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40 Indoor Activities for Kids

By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni KID Brentwood, Calif. and Kara Murphy, publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa. January 17, 2022

Stuck inside? We've all had those days where we look at our kids and think: How on earth am I going to keep these kids entertained for the next 12 hours?

Before you run whimpering to hide your head under a pillow (we've all been there!), check out our list of 40 ideas for easy, indoor fun on those days you're stuck at home.



1. Read a book

2. Play freeze dance

3. Have a staring contest

4. Write a story

5. Draw a picture

6. Play a card game

7. Make a blanket fort

8. Bring outside toys in

9. Play red light, green light

10. Play hide-and-seek


11. Build with cardboard

12. Have a dance party

13. Play Simon Says

14. Go on an indoor scavenger hunt

15. Make slime

16. Make an indoor obstacle course

17. Have a pillow fight

18. Watch a movie

19. Have STEM fun

20. Make a paper clip chain


21. Bake a treat

22. Take a nap (you wish)

23. Stack canned food

24. Blow bubbles (yes, inside!)

25. Play hopscotch

26. Play paper plate tennis

27. Build with blocks

28. Play dress up

29. Write a letter & mail it

30. Make music with pots



31. Look at old photos

32. Make your own board game

33. Have a tea party

34. Craft

35. Purge some toys to donate or swap

36. Walk like animals

37. Build pretzel log cabins

38. Do yoga

39. Let the kids take pictures for a change

40. Play tic-tac-toe