too!
For date night, my husband and I recently celebrated an early Valentine’s Day at Malabar on Tryon Street uptown. We love Mediterranean food, and this Spanish tappas restaurant did not disappoint! Excellent food and great wine! It’s a small space, so make a reservation on Open Table and arrive a little early, expecting to wait a little bit. It will be worth it, though!
I know our family is ready for spring! Didn’t we leave that stupid groundhog in PA??
I would LOVE to hear your ideas for ways to beat these last remaining cold, gloomy days of winter with your kiddos! What are your favorites??