Winter got you down? Try one of these guaranteed-to-please activities.
Read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl. Charlie finds one of the golden tickets that invites the bearer to tour Willie Wonka's fantastical Chocolate Factory. The most wonderful surprise awaits him at the end of the tour.
Take a Monumental Quiz. Packing up the wagon and the kids for a vacation? Take this trip first. See how much you know about some of our national monuments.
Build an Edible Bridge. Do your kids ever ask you how bridges work? Why they don't collapse? How much weight they can carry? Turn this fascination into a learning activity.
Grab a sweater and rent Never Cry Wolf (PG). This is the story of author Farley Mowat, who lived alone in the Arctic tundra while he was studying wolves. Brrrrr!! He learned about those beautiful animals, but probaly even more about himself and humankind.
Play Clue. Was it Colonel Mustard in the Conservatory with the candlestick? Junior detectives will love playing this ever-changing mystery game. Ages 9+.
Play Chinese Checkers. Whether it's the marbles or the star shaped board, kids love to play this checker-like game. Ages 5+.
Play Candy Land. This game just celebrated its 50th birthday. Who doesn't remember the colorful cards and tempting treats pictured along the path in Candy Land? Ages 3-6.