With declining temperatures and gloomy weather, it can be difficult to gather the willpower to brave the chilly or outdoors—especially if you have little ones at home. There’s a reason the arrival of spring and summer draws us out of our homes and into the sun, given the limitless number of fun activities to do with our friends and families. However, with January in full swing and colder weather upon us it’s important to realize that there are a number of entertaining activities that don’t involve venturing outside! Below are 5 things you can do at home with your kids that are not only loads of fun but ensure relaxing quality time together.

1. Play Some Board Games

Board games are undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to bring the family together! From classics like Monopoly to modern ones like Carpool Karaoke there are endless games for kids of all ages. Check out this list of the Top 12 Family Board Games of 2020!

2. Watch Some Movies

A family movie day is the perfect way to still have fun despite the cold and rain. Whether renting through Amazon, streaming on Netflix, or watching on DVD, movies are right at our fingertips. Here are my top family-friendly recommendations:

· Disney Classics

o Mulan

o Tarzan

o Beauty and the Beast

· Modern Disney

o Frozen

o Moana

o Zootopia

· Pixar

o Finding Nemo

o UP

o Monsters Inc.

· Movies for Teenagers

o The Hunger Games

o Harry Potter

o The Breakfast Club

3. Bake

You can never go wrong with baking sweet treats with your kids! Get your kids involved in the baking, but in order to help keep the mess under control, pre-measure out the ingredients. Check out this awesome chocolate chip cookie recipe that your kids are bound to love.

4. Read Some Books

Curling up on the couch with a blanket and good book is always a great idea in the winter months. Books take children to different worlds and help the imagination grow. My personal favorite book series is Harry Potter but the options are endless!

5. Make a Scrapbook

Scrapbooks are wonderful because of their sentimental value and their ability to be so much fun to put together. If you don’t want to make a physical photo album you could also make one digitally. Canva is an awesome website that allows you make your own scrapbook for free online.

Megan Adkins, author, is a CARE House of the Pee Dee volunteer.