Snowbound? How to entertain your kids and keep your sanity intact

If you're snowbound thanks to Stella, we feel you.

Big snowstorms often lead to school closures, which means parents scramble to find ways to keep their kids happy. Here are a few ways to entertain your little people and maintain your sanity.

Take 'em outside

Once the heavy snow and gusting winds cease, break out the sleds. Or the shovels. Or anything they enjoy outside when it's snowy. They're going to have a lot of energy to burn.

Plan some crafts or activities

This is where apps like Pinterest can become your snowstorm MVP. Search for stuff like “snow day activities” and find plenty of cool things to do while it's snowing, such as the potentially awesome “laundry basket skeeball.” Also know: It's Pi Day! There are plenty of ways to celebrate.

Tech is your friend

A simple at-home matinee will buy you roughly 90 minutes of time, or maybe they have a favorite game or educational app for the family computer, video game console, smartphone or tablet. Worried about prying them away from a screen after an extended time? One simple trick is to use a timer. When time expires, the gadgets get shut down.

Start cooking

Is there a recipe for your kids you've always wanted to try? Now's a good time to break it out, especially if it means your kids can help. And what little person in our life would turn down a chance at cookies or hot cocoa? Of course, once the sugar rush kicks in, you might want to circle back to the top of this list for relief.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.