Temperatures are quickly cooling outside, and school break is right around the corner. That means it’s time to gather a fresh supply of easy, creative ideas to keep the kids entertained inside! When the winter wiggles start to take over, try one of these ideas to keep everyone busy and engaged. Here are ten activities designed to provide loads of indoor fun for all ages this winter!
1. Have an indoor snowball fight
Not with real snowballs, of course. Crumple up scrap paper, newspaper, or magazine pages to make indoor-friendly snowballs. Give each person a pile, set up some pillow barricades for protection, and let the “snowballs” start flying!
2. Make paper airplanes
Fold a variety of paper airplanes and put them to the test! You can find basic instructions and some paper airplane challenge ideas here.
3. Play Animal Charades
What kid doesn’t love pretending to be an animal? Play a game of animal charades! Download these adorable free printables, and you’re ready to go.
4. Go indoor camping
Build a fort on the couch or under the kitchen table using blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags. Make some hot cocoa, microwave smores, or even hot dogs to munch. Complete the experience by turning on the fireplace (or playing a YouTube fireplace video on a TV or laptop), then snuggle up to read books or tell stories. Even better if it’s dark and you can pull out the flashlights!
5. Play SOLO cup bowling
Have kids set up red SOLO cups at the end of a hallway in a tower or a bowling pin formation. Take turns “bowling” with tennis balls (or other medium-size balls) and see who can knock over the most cups! Next, keep the fun going by reversing the game. Turn the cups over and hold a tossing contest with smaller balls. See who can land the most balls inside the cups.
6. Play “I Spy”
This is a great game to play when boredom suddenly hits because it doesn’t require any props or preparation. You can just sit down and play! If you’re not familiar with this game, check out these instructions.
7. Have a tea party
Whip up some Pecan Snowball Cookies to celebrate winter, or try these super-easy flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. Put a tablecloth on the table, serve tea or juice in small cups, and be sure to invite the dolls and stuffed animals. Even better if you can offer some costume jewelry or fun scarves or hats to wear!
8. Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek can provide hours of entertainment for kids who are old enough to choose hiding spots without potentially hurting themselves or breaking household items. If you have enough people, try a fun variation on hide and seek called “Sardines.” Only one person hides while everyone else counts together. Then all the counters go seek the one hider. When someone finds the hider, they quietly join them in their hiding place, and this process continues until the last person finds the group!
9. Don't let the balloon touch the ground
This game is played exactly how it sounds - blow up several balloons and challenge kids to keep them up in the air as long as possible without touching the ground. Bonus: this is a great way to tire them out before naps or bedtime!
10. Find some dollar-store fun
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a new treasure (and even better when it doesn’t break the bank)! Go to your nearest dollar store and find a few age-appropriate puzzles or games. Let your kids pick out a snack or drink to enjoy while they play with their new finds!
Staying inside doesn’t need to be boring. The next time you need some inspiration for indoor fun, try out one of these creative ideas. You won’t just fill time - you’ll be making memories!