Frankenstorm has hit the east coast, and that means lots of families are stuck indoors... potentially without power and with antsy kids. While you still have electricity (or at least some juice on your cell phone), here are some ideas for fun things to do with the kids while you wait out the storm.

  1. Make pumpkin origami. This video from Broadcast Sunny shows you step-by-step instructions on making this fun, easy Halloween decoration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feUajZl9yjk&list=PL83DA43DF41FDE859&index=9&feature=plpp_video

  2. Play charades or other party games. Have each person write five nouns on a slip of paper and throw them into a hat. Take turns pulling out a piece of paper and acting out the item on your paper. Consider going with a weather or Halloween theme to celebrate the "Frankenstorm."

  3. Before you lose power, you may want to download kid-friendly movies or games to your laptop or tablet. Though you'll want to conserve your devices' batteries in case of an emergency, watching a favorite movie makes a nice treat once the power goes out.

  4. Stage a living room production-whether it's a circus, a play or a movie, you're guaranteed to laugh at the outcome! This activity is great because it involves everyone, takes lots of planning and gets everyone's mind off the fact that they're stuck inside.

  5. Pull out the tried and trusted board games and puzzles. Incorporate new rules to spice things up-"Every time someone rolls a six, you have to make up a little dance!"

  6. Create the "Frankenstorm Olympics." Possible competitions include musical chairs, carrying an egg (or golf ball, etc.) on a spoon, crab walking, three-legged races and anything else you can think of.

  7. Build a blanket fort. Gather all the blankets, sheets and pillows you can find and go crazy. Once the fort's built, use it as a tent for story time, games and more.

  8. Experiment with static, balloons and coffee filters. This Halloween craft is fun AND educational. Plus, you likely have all the materials at home already.

  9. Print out coloring pages. Washington Parent has some adorable dinos for you here: washingtonparent.com/html/kidspage.php.

  10. Produce a shadow puppet show. Either turn out the lights or wait until it gets dark out, then use flashlights to set the stage.

Above all, be safe! Stay indoors and use this storm as a chance to bond as a family.