You’ve been cooped up in your apartment far too long. You want to go out and play, but Mother Nature’s reign of snowy terror has left the city knee-high in slush.

That’s no reason to subject yourself to another carton of lo mein. Hop in a cab and head to the newly opened Cicciolino in the East Village. The name is Italian for cute little thing, and the rustic romper room provides a colorful — and much needed — escape from the dreary outdoors. The space is filled with bright plastic basket lamps and an impressive Pez collection.

The menu? Simple Italian dishes and family recipes. Starters like radicchio wrapped with prosciutto served with mascarpone. Main courses like braised chicken and penne all’arrabbiata. And don’t forget the sweet things like panna cotta with blueberry.

What gives with the playful theme? Well, owner Rocco used to be a gym teacher. And that looks suspiciously like a playground across the street, buried way under all that snow, which will melt. Honest.

One of these days.

Cicciolino, 108 East 4th Street, between First and Second Avenues (212-260-3105).