Cure for Kids’ Cabin Fever

Now that Old Man Winter has been around for awhile, your children may be going stir crazy with cabin fever. If you’ve run out of ideas to keep the kids entertained, why not do a little gardening? Gardening in winter you say? Why not! Give these indoor gardening activities a try.

Plant a windowsill herb garden. Not only will kids enjoy caring for the plants and watching them grow, the whole family will savor the fresh herbs at dinnertime!

Make a terrarium. Help your kids put a few inches of soil in the bottom of a quart-size or larger glass jar and plant a few mosses and small plants. Rocks may be added for decoration. Use a plant mister to keep the soil moist, and cover with clear plastic wrap.

Paint flower pots. Let kids personalize terra cotta pots using kid-safe paints, then use them for houseplants, or give as gifts to family members.

Build a birdhouse and feed the birds. Building a birdhouse is simple and fun using kits available at garden centers and craft stores, or make one from scratch. Hang the feeder outside, and help your children learn the different types of birds that visit.

Prepare for spring. Let your child help plan your spring garden and pick out seeds at the garden store. Start seeds indoors in small containers or an egg carton, and watch them sprout. The young plants can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost.