Either the weather’s too horrible for the kids to go out and play (frigid, rainy) or they’re stuck at home sick. Regardless, they’re getting antsy. Real antsy. And you’re getting frustrated. Real frustrated. What’s a parent to do?

May I make a suggestion? Plan some exciting indoor play. More specifically, plan an indoor movie day!

That’s right. Kids’ indoor movie activities can chase away the indoor blahs faster than you can say, “Ticket, please!”  Movie days are fun. They’re entertaining. And they’ll help pass the time more quickly for you and your kids.

Before you get started, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Understand the movie rating system. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, movie ratings “provide basic information to parents about the level of various elements in the film…so that parents can decide what their children can and cannot see.”  (View definitions for movie ratings)

• Gear the movie to your child. The age of the audience is of primary consideration. You’ll want to choose a film that’s not only age appropriate, but capable of keeping their attention. Too simple, and they’ll get bored. Too sophisticated, and they’ll lose interest. Also, consider your child’s personality. Would a comedy, animal, adventure, cartoon or action film suit them best?

• Choose your source. There are various sources for movies. If you have Netflix or Amazon Instant Video, you can choose from their comprehensive selections. (Surf the Kids & Family genre.) Or, you can rent one from your neighborhood video store (like Blockbuster) or a corner kiosk (like Redbox). The least expensive option, of course, is to borrow one from your library. Conversely, the most expensive option is to buy one at the store or order one online (at a site like Amazon.com).

• Really play it up. I’m talking about designing and printing your own movie poster and movie tickets. I’m talking about making popcorn and putting it in movie theater-like buckets. I’m talking about providing movie theater-types of candy. I’m talking about serving soda in cups with lids and straws. And I’m talking about darkening the room like a real theater. (For a real fun time, my daughter shows her kids movies from a projector that’s pointed toward a huge white sheet hung on a wall. Even I love it!)

• Make it all very comfortable. Do what you can to avoid just plopping your kids down in front of the TV. Maybe set up some fun bean bags, or rows of chairs to simulate a real theater, or lots of cuddly blankets and pillows.

Kids’ indoor play activities can be as creative as you want them to be — and movie days fit that bill perfectly. Enjoy the show!

Grandma Maria’s Personal Top 10 G-Rated Family Movies:
Finding Nemo
Mary Poppins
Monsters, Inc.
The Parent Trap (original)
Peter Pan
The Princess Diaries
Swiss Family Robinson
The Sound of Music
Toy Story 3
The Wizard of Oz