15 Free & Simple Indoor Activities for Kids
Stuck inside with restless kids? No problem! With a little creativity and items you likely already have around the house (or even in a hotel room), you can turn any indoor day into a fun-filled adventure. Here are 15 simple and engaging activities to keep kids entertained and happy—without spending a dime!
1. Blanket Fort Bonanza
Transform your living room into a magical hideaway with a few blankets, pillows, and chairs. Kids can decorate their fort, bring in their favorite toys, and even enjoy storytime inside.
2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of household items or give kids clues to find hidden treasures around the house. For added fun, include challenges like “finding something that starts with the letter B.”
3. DIY Bowling
Set up a mini bowling alley with empty water bottles as pins and a soft ball. Kids can take turns knocking them down and keeping score.
4. Paper Airplane Contest
Fold paper airplanes and have a friendly competition to see whose plane flies the farthest. Bonus points for creativity in airplane design!
5. Kitchen Band Jam Session
Grab some pots, pans, and wooden spoons for an impromptu jam session. Kids can make up their own songs and learn to keep rhythm.
6. GoNoodle Dance Party
Visit GoNoodle.com for free movement and mindfulness videos. Kids can dance, stretch, and have fun while burning off energy.
7. Sock Puppet Theater
Turn mismatched socks into creative puppets with markers, yarn, and buttons. Then, put on a puppet show for the family.
8. Obstacle Course Adventure
Design an indoor obstacle course using furniture, pillows, and other household items. Kids can crawl under tables, jump over cushions, and balance on tape lines.
9. Indoor Camping
Set up sleeping bags, pillows, or blankets on the floor for a pretend camping trip. Kids can tell stories, sing songs, and “roast” marshmallows using craft supplies.
10. Mystery Sensory Box
Place small household objects in a box or bag, and let kids guess what they are by touch. Use items with interesting textures like sponges, toy figurines, or pinecones.
11. Balloon Volleyball
Blow up a balloon and create a “net” with a piece of string or tape. Kids can play volleyball without worrying about breaking anything.
12. Build-Your-Own Puzzle
Kids can draw a picture on cardboard or thick paper, then cut it into puzzle pieces. Swap puzzles and see who can complete them fastest.
13. Storytime Swap
Let kids take turns being the storyteller. They can make up their own tales or read aloud from their favorite books.
14. DIY Science Experiment
Try simple experiments like creating a baking soda and vinegar volcano, or mixing cornstarch and water to make oobleck.
15. Tape Games
Use painter’s tape to create hopscotch, mazes, or a target for tossing small beanbags or socks. Easy to set up and clean up! Here’s 14 more genius ideas.
With these fun and free activities, indoor days will fly by in no time. Got more ideas? Share them with us—we’d love to hear what keeps your family entertained!
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Alina Na
