KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Whether it is severe weather or illness keeping your children cooped up, there are some simple activities they can do to keep busy and upbeat, Kansas City television station KMBC reported.

Child-life experts at Children's Mercy Hospital suggest decorating food without baking or messy cookie dough.

Kids can cut shapes from ready-made treats, add a little frosting and sprinkles.

They can also build a snowman without snow.

"It's actually just a sock. We all have spare socks lying around the house and you just stuff the sock. We just stuffed this one with paper towels. Fold the top down to make a little hat," said Missy Stover.

Stover said a marker can be used to make eyes or buttons can be glued on.

The station reported that it is easy for children to feel down if they're isolated or bored. Simple activities can motivate and give a sense of accomplishment.

Kids can make a paper wreath from handprints glued to a paper plate, or build a gingerbread house from graham crackers and leftover candy. They could also make a scrapbook by folding and tying paper sacks together or create with puff paint made from common household ingredients.

"Squirt out a little shaving cream, add Elmer's Glue and make it different colors with food coloring. Paint it on and it stays puffy. It doesn't flatten out like regular paint," Stover said.

You can even suggest a game of air hockey using two straws and a cotton ball.

"These are all activities that parents can do along with their child or supply materials and walk away and feel comfortable with them using materials on their own, so it gives them a break as well," Stover said.