25 Fun and Easy Indoor Activities for Kids
When the weather is gloomy or the kids are buzzing with energy, it can feel like you are running out of ideas to keep them busy indoors. The truth is there are so many simple and fun things you can do at home, from crafty creations to silly games. Here are 25 easy indoor activities for kids that are guaranteed to keep boredom away.
1. Build a blanket fort
An old classic. All you need are blankets, cushions and a bit of imagination. Add fairy lights for extra cosiness and you have a magical hideout.
2. Indoor treasure hunt
Hide little toys, coins or sweets around the house and create simple clues. Kids love the thrill of a good hunt and it is a great way to burn energy indoors.
3. Bake together
This is one of my favourite things to do with my boys! Bake biscuits, fairy cakes or even homemade pizza. Kids get messy, you get snacks. Win-win.
4. DIY obstacle course
Use chairs, pillows and toys to create a safe indoor course. Add time trials to make it extra exciting.
5. Craft with recyclables
Grab cereal boxes, loo rolls and milk cartons and see what masterpieces can be made. Robots, castles and rockets are always popular.
We made a car with a large cardboard box when my eldest was younger. He played with it for hours!
6. Kitchen disco
Stick on some music and have a dance off. Bonus points for silly moves. This is another favourite of ours!
7. Make your own playdough
A bit of flour, salt, water and food colouring and you have hours of squishy fun. There are loads of ‘Make your own Playdough’ type pins on Pinterest.
8. Create a background prop for existing toys
This is such an easy and inexpensive way to provide hours of fun for the kids! We’ve made many background props in the past. Check out this space background here for inspiration!
9. Science experiments
Volcanoes with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda or a homemade lava lamp with oil and food colouring. Safe, easy and fascinating.
10. Jigsaw puzzles
I love doing a jigsaw! It’s a calm activity that can keep kids quietly focused for ages. Make it a family challenge to finish one together.
11. Write and post letters
Encourage kids to write to grandparents, friends or even search for Pen-Pals. Pop them in the post and look forward to a return surprise.
12. Paper aeroplane contest
Who can fly the furthest? Who can do the best loop? A great mix of crafting and competition.
13. Indoor picnic
Spread a blanket on the floor and eat sandwiches and snacks. Teddies are of course invited.
14. Lego challenge
LEGO is great for hours of fun! Set tasks like “build the tallest tower” or “make a zoo”. Perfect for sparking creativity.
15. Puppet show
Make puppets from socks or paper bags and put on a mini performance.
16. Balloon games
Keep the balloon in the air, play balloon tennis or try balancing it on your nose. Simple but hilarious.
17. Board game afternoon
Get all of the board games out and have a gaming afternoon. We love to do this in our house.
18. Indoor bowling
Line up empty plastic bottles and use a soft ball to knock them down.
19. Learn a magic trick
There are plenty of simple tricks with cards or coins that kids can master and then amaze the family with.
20. Indoor gardening
Plant seeds in little pots or yoghurt tubs and watch them grow on the windowsill.
21. Collage making
Cut out old magazines, junk mail or newspapers to create colourful collages.
22. Hot and cold game
Hide an object and guide kids to it with “hotter” and “colder” clues.
23. Dress up relay
Put all the fancy dress clothes in a pile. Each person runs, puts one thing on and runs back. Hilarious results guaranteed.
24.The Floor is Lava
Do you remember playing this as kids? I remember throwing all of the sofa cushions everywhere and having such a laugh. You can even buy the Floor is Lava game now, if you don’t want your sofa in bits.
25. Indoor camping
Why not try some Indoor Camping, like over at Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs? There is a cool FREE printable to download too. Set up a tent or just pretend under a blanket. Add sleeping bags, torches and marshmallows toasted under the grill for the full effect.
Such a perfect and cosy activity on a rainy day.