There are certain times of the year when staying indoors due to the weather can make any child restless and give them cabin fever. You could allow them to spend that time in front of a computer console or in front of the TV all day, but what happens when the lights go out due to a power outage?

Here are some tips you can do today to prepare for that inevitable event:

  • Scan websites for free printable fun activities for kids. Coloring pages, masks, paper dolls or figures, craft projects, and experiments are just a few ideas of what the sites offer.

  • Create a supply chest and fill it with art supplies: crayons, non-toxic paints, paper, rulers, scissors, glue, scraps of fabric, etc. Look at garage sales, thrift stores, or your attic for scraps of fabric, buttons, ribbon, paper, etc.

  • Make a list of emergency supplies, and then divide the list among the children. Ask them to find as many items as on the list. You can adapt the list to include any items you can think of for the children to find.

This list of fun activities for kids is not all-inclusive, there are plenty of things you can get your kids to do when lights out that will pass the time quickly.

Some game ideas:

  • Board games: Monopoly, Life, Trouble, Sorry
  • Guessing Type: A game that involves an even number of players and a recorder who uses descriptions to guess words that you can pre-print on 3×5 cards. One side looks at the other and gives clues without saying the word.
  • Dry-erase paper or board: Hang Man, drawing-type game where you draw elements of the main object for others to guess.
  • Acting Games: Charades, Name That Tune (you can hum the notes)

You are not restricted when it comes to handheld games and you can easily find many in the store; The problem with most is that when the batteries die and spares die, you’re left with many quiet hours with nothing to do, especially if the weather forces everyone inside.

When the weather is the reason everyone stays inside, you can open your supply chest and start projects using the fun, free printable activities for kids as a guide. If you planned ahead, all the supplies on the list will be in the chest ready to go.

You can put on a talent show that shows everything your kids did during the time the power went out or while the weather prevented everyone from going outside.

Bad weather or power outages don’t have to be boring, and with a little preparation, they can bring family members together and turn a boring situation into a fun and productive one.