21 Ways to Keep Busy When the Power Goes Out

Part 3 of the Prepping for Winter Storm Power Outages

Winter storms can bring power outages that last for hours—or even days—leaving you without modern conveniences. Once you get set up with candles, lanterns and flashlights you may find yourself wondering what you’re going to do as you wait for the power to return. You don’t have to sit around feeling bored or restless.

Whether you're looking for ways to pass the time, stay warm, or be productive, here are 21 ideas to keep everyone busy (including the kids) when the electricity goes out.

1. Read a Book or Magazine

A power outage is the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book or flip through a favorite magazine if there’s enough light. Wrap up in your favorite fleece blanket and find a comfy place to sit.

You’ll stay warm and keep your mind busy. A wonderful combination for those unplugged moments.

2. Write Letters or Journal

Letter writing seems to have gone the way of the dodo bird. But why not take this time to surprise your friends and family with your handwritten notes. People love that kind of personal touch.

With no electronic distractions this would also be a good opportunity to do some journaling. You could write about your “no electricity” experience to get you started if you’ve never journaled before.

3. Play Board Games or Card Games

Depending on the size of your family, board games can be a fun way to while away the time. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, Battleship, or Clue are classics, easily adapted for any age group.

A simple deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family as well. Think Slapjack, Go Fish, Cribbage, or Poker, for example. If you’re by yourself, there are various versions of Solitaire, but you best look up the rules of the game on Google before you lose power.

4. Work on a Puzzle

If you have good lighting or you can work near a window during the day, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to challenge your mind.

Crossword puzzles, wordsearches, and other types of mind game puzzles are other ways to exercise your brain without the need for electricity. Just make sure you have working pens and pencils and stock up on a couple of puzzle books in advance.

5. Tell Stories or Share Family Memories

Like writing letters, storytelling has become a lost art. That doesn’t mean it can’t be revived. Gather around a lantern or fireplace and take turns sharing family stories, ghost tales, or favorite memories.

It’s a great way to bond and reminisce. And it doesn’t take much light to get it done.

6. Work on Hobbies or Coloring

If you enjoy crafts, use the downtime to work on a knitting or crocheting project. Scrapbooking is another hobby that doesn’t require electricity. Even drawing and painting are possible if you have the light for it.

Coloring may not be considered a hobby, but it is a creative way to pass the time. Color books are available for all age groups too.

Hobbies and coloring are relaxing and during a power outage is a great time to indulge without guilt.

7. Cook Up Something New

When the power goes out, cooking becomes a challenge. Here’s an opportunity to learn a new skill. If you have a wood stove or a gas stove that works without electricity, cook up something warm and comforting—like biscuits, soup, or hot cocoa.

If you’re stuck with an outdoor barbeque or camp stove, you can still come up with some tasty dishes using your imagination and a little common sense.

Gather potential recipes to try ahead of the storm and be ready to use what you have on hand.

8. Do an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of random household items and challenge family members to find them. It becomes extra challenging in the dark. Just make sure you have enough flashlights for everyone.

An indoor scavenger hunt is a fun way to stay engaged and active, but you need to think safety.  Avoid running around in the dark.

9. Build a Fort or House of Cards

Remember building forts using blankets and pillows. It was like creating your own little world. Building such a fort is a perfect activity for kids during a power outage. Not only do they get to use their imagination, they stay busy and out of your way. Bonus points if you let them sleep inside their creation. The semi-confined space will keep them warmer than their bedroom.  

And while they are in there, give them each a deck of cards and let them build a house of cards. Or give it a try yourself. Building a house of cards takes a great deal of patience and concentration.

Distraction at it’s finest.

10. Have a Candlelight Romance

Eating by candlelight has connotations of romance. Why not take advantage of the lack of electricity and set up your own romantic moment. Lay out a warm blanket in a cozy room (wherever it seems warmest in the house).

Bring out a few tasty snacks and drinks. Light a couple of candles and let the romance begin.

For adults only, of course. Adapt the scenario if the kids are home.

11. Do a Light Workout or Stretching Routine

Being active can help you stay warm and keep your muscles from getting stiff. Light exercise will also keep your circulation going.

While you may be tempted to stay curled up in your quilt reading and coloring, take some time to break up your favorite position with a little yoga or stretching. This will be important later if you must shovel snow.

12. Organize or Declutter a Small Space

There’s always an excuse to avoid decluttering. Without electricity some of those excuses have no merit.

Why not use this time to tidy up a drawer, sort through a bookshelf, or clean out your purse—simple tasks that don’t require a plug-in.

13. Sing Songs or Have a Musical Jam Session

If someone plays an instrument you could have a family sing-along. Or just enjoy some of those all time childhood favorites. Make a game of who can remember the lyrics

For those of you brave enough, you could let the young ones create their own "band" using kitchen utensils and their imagination.

14. Try Shadow Games

Children often have the most difficult time amusing themselves when the power goes out. They’ve become so used to being entertained by electronics, especially during the winter.

Now is a great time to teach them about shadow games. Use flashlights or lanterns and teach them how to make shadow animals on the wall.

Or find a way to hang a light-colored sheet and using the same principles as shadow animals, have kids play charades behind the “curtain.”  It’s a great way to entertain kids and adults alike.

15. Create a To-Do List or Weekly Plan

When the power first goes out, you will be busy setting out candles, gathering flashlights, and establishing some sort of heat. After you finish prepping for life without power (check out post 1 and post 2 of this series.) You may start thinking of the things you were planning to do before you lost electricity.

This may lead to you to thinking of all kinds of things you’ve been needing or wanting to get done. Now is the perfect time to jot down your goals, grocery lists, or to-do plans for when the power returns.

This helps you feel productive and organized when things feel a bit crazy.

16. Meditate, Massage, Breath

You may be so busy in your day-to-day life, you don’t allow yourself to relax. You may not even remember how to relax. Well, here you go.

Once you know everyone is safe and relatively warm, take time to slow down. Meditation allows you to clear your mind. But if you’re new to it, a power outage may not be the best time to start.

If you have someone with you (and you’re comfortable with him/her) ask them to massage your feet, hands or scalp while you lie with your eyes closed. Remember to breathe slowly and let your mind go.

It can help ease stress and allow you to relax.

17. Organize or Clean Files

Despite computers and the “cloud,” many people still store hard copies of receipts, directions, bills, and important papers.

Like other decluttering tasks, going through old files is not high on the priority list. But it doesn’t require electricity to accomplish this task. All you need is enough light to keep you from throwing out something important.

Not only will you find more room in your office area once you’re done, you will also have some fire starter if you need it.

18. Do Simple Home Repairs

How many times have you said, “I need to fix that doorknob one of these days.” as you’re fumbling to get out the door. Replace that phrase with squeaky hinge, loose tile, non-working light bulbs, etc.

Everyone has something that just needs a quick fix with a screwdiver, pair of pliers or super glue.  Now is a good opportunity to take care of small maintenance tasks while waiting for the power to return.

19. Verbal Games

There are many ways to while away the hours during a power outage if you have some access to light. When light is limited games like “20 Questions” or “Would You Rather” are fun alternatives to board games.

Storytelling games where one person starts with a sentence and others build on to create a story it is another option. And remember that old-fashioned game, “Telephone?”

Your children may not be familiar with these old standards. It’s a good time to teach them.

20. Quiet Ball

If the weather isn’t too severe, going outside to play in the snow, gather firewood, or shovel walkways will give you something to do and warm you up as well.

When you are stuck indoors, physical activity may look different. One game I played in the classroom is Quiet Ball. Any ball made of soft or spongy material will work.

Although the game is intended for larger groups, a family can play their own version. The idea is to keep your eye on the person that has the ball and be ready to catch the ball if it’s thrown your way.

The only other rule is NO TALKING ALLOWED! That is why it is called Quiet Ball. If the ball is thrown to you and you miss it, you are out. When only one person is left in the game, he/she is declared the winner and you start over again.

Students loved it.

21. Sit by the Fire and Enjoy the Quiet

Sometimes, the best way to spend a power outage is simply to sit and relax, listen to the crackling fire, and engage in conversation with your family.

Even without a fireplace, it is possible to use this time to catch up on activities, dreams, goals, and worries of those near and dear to you.

It’s a time to appreciate the peacefulness of an unplugged evening.

Final Thoughts

Waiting for the power to come back on doesn’t have to be stressful or boring. With a little creativity, you can keep everyone busy even when there’s no electricity.

By using some of these ideas you can make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for yourself and your family. Stay warm, engaged, and connected and you’ll find even the darkest winter days can bring a little light and laughter.

Do you have a favorite way to pass the time during a power outage? I would love to hear your ideas!

Click here to get a copy of "Uh oh, The Power's Out," a very simple, very basic, preparedness checklist. It's free and includes a fill-in the blank copy to add your specific needs.