Once the weather starts turning cold, parents around the world face the problem of what to do with their kids. When you can’t tell them to go play in the yard or take them to the park, it can be hard to use up all that extra energy they have. But there are tons of fun indoor activities that will keep your kids occupied and happy during the colder months.
1. Online Resources
Let’s face it, most of us are trying to find ways to keep our kids away from the screens for a while. But using the internet doesn’t have to mean sitting in front of the TV for hours at a time. There are tons of online resources for activities that will keep your child engaged while helping them to learn and grow as people.
Searching for things like “escape room free online” will bring up tons of amazing options, and it’s guaranteed to be something the whole family can participate in. Learning games for spelling or geography challenges can also be a really fun way to extend the learning hours without making it feel like work. You could even challenge your kids to write short stories or draw pictures on PaintShop within a time limit as a fun competition.
2. Arts and Crafts
Crafting for kids is never going to go out of style because it combines creativity with simplicity. You don’t even need a fancy craft kit to get started – some glue, markers, and cardboard can take you a long way. Try making dollhouses or spaceships with large boxes. You might be surprised by what your kids come up with, and how simple activities can keep them occupied for hours.
Another fun idea is making your own playdough out of flour and water. Add some food coloring for more options, and try baking your kids’ creations in the oven for a keepsake to remind you of a fun day. And there’s nothing more fun than challenging everyone to a paper airplane competition, complete with flight tests at the end.
3. Fun in the Kitchen
While letting your kids run wild in the kitchen is many parents’ nightmare, you might be surprised by how much they’ll enjoy doing some baking and cooking of their own. You could let them help you make cookies, or you could set them up to make their very own kid-friendly recipes. There are tons of resources to help you get your kids making food, and you could even end up with a few little chefs of your own.
4. Board Games
A lot of kids are going to roll their eyes when someone suggests playing a board game on a rainy day, but once you get them playing they’ll be hooked in no time. One way to help raise their enthusiasm is to “bet” candy or other fun prizes for winning, or order some pizza to get everyone into the same room. Older children might enjoy a game like Life or Candyland, while younger kids might need simpler options like Jenga.
5. Obstacle Course
If excess energy is what you’re hoping to solve with games, creating your own indoor obstacle course can be a great way to wear everyone out. By getting creative with some boxes and tape, you can set up tunnels, a “laser field”, and hurdles for everyone to get through. You can time their runs to see who the winner is, and as always have some gold medals or prizes ready at the finish line.
6. Science Experiments
Another great way to get your kids learning and having fun at the same time is to do simple but effective science experiments, like the baking soda volcano or a rain cloud in a jar (made with shaving cream, water, and food coloring). These experiments are simple to set up, easy to perform and let your kids get involved. No matter what your kids enjoy or what you have available to you, a little bit of creativity can make indoor time just as fun.
