Even if we're in for an early spring, fun things to do indoors are necessary for Milwaukee families.

Well, Milwaukee's own Gordy the groundhog (the most adorable seasonal predictor I've ever seen, by the way) has predicted an early spring. But, as fun as Groundhog Day traditions are, they're not necessarily super accurate. So having a few good ideas for things to do indoors is advisable.

Something to do with your kids

One of my family's go-to activities when everyone is just kind of bored is taste testing. We've done several over the years, including trying to identify Coke vs. Pepsi in a blind taste test, deciding on our favorite potato chip brand and a March Madness-style brackets matchup to crown our winning snack food. Aside from a few good-natured arguments and some forced humility when we couldn't identify our favorite soda (yes, that was me), taste tests have been a reliably fun way to spend time together.

A few more things to do with your kids

You know what another fun taste test would be? To determine your favorite Girl Scout cookie. Cookie season just started this week. And there's a new cookie too.

Or what about snack cakes? Or ice cream? You can do a combo deal with Little Debbie ice cream. The new products, inspired by snack cakes, just came out.

We're a few days into Lunar New Year celebrations. Here are some fun ways to celebrate with your kids.

It's also time to prepare for Valentine's Day. If you typically give your kids a little something, here are some fun ideas.

Something to make you think

Recently, I wrote an essay sharing my husband's and my experience homeschooling our eighth grader this year. The key reason we decided to homeschool is to focus on improving her mental health. It's been decidedly difficult, but there have also been some bright moments.

Something to make you smile

This Idaho 8-year-old wrote a graphic novel, which is impressive in and of itself. Then he decided he wanted other people to read it, so he took the logical next step. He put it on a shelf in his local library. Now his book has a waiting list.

Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: things to do indoors with kids in Milwaukee