“I’m bored!” When chilly temperatures abound, parents are likely to hear this dreaded complaint from their children. To allay boredom, kids tend to spend more time in front of television screens, behind video game controllers or seated at computers during the winter. But there are plenty of imaginative ways to keep the little ones active and entertained on frosty weekends and snowy days.

Consider trying the following activities before spring blossoms:

• Indoor beach party: When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing more heart-warming than playing make believe at an indoor beach party. This idea was inspired by the teachers at Friendship Station Preschool, who planned an indoor beach party in January. Lay out towels, get out the beach chairs and inflate floatees for story time on the beach. Don your swimsuits, and “fly” to your tropical stay-cation spot. Create coral reef and fish cutouts to set the scene for an indoor picnic including Goldfish snacks and Hawaiian punch. Then, “swim” and crabwalk through the house, hula dance and do the limbo, before playing “Go Fish.” Finally, wrap up the day by scuba diving in the bubble bath. What’s the best part of bringing the beach indoors? No sand or sun burns!