Two toddlers indoors most of the day - tips for activities please

[PetitFilou1]

I have almost 16 month dd and ds (3 in early Feb) - the last two days with the freezing fog in London were a nightmare as I couldn't 'walk them' in the park which is how I normally get them to calm down a bit. Dd has an ear infection so swimming is out. Any ideas? Ds is very into cooking but dd is too young for it so it is only really feasible when she's asleep. Just after ideas please. I went back to shouty mother yesterday and I haven't been like that for ages.

Set up an indoor picnic with toys and tea set and make lunch time a longer, fun event. Give them each a group of toys to look after.

Videos/dvds to quieten them down and give yourself a break.

CBeebies!!
I have just come back from Tescos (hellish trip) and at the last moment was reckless with the cash and bought Cars DVD. Am now enjoying half an hour off while they are sitting happily watching their movie. Hopefully will get all the cleaning done bf the end too..
It is hard to find things that both will enjoy at same time isn?t it? Mine are 3 and 5 now so can find more I guess - esp as both girls so can do girly things like making beads and icing biscuits..
Got a big pile of duplo or similar for them to enjoy? playdough? Can you invite a mate with similar aged kiddies over for a coffee and chat while children amuse each other?

ok, nothing really lasts more than ten minutes, but on the up side you have lots of fun and none of this are too messy -
hang a big sheet over the top of the door and the sofa and pretend its a space ship/ boat/tent whatever. Have a tea party in there. Mine love changing the bed sheets. Washing up tea sets in a washing up bowl (on a big towel). Glueing and sticking practically anything (I cut out animals etc from old magazines in advance so dd1 (3.2) can do easy collages)/macaroni and glitter are good too. She can sit and do this at the table while I play with dd2 (1.3), or else dd2 joins in a bit (she's quite good with a paintbrush). Roleplay - they 'go to the shops' a lot with their dolls pushchairs, or make beds for their dolls with all the cushions and duvets. 'Cleaning' the table or the floor for me with a spray bottle of water and some clean cloths. It's a nightmare when we can't get out at all though - just a walk to the post box or to see the outrageous christmas lights up the street (after dark) is enough in the cold though.