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Sometimes it is too hot, sometimes it is too cold, and sometimes it is too wet. What do you do when you can’t send the kids outside to play? Do you wish you had a go-to list of indoor activities? No need to fret, here are some electronics-free ideas for entertaining kids when going outside isn’t an option. There are actually so many ways to keep the kids having fun. Here are twenty fun indoor activities for kids that will keep them from watching youtube all day!
When the inclement weather hits it can be easy to run out of ideas to keep kids of all ages entertained while indoors. That is why we have compiled a list of 20 creative indoor activities that will not only keep your kids busy for hours but also ignite their imaginations. From DIY crafts that unleash their creativity to engaging in science experiments, there’s something here for every child. So, next time your little ones are stuck indoors, try one or more of these ideas and watch their boredom vanish into thin air. Get ready to embark on a journey of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories with your kids!
10 Creative Indoor Activities Kids Will Love When They Can’t Play Outside
Tired of hearing ‘I’m bored’ from your kids? Engage them in these entertaining indoor activities that will make them forget about screens. Unveil the secret to keeping your kids entertained at home with a range of indoor activities that are not only fun but also educational. From science experiments to building forts, this article shares exciting ideas that your kids will absolutely love. Discover indoor activities that not only entertain but also unlock your child’s creativity and foster learning. From art projects to storytelling, this article presents innovative ideas that will spark your child’s imagination and enhance their cognitive skills.
1. Collages
Making collages is a fun and an inexpensive way to get your kids thinking creatively. You don’t need fancy papers or materials, simply cut up old magazines and newspapers, or find things like colorful leaves from the garden. You could even make use of those old clothes which have been sitting in the back of your wardrobe for years by tearing them into different shapes and patterns. My niece makes the coolest collage covered shoeboxes for storing things. I need to take a photo to share with y’all but for now, you can use these collage boxes as inspiration, if you like. Collages are a great way to explore a theme- things you want in your life, animals, or colors, just to name a few ideas.
2. Dressing-Up
Kids love dressing-up, whether it’s in Mom’s high heels and Dad’s briefcase, or as their favorite fictional character. Not only do you get the hilarity of how they look when they’re done, but they can use these personas for make-believe games, which keep them entertained for hours. You may want to go through your closet and give them some old things they can use to keep in a costume box.
3. Forts
Want more fun indoor activities kids will love? Let them build a fort or den. Everyone has childhood memories of making forts. There is just something so magical about creating your own hide-away space. You can make a den out of anything suitable you find in your house, but furniture and bed sheets are always successful. You could also make a cardboard fort. Just be sure to layer the floor with pillows and blankets, and the kids can spend days inventing new ways to make use of their little home.
4. Indoor Obstacle Course
Yes, I know you are thinking that they make indoor obstacle course everyday with LEGO booby traps! But, I am talking about intentional indoor obstacle courses! This is a perfect way to burn off all that excess energy and wear the kids out before bedtime. Be as creative as you can with this, using chairs, cushions, boxes, and anything else you can find around the house. You can add a homemade ball toss game in there too. You can have them run races over and over. The easier version of this works too. We have a circular path through my home and I will say, “First one to run 10 laps wins,” and they are off like a couple of race horses!
Next, explain the rules and objectives of the obstacle course to your children. You can set a specific time limit for them to complete the course or encourage them to complete it as quickly as possible. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and problem-solving as they navigate each obstacle. Or challenge your child to beat their own time as they run it over again. As your kids make their way through the obstacle course, cheer them on and provide encouragement. This is not only a physical activity but also an opportunity for them to build confidence and resilience as they tackle each challenge.
5. Baking
Getting messy is one of children’s greatest talents, and what better way to make a mess than getting to eat the results at the end? Perhaps even use baking as a method to get your kids to try new foods. And it doesn’t have to be unhealthy; there are some brilliant recipes out there which are both tasty and nutritious. Baking with kids is fun! My daughter loves to make cookies and tiny pancakes.
6. Indoor Picnics
You could take the baking one step further and use the baked goods for an indoor picnic or tea party. The prospect of eating somewhere other than the dining room table is always exciting.
Pull out your saucers and enjoy a mini picnic or tea party with your children and few stuffed animals. My kids loved to take turns being the waiter or waitress and being a customer and ordering imaginary foods and paying for them with imaginary money and trying out different fun fancy phrases on each other.
7. Making Music
Arts and crafts are much more rewarding when the finished product has a practical use. Try making your own instruments by sticking elastic bands over an empty tissue box or filling a plastic bottle with dry pasta. If you have real instruments try playing a simple piece together. It can be a whole new experience and it is a great activity to entertain kids on rainy days. If nothing else, let the kids bang on some upside down pots with wooden spoons. My kids loved that! Sing some songs together and teach them to sing in rounds with “Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.” This is one of the fun indoor activities kids will remember fondly forever- at least I still do!
8. Printable Resources
There are thousands of free printable resources available on the internet, from coloring pages, to word games, to more educational activities. If there’s a particular holiday coming up, such as Halloween, why not look for themed printable activities? You could get the kids to decorate the house with spooky pictures. Free printables are so handy!
9. Cardboard Box
Perhaps the simplest, yet most valuable fun indoor activities kids will love are those that stretch their imagination. Give the kids a cardboard box (preferably a large one which they can sit inside) and let them turn it into whatever they want. The best one I’ve seen was a car, complete with a cut out door and all. It’s an excellent way to let them use their creativity and their engineering skills to build something they design!
10. Put on a Talent Show
If the kids are feeling particularly inspired by the musical instruments or generally enjoy a song and dance, ask them to put on a talent show for you. They will spend hours rehearsing for it and will feel really proud after they’ve performed it. You never know, they might even have a hidden talent you didn’t know about! My kids love to put on talent shows in and then have me judge their performances and pronounce a winner. We do many rounds to avoid hurt feelings and the different rounds have different themes so that they have a new shot at winning each time. It can be all types of talent from puppet show to poem recitations.
11. Have a Read-A-Thon:
According to Scholastic, children learn an average of 4,000 to 12,000 new words each year as a result of book reading. Now that is something to encourage! Reading is also a nice quiet activity that can keep kids busy on Gameday. Leisure reading makes students more articulate, develops higher order reasoning, and promotes critical thinking, says the National Endowment for the Arts. With so many benefits, get your child reading by providing some great kids books and some rewards, however simple, for a job well done. I kid you not, I used to get a bag of peanuts every time I finished a book when I was about 9 years old and I loved it!
12. DIY Crafts That Unleash Creativity
Crafts provide a great outlet for older kids and younger kids to use their imaginations and explore their creative potential. They also offer an opportunity for them to develop their fine motor skills and boost their self-expression.
Challenge older children to create an eco-friendly craft, upcycling everyday objects. Encourage your kids to repurpose items like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, or old magazines into something new and exciting. They can create their own cardboard city, make bird feeders out of old milk jugs, or reuse egg cartons in clever ways. Younger children may need to be a specific craft like a construction paper DIY preschool placemat. This activity not only sparks their creativity but also teaches them the importance of recycling and finding value in the things around them.
Another idea is the classic art of origami. All you need is a pack of colorful origami paper and some easy-to-follow instructions from the internet. Origami is a wonderful way for kids to develop their problem-solving skills and patience as they fold and shape paper into beautiful creations like cranes, flowers, or even origami jewelry. Plus, they can proudly display their finished pieces around the house or give them as thoughtful gifts to family and friends. Get ready to witness their pride and joy as they proudly show off their handmade creations.
13. Create An Indoor Treasure Hunt
Create an indoor treasure hunt / scavenger hunt to keep them entertained. Not only will this activity spark their imagination, but it will also challenge their problem-solving skills and keep them on their toes. It will encourage teamwork and develop critical thinking skills.
To get started, you’ll need to come up with a theme for your treasure hunt. It could be a pirate adventure, a mystical quest, or a search for hidden treasures in the jungle. Once you have your theme, create a series of clues or riddles that will lead your kids from one clue to the next, ultimately leading them to the treasure. Hide the first clue somewhere easily accessible to them, like under their pillow or in their favorite toy. Then, as they solve each clue, they’ll uncover the next one, gradually getting closer to finding the treasure. Make the clues challenging enough to keep them engaged, but not too difficult that they become frustrated. Once they finally reach the treasure, reward them with something special like a toy or a favorite snack. The joy and excitement on their faces as they find the treasure will be priceless.
14. Indoor playground
Now it’s time to get little kids moving and active with an indoor playground. Physical activity is essential for children’s development, and setting up a fun and challenging indoor playground right in your living room or play area is a fantastic way to keep them engaged and energetic.
Start by gathering some household items that you can use to create. Pillows can be transformed into stepping stones, chairs can become hurdles, and blankets can be draped over furniture to create tunnels. Let your imagination run wild as you brainstorm different ways to construct a playground that will challenge your kids both physically and mentally. Once you have your materials ready, let kids try it out. This could be a loop around the room or a zigzag pattern between furniture and other obstacles. Make sure there is enough space for your kids to navigate through safely.
15. Teach Kids A New Game
Introducing your kids to a new game can be an exciting adventure. Start by choosing a game that suits their age and interests. From classic options like Monopoly and Scrabble to more modern games like Labyrinth or Poobah, there are countless options to explore. Once you’ve selected the game, take the time to read through the instructions and familiarize yourself with the rules. This will enable you to confidently explain the game to your kids and answer any questions they may have. Break down the rules into manageable steps, ensuring that your children grasp each concept before moving on to the next.
As you teach the game, encourage your kids to ask questions, strategize, and think critically. This not only enhances their cognitive abilities but also helps them develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Emphasize the importance of playing fair and being a good sport, teaching them valuable life lessons about resilience and sportsmanship. Engaging in a board game or card game session with your children can be a fantastic opportunity for quality family time.
16. Encourage Kids To Write And Illustrate Their Own Story Or Comic
This activity will engage their imaginations and allow them to express themselves through words and drawings. Writing and illustrating their own story or comic can be a wonderful way for kids to explore their creativity and develop their storytelling skills. Encourage them to come up with their own characters, plotlines, and settings. They can let their imagination run wild as they create captivating narratives filled with adventure, mystery, and humor.
To start, provide them with blank paper or a notebook and a variety of writing and drawing materials. Encourage them to brainstorm ideas, develop their characters, and think about the beginning, middle, and end of their story or comic. Remind them that there are no right or wrong answers in storytelling and that they have the freedom to create whatever they can imagine. Writing their own story or comic can also be a great way for kids to practice their reading and writing skills. As they write their story, they will naturally engage with vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
Additionally, illustrating their own comic can help kids improve their visual storytelling skills. They can experiment with different drawing techniques, practice perspective and composition, and bring their characters to life through expressive illustrations.
Encourage them to read their story out loud to you or their siblings, fostering confidence in their reading abilities. This not only boosts their confidence but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. You may love it so much you may want to make your own book.
17. Science Experiments
Science projects are a perfect way to engage kids in hands-on learning while having fun indoors. With just a few household items and a curious mind, children can embark on exciting scientific adventures.
One simple experiment to start with is the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano. All you need is a plastic bottle, baking soda, vinegar, and some food coloring for added pizzazz. By combining these ingredients, kids can create an erupting volcano right in their own home, mesmerized by the fizzy reaction that occurs.
18. Dance Party
Dancing is not only a fun and entertaining activity, but it also provides numerous health benefits for children. As they move and groove to the beat, their bodies are engaged in a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health, coordination, and flexibility. Encourage your little ones to let loose and express themselves through dance, using their bodies to interpret the music and showcase their creativity. Whether they prefer hip-hop, jazz, or freestyle moves, there are no limits to testing out new moves to their favorite songs. The dance floor becomes a stage for self-expression, where every twirl, jump, and spin is an opportunity to unleash their creativity and show off their individuality. The is a great active idea when looking for rainy day activities.
19. Hula Hoop
The hula hoop is a classic toy brings a whole new level of fun and excitement to the indoor playtime experience. As the colorful hoops spin around their waists, the kids will be mesmerized by the challenge of keeping them going. They will giggle and cheer each other on as they master the technique and attempt impressive tricks like spinning the hoop around their arms or jumping through it.
Not only does hula hooping provide endless entertainment, but it also offers a range of physical benefits for kids. As they rhythmically move their hips and engage their core muscles, they’ll be getting a fun workout without even realizing it. The hula hoop activity promotes balance, coordination, and body awareness, which are all crucial for their development.
20. Play Dough
This tactile activity will keep young children engaged as they mold, shape, and create imaginative masterpieces. Play dough offers endless possibilities for young minds to explore and express their creativity in a hands-on way. Whether they prefer animals, cars, or a make-believe world of their own, children can use play dough as a canvas for their wildest ideas. The squishy texture and vibrant colors provide the perfect medium for them to bring their imaginations to life. They can sculpt mountains, build houses, or even craft miniature versions of their favorite characters.
As the children manipulate the play dough with their tiny hands, they are also enhancing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. From rolling, squeezing, and cutting, to shaping intricate details, these activities help develop their dexterity and control. It’s like a mini workout for their little fingers! Beyond the physical benefits, play dough encourages cognitive development as well. As kids experiment with different shapes and sizes, they learn about spatial awareness and geometry. They can combine different colors to discover the magical world of color mixing, fostering an understanding of basic color theory.
The best part is that play dough can easily be made at home with simple ingredients, making it a cost-effective and readily available option for indoor entertainment. Try making this easy play dough recipe as part of the fun!
Conclusion
These 10 creative indoor activities are a surefire way to keep your kids entertained and stave off boredom. From DIY crafts that unleash their creativity to setting up an indoor obstacle course for physical activity, each idea offers a unique and engaging experience. These activities not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” So let the fun begin!
There really is no need to start tearing your hair out trying to think of fun ways to keep your children amused when bad weather leaves them housebound. You’ll often find that the most simple ideas will be the ones which are the most fun activities to do with kids and keep the children happy for hours. I hope you enjoy these fun indoor activities kids will love. Which of these ideas is your favorite for entertaining kids indoors? Do you have any additional ideas to keep kids busy inside? Let us know your favorite easy indoor activities in the comments.
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