Whether it is a rainy day, the kids are home from school for a few days, you work from home, or simply need a minute to gather your thoughts, these super fun indoor activities for kids will come to the rescue to save your sanity, every single time!
Next, is a list of fun and educational activities for kids at home that will not only fight boredom but will also spark imagination, promote learning, and help them break a sweat to get them to bed on time.
Whether you have a feisty toddler or an eye-rolling teen, there are indoor activities on this list for kids of all ages.
Here are the following categories of indoor activities and games for kids we will be discussing:
- Indoor Games for Kids
- Arts and Crafts for Kids
- Indoor Learning Activities for Kids
- Indoor Activities for Kids
- Indoor Physical Activities for Kids
While some of these indoor activities require special materials, some others require nothing at all.
As we go through these indoor activities for kids, I will share with you creative ways you can come up with materials you already have around the house. If you don’t have the necessary materials, I will also share with you how you can either make it yourself or purchase it online from Amazon.
Make sure you save, pin, or bookmark this page so that you can use it as a reference when you need backup!
37 Activities for Kids at Home
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Indoor Games For Kids
1. Puzzle race
Puzzles are a great go-to any time of the year. They are also great to play as a family or individually.
One of our favorite activities to do as a family is to do puzzle races. Everyone gets an age-appropriate puzzle, and at the count of three, the puzzle race begins.
If you have to get things done around the house and can’t join the puzzle race, create a puzzle race or challenge amongst the kids. The more exciting you make it, the more excited they will be to participate.
2. Board games
Board games are a great indoor activity for kids. If you have more than one child they can play together, otherwise, you can join the fun.
Yes, you can opt for Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, or Candy Land. But, if you want to double up on the fun consider one of these popular board games the entire family can enjoy:
* Images for the following games below
- Banana Blast (Ages 4+)
- The Floor is Lava (Ages 5+)
- Connect 4 (Ages 6+)
- Jenga (Age 6+)
3. Simon says
Simon Says is another great game for kids at home. If you have older kids, then they can take turns being “Simon” so that you can get things done around the house.
4. Follow the leader
Much like Simon Says, follow the leader will keep the kids busy while also keeping them active.
5. Treasure hunt
This indoor activity is another family favorite. The possibilities are endless with a treasure hunt as you can be as creative as you wish. Pick a handful of things that will make great “treasures”:
- Toys around the house
- Snacks
- Candy
- Easter Eggs
- Small toy prices (keeping a handful of these are is a great idea for future activities and prices)
6. Easter egg games
Leftover Easter eggs make for great entertainment. If you gave any plastic eggs laying around the house or stored away you are in luck. Here are 7 fun games to play with leftover Easter Eggs.
7. Card games
When I was younger, card games were a big part of our indoor activities. Although there are many more indoor entertainment options for kids these days, card games are still a great choice.
Here are some popular card games for kids of all ages:
* Images for the following games below
- Go Fish, Memory, Old maid, Crazy Eights, Slap Jack, Matching – 6 PACK (Ages 3+)
- Smack it (Ages 5+)
- Uno (Ages 7+)
- Headbanz (Ages 8+)
8. Red Light, Green Light
Another fun and simple game is Green Light, Red Light. It requires no materials and kids of all ages can play.
Instructions: Have all kids stand next to each other in a straight line. Stand across the room and say, “green light”. At your command, all kids can “walk” forward. When you say, “red light” all kids must stop at once. Whoever is still moving after the “red light” command must go back to the starting line. The child who makes it to the finish line first wins.
9. Plastic cups bowling
Bowling is such a fun thing to do, and kids of all ages love to do it. If you have a children bowling playset is time to put it to good use.
If you don’t, no worries. Set up a plastic cup pyramid and allow your kids to take turns knocking down the cups with a medium size ball. In our case, we used these recycled Mac and Cheese bowls I have been saving for the last few months.
10. The sticky spider web
This indoor game is so much fun and all you need is a good old roll of painter’s tape and tissue paper!
Instructions: Simply find a door frame where you stick a long piece of tape from side to side. Continue doing this as you create a spider web pattern. Once you have the desired shape, crumble baseball-sized pieces of tissue paper (gift wrapping) and hand them to each child. Taking turns, the kids will try to aim at the sticky spider web with hopes of landing their ball. Whoever gets more landing in 10 tries, wins!
11. Tape maze
If you have a painter’s tape and a hallway you can totally get this done.
My kids LOVE to go through this tape maze. Get creative with the strings of tape and make it challenging. To make it even more exciting, use a timer and have them beat their own record.
The only rule, no tape can come off the wall.
12. Bean bag toss
The bean bag toss is another family favorite AND is a great game for school-age skills to practice adding as they will be doing so to count their final score. No need to have the bean bag toss game to enjoy this game, you can make your own version.
Tape 6 construction papers on the floor (different colors), with 3 different scores. If you don’t have anything that resembles a bean bag, simply make your own with a small piece of fabric, beans, needle, and thread.
Instructions: Have your kids take turns tossing the bean bag from a designated “throw line”. If more than half of the bean bag lands in a scorecard, write the points down on a piece of paper. Whoever has the most points after 5 tosses, wins! This is a great math game for kids as well.
13. Bean bag basketball
If you took on making your own bean bag for the previous activity, you can also use it to play this homemade indoor game.
Simply, place a laundry basket, or a toy cubby across the room and have the kids take turns to toss the bean bag. Whoever makes the most bean bag shots in 10 tries, wins the game.
14. Activity cube
The activity cube is a super fun and versatile activity. It allows you to change the activities on the cube based on your child’s age and activity preference. Your cube activities can include anything from exercises to math questions.
How to make the activity cube: The easiest way to make an activity cube is to find a small (squared) cardboard box around the house and wrap it in gift wrapping paper. The pantry is a great place to look. Then, attach your activity papers to each side of the box.
Instructions: Have your child roll the die and complete the activity that it lands on.
15. Charades
Who doesn’t love a good game of Charades! This is the one game that is a lot more fun when we play it as a family.
This Charades game for kids is a great addition to any family’s game collection.
Some of the best things about these Charades games is that:
- The entire family can play together!
- No reading required
- 3 levels of play
- Active game, gets kids moving
- For 3 or more players, ages 4+
Arts and Crafts for Kids
16. Art gallery
Making an art gallery is so much fun. This indoor activity allows for kids to let their imagination fly as they can choose any material they wish to make their artwork.
Instructions: Give each child a paper. Ideally, you use heavy-weight paper such as watercolor paper or sketching paper, so that it can hold the weight of the art supplies they will be using.
Offer materials such as:
- Glitter
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Watercolor
- Stickers
- Washable Paint
- Crayons
- Markers
Once the artwork is done, create a gallery using something like this colorful Mini Clothespins and Rope system. You can also create your own by using a piece of string connected to two thumbtacks on the wall and paper clips to display the artwork.
17. Make homemade playdough
Making homemade playdough is not only fun, but inexpensive, and safe. With only a few ingredients and this homemade playdough recipe, you can make playdough for months to come.
By making playdough yourselfwith only cooking ingredients you can ensure it is safe and non-toxic for your little ones. Also, keeping your playdough in air-tight ziplock bags after each use allows you to use the same batch over and over again.
18. Coloring books
This timeless indoor activity for kids is another great option. You can spice it up by letting then use different coloring options such as washable paint, watercolors, crayons, markers, and glitter.
You can stock up on coloring books next time you visit the dollar store or you can order them in bulk through Amazon.
19. Watercolor or washable color art
Painting with watercolor and washable paint is another family favorite.
To make it even more fun, we pick a theme and we all have to make a watercolor/paint piece around that theme.
Once dried, hang them on your brand new art gallery.
Here is a great washable paint set to have on hand for all things art.
20. DIY music instruments
Another simple and fun arts and craft project is to make musical instruments with recycled supplies.
DIY musical instrument ideas:
- Tube shakers: paper towels cardboard tube, beans, and tape
- Plastic egg shakers: plastic eggs, rice, tape
- Drums: small bowl and tape
21. Paper bag puppets
Chances are you remember making paper bag puppets as a child. Same as sock puppets, they enable kids to use their imagination by decorating these cute little characters.
Indoor Learning Activities for Kids
22. Book reading and story telling
Reading and storytelling are great ways to keep kids entertained indoors. However, not all children are thrilled with the idea of reading “for fun”.
Here are some ideas to help kids of all ages find joy and excitement about reading books and storytelling:
- Read a book to your kids out loud and act out scenes as you read along. Discuss the book once done.
- For older kids, have them read a book and complete their reading journal.
- Have a story-telling family night. Gather around together with snacks and cozy blankets as everyone takes turns to tell a story.
- Create a question list for each book they read and have them answer them once done.
- Buy them new books. Often times they get bored of reading the same books over and over. Here is where you can find cheap books for kids.
- Consider enrolling them in an online reading program where they have access to thousands of books, such as Reading IQ. It is for ages 2-12, and you get the first month FREE!
23. Stem activities
STEM is a curriculum based on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM activities for kids focus on teaching them about scientific methods that can be applied to everyday life, computational thinking, and real-world applications of problem-solving.
Many schools today have STEM programs kids can enroll in and start innovating.
You can opt for STEM activity workbooks which offer creative hands-on projects for exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Or you can choose between some of the most popular STEM games and activities for kids of all ages.
24. Educational online learning
Spending time indoors and out of school doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. There are many online apps and websites that facilitate and encourage home learning.
Some of the most popular educational websites for kids include:
- ABC Mouse (ages 2-8, currently first month FREEand 60% OFF yearly subscription)
- Adventure Academy (ages 8-13, first month FREE, also from the makers of ABC Mouse)
- Reading IQ (ages 2-12, first month FREE)
- IXL (k-12 Curriculum)
- National Geographics Kids
- PBS Kids
25. Workbooks
Workbooks are another great way to keep the kids entertained while indoors.
There are plenty of activity workbooks to fit every age and every interest.
You can stock up on workbooks on your next trip to the dollar store, Walmart, Target, etc. Or you can order them on Amazon and have them arrive at your door.
Indoor Activities for Kids
26. Cookie baking and decorating
Okay, let’s face it… baking anything is always a good time. So what better indoor activity for kids than a cookie baking and decorating party.
Whether you make the batter from scratch or buy the ready-to-bake cookies and decorate them, spending the time together is what really matters.
27. Movie night
Simple yet classic…. movie nights never disappoint.
Grab your troop, pop some corn, and gather other favorite movie treats. Don’t forget to pull out some comfy pillows and blankets and enjoy a family movie together.
28. Video games
I know, I know… video games aren’t always a parent’s favorite, BUT on days where the kids are home from school, and you have a million things to get done, video games can come to the rescue.
Oh, and… Remember to set time limits before you agree to this little fiasco.
29. Build a fort
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have great childhood memories of building a fort.
Whether you use the dining room table as a roof or push furniture together, there are a million ways to create a cozy magical fort.
Provide them with all the materials they need to create the best fortress ever- pillows, blankets, bedsheets, flashlights, books, and if you are feeling fancy help them finish it off with some Christmas lights.
My husband and I once helped the kids build a fort out of cardboard boxes… It was epic!
30. Build a city out of Legos
Legos are very popular in my house. They are always fun to use as they allow the kids to make multiple creations. To make it more interesting,call out an object and have the kids build it, or have them join forces and make an entire city out of Legos.
31. Karaoke
Do you want to keep the kids entertained indoors? Let them do Karaoke!
This is so much fun, especially when you do it as a family. Get ready to laugh and dance as you sing along with popular songs.
There are many Karaoke phone apps you can download that will do the trick. But, if you want to make it official and declare Karaoke a regular weekly activity for the entire family consider this cool Karaoke microphone for kids.
This BlueFire Wireless 4 in 1 Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone is a portable, hand-held wireless microphone that can be used as a microphone, Bluetooth speaker, loudspeaker, recorder. It can easily connect via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio jack to your iPhone/Android Phone/Tablet/PC, or you can also insert a TF card to use the microphone.
Indoor Physical Activities for Kids
32. Put together a fashion show
Fashion shows are so much fun, especially for older kids. Let the kids sort through their closet (or yours if you dare) and organize a fashion show. Remember to specify rules before the catwalk begins, “every clothing item you use must be put back in its place once the show is over.”
33. Balloon rain
This activity is so simple, yet they love it! Simply inflate a handful of balloons and make them rain.
They can free-play by simply hitting the balloons up in the air… or you can make it extra fun by assigning them with balloon challenges.
Here are some fun ones:
- Don’t let the balloons touch the floor challenge
- Balloon darts
- Balloon and spoon race
34. YouTube exercises for kids
Just because they have to be indoors, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be active.
YouTube has a series of “Exercise Videos for Kids” that help them keep entertained and active. You can log in from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or better yet a smart TV.
35. YouTube Dance Party
YouTube also offers a wide range of popular Dances for Kids. There are a blast!
If your kids are stuck indoors for a particular amount of time, consider adding dance videos to their routines charts and schedules.
36. Build an obstacle course
Another great indoor activity that will exhaust some pent-up energy is to put together an obstacle course. Look around your home for items you can use to put together a fun obstacle trail.
Chairs, furniture, shoes, toys, construction paper squares taped to the floor…. be creative. Also, ask for their help, I guarantee you they will have plenty of great ideas!
37. Hide and seek
Last, but not least is our good old friend, hide and seek!
It is exciting, energy-wasting, fun, and requires no equipment.
Make sure you specify the rules beforehand, for instance- places that are off-limits to hide in.
★ Related Articles:
- How to Create an At-Home Learning Routine and Printable Schedule
- The Ultimate Chore List for Kids of All Ages
- How to Help Your Child Develop Good Home learning Habits
- 7 Important Before and After School Routines for Kids
Final Thoughts About Activities for Kids at Home…
Motherhood is hard! I know that first hand… and when they are home from school for days on end it could be a challenge to keep them active, entertained, and learning all at the same time, especially if they must be indoors!
Despite the reasons to stay indoors for a while, these indoor games and activities for kids are sure to keep them entertained and off your hair for a while.
Although most of these activities they can do on their own, make sure you find some room to interact with them as they are completing these activities.
Regardless of how overwhelming it might feel at times, having them home with you and enjoying these magical childhood moments with them is priceless!
What are your go-to activities for kids at home?
