Being stuck inside can be . . . not fun, and leave you longing for the mild days of Summer, Spring, and Fall. And because of all this, I like to find every way to keep my kids from going stir crazy (and driving me even stir crazier). They have tons of energy they need to get out, they want to be entertained at all times, and they can get bored easily. So what are you supposed to do? Luckily — with both a little planning and a little creativity — there are tons of unique and fun indoor activities for kids that they (and you!) will enjoy. Keep reading to see them all now.
Don't let your kiddie pool collect dust in the garage until Summer. Just turn it into a ball pit for the kids to jump in and get out all of their unused energy. They'll be entertained for hours!
Transform your living room, family room, or basement into a home movie theater. Either dim the lights around your regular TV or put up a projector and a large sheet for some extra magic. Just don't forget to make a yummy snack station for the kids to enjoy.
Play a variety of board games throughout the day to keep busy, from the classics to some more unique ones. You can even turn it into a family tournament with fun little prizes to really make things interesting!
Find a recipe that's easy to follow for your children's age group. Place the ingredients on the table, write (or print out) the recipe, and have them follow the steps with you. Bonus if you make something they can decorate after, like cookies or a plain cake!
Display flavored hot chocolate, marshmallows, toppings, straws, and mugs for kids to dig into during a cold day. It's like edible art!
If it's still snowing where you are, bring a little inside, place it in a clear container, and let kids transform the color using paint or food coloring. Just make sure you keep it in a cool place so the snow doesn't melt.
Pompoms, pipe cleaners, and felt are just as good as the real deal. Plus, they can really make their creations come to life with more details since they won't be freezing cold!
Recycled milk jugs can be put to good use with a little time, patience, and dedication. And when you're done, you can teach your kids all about recycling.
If the kids are daydreaming about Summer camp and warm nights outside, set up a few tents (or make your own) in the living room, roast marshmallows over a candle, and have a camping sleepover. And if you have some of those glow in the dark stars to put on the ceiling, well, that's just perfect.
This classic Winter craft can be dressed up with some glitter and adhesives, or kept as simple and beautiful as they are. Make an afternoon out of it by decorating your entire house (or at least one full room) with as many snowflakes as you can.
Slime isn't just super satisfying to look at and feel, it's also fun to make! And since slime seems to be all the rage right now, your kids will have a blast with this.
Come up with a theme, put the coziest pillows you can find in a circle, grab a few snacks, and have the kids sit back and relax as you read them their favorite books.
The scavenger hunt items kids are required to find can vary depending on their age group, so parents can either make their own list or find a themed one that they like.
Kids can put on a solo performance, form a group, or compete against each other in a talent competition, whether they're belting out tunes on a karaoke machine or just using a hair brush.
Put your children's fort-making skills to the test by hosting a competition to see who can make the best one. When they're done, cozy up inside!
Obviously I've popped in Frozen approximately 1,000 times, but you can start with their favorite flick and build theme around it. Bonus points if you have your child dress up as their favorite character, too!
You don't have to be outside to enjoy a picnic. Spread out a blanket, pack a basket, and share some treats during your very own indoor picnic lunch.
Masking tape, Legos, cardboard — any of these household items become a labyrinth for creative parents and kids. You can make it big enough for kids to run through themselves or small enough so that their cars and trucks can use it as a roadway.
If you really can't wait for Summer, have a make-believe beach day with the kiddos. Lay out towels, wear sunglasses, and hang out in your favorite bathing suits!
Let the kids sleep on the couch, switch beds, or cozy up in sleeping bags on the floor, bust out their favorite foods, and let them watch a little too much TV. It'll be just like getting away, but you don't have to leave home!