12 Ways to Entertain Kids (Without Resorting to a DVD)

Create Giant Obedient but Fun Paper Dolls

Have the kids trace one another—head to shoes—with a marker on a long piece of butcher paper. Cut out the shapes, draw on faces and clothes, and give the life-size dolls cool names like Gertrude and Maximilian. Let the dolls sit down for dinner with the kids. Let the dolls decide what book you will read tonight—and note how well the dolls listen to the story! Do not, however, let the dolls take a bath before bed.