Beat the Winter Weather Blues on a Budget

Whipping winds and frigid temps make winter a tough season for everyone. This year, help the kids beat cabin fever without spending an arm and a leg. Here are 5 fun ideas to help beat the winter weather blues.

1. Make real "Snow" cones! During the summer, you can usually find a handful of multi-colored flavored syrups, but it is a little trickier in the winter. See the recipe below if you have trouble finding one. Go outside and overfill a mug with some CLEAN, UNTOUCHED snow. Add syrup and enjoy!

(Here is a quick and easy syrup recipe if you can't find one in the store. In a pan, heat up two cups sugar and ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil and quickly take it off the burner. Stir in one package of your favorite unsweetened Kool-Aid™. Set aside to let cool.)

2. Host a Pot Luck Cabin Fever party! Invite all your family, friends and neighbors over for a little get together. Have everyone bring their favorite hot and spicy dishes like chili or buffalo wings. Make sure to have plenty of hot cocoa on hand for the kiddos.

3. Make new winter weather gear! Fleece is a great fabric to use with kids because it is easily cut and won't unravel. Take a trip up to the local fabric store and have your kids pick out their favorite colors/patterns. Make sure to hit up the remnants section first for big savings. You might want to bring one of their existing scarves so you know how much fabric to purchase. Cut it to the desired size and embellish with buttons, yarn, patches, trims, appliqués or just fringe and knot the ends.

4. Mix up some "Oobleck" for a fun, science lesson! Taken from a Dr. Suess book, oobleck is simply a mixture of cornstarch and water mixed in a 2:1 ratio. It will pour like a liquid, but act like a solid if you slap it with your hand. You might need to periodically add more water to adjust the consistency, but it can keep the kids entertained for hours. This 'soquid' (part solid, part liquid) will make a slight mess, so make sure to mix it in a large bowl or directly on a nonporous countertop or table (for those parents who like to live on the edge). It will leave a cornstarch residue behind which is easily wiped away with a wet rag.

5. Make your own indoor hopscotch court! This classic game is typically played outside, but this winter, take the fun inside. Take an old sheet (preferably a solid, light color) and have your kids help you draw and decorate the court. For the tech savvy parents, design each square on the computer and print it on Iron-On transfer paper. Spread the sheet out on the floor and get jumping.