We have snow here, which in itself is not a problem, but on all paths it's become compacted down and is now like an ice-rink. I daren't take Buster on a walk today, as he's got bad elbows (elbows don't bend anymore), he struggles with grip and his front legs are liable to splay out causing him injury. It's much safer to keep him in for now.

A recreational bone is not on the list for him, as holding it for a long time (he loves bones and would spent hours on end with it) will make his elbows hurt causing him to have a bad limp :( (and I don't fancy sitting next to him for hours holding a stinky bone for him - as much as he would like that!) - also due to this, I haven't any 'in stock'!

I was wondering what nifty ideas you all have for keeping our doggies amused if they are missing walks due to this weather?

Hide and seek?  Either have him out of the room and hide some kibbles or treats for him to sniff out.  Or you hide, or make him wait out the room while you go and hide his treats and tell him to find them

Ditto to what Roxylola's said - my two love finding hidden biscuits :) Or one of those treat balls if he's okay bashing it round? I use one of these. Or, how about one of those treat puzzles? My friends rottie has one smilar to this. The only downside is he knows exactly what to do with it, so it takes him two seconds to get everything out!

Treat balls here, if he's okay with them - if you don't have one then a little box taped shut with a hole in one side is a very effective alternative, mine actually prefer those to the real thing!

Scent games ... train him to become a 'drugs detection' dog ... catnip is an ideal substitute ;-)

All dogs have amazing scenting abilities, well above our own. Doesn't take long to teach them to find, they don't have to do formal retrieves to tire them out, just hunting for something, whether a catnip bag or a special toy (kept for this game only). 5-10 minutes is very good brain activity and a great substitute for when not able to get out and about, for whatever reason :-D

Fred loves shredding paper and hide and seek, star loves anything food based so kongs with peanut butter and hidden toys for him.Also just general playing/larking around for some interaction and stimulation. Games are good if buster is in the mood to partake. You may find that because its cold and miserable outside his joints may be a bit sore anyway (my nan always complains that her knees and elbows are worse in bad weather) so he may just be happy too have a 'quieter' day at home in the warm =)

Have you though about T Touch?
  One of the best things I've ever learnt!