Now that school is in session and rainy days are here, it feels so much harder to entertain kids. But there are plenty of fun activities to do indoors that can keep all children active and happy; turn off the TV, ditch the iPad, and add these clever ideas to your cool arsenal!
Playhouses, forts and tents
Having an intimate space with defined borders is an idea all kids love! A fun playhouse or fort can be easily created with some blankets and sheets strung over upturned chairs. You can also use pillows and cushions to create a comfy and cozy nook, where your little ones can read their favorite books. Or you can curl up with your kids and read them a few tales and stories.
*extra tip: Keep a reading nook vibrant with a lot of vivid colors or patterns.
Art is everywhere…
Yes, even on your walls! The ability to see things from a child’s playful perspective is an exceptional trait for any parent, babysitter or nanny. So let your little ones paint indoors without the mess; just set up a blank paper canvas on a wall and spark the kids’ creativity.
*extra tip: You can also help your little ones make a collage with anything they like! Magazine pictures, old photographs, fancy napkins and postcards can always come in handy.
Bowling at home
Create a bowling alley in a hallway. You only need some plastic bottles or paper towel tubes as pins, a small ball, and a little bit of masking tape to mark the starting line!
An indoor herb garden
Got kids who like playing in the dirt? Well, all children love getting their hands dirty to plant herbs in mason jars! Plus, that’s a great way to add fresh flavors to your dishes all year round!
*extra tip: Suitable plants for herb jars include rosemary, basil, thyme and parsley.
Mind-blowing science experiments
There are plenty of easy experiments you can do at home with your little ones. Plus, you probably have all the necessary materials just lying around the house. An easy way to see science in action is to use some lemon juice to make invisible ink! Just squeeze half a lemon into a bowl, add a few drops of water, mix, dip a cotton bud into the mixture and write a message onto a piece of white paper. When you are ready to read your secret message, heat the paper by holding it close to a light bulb.
*extra tip: You can pretend you are a spy or a secret agent as you keep all your secret messages hidden from others!
The all-time classic magic of board games
Dust off Monopoly, Battleship, Pictionary, Scrabble and whatever other board games you’ve forgotten in your drawers, and let the fun begin. Board games are timeless and ageless!
Cookies & biscuits
Baking is a great way to spend quality time together. The really little chefs (aka toddlers) can shape the cookies and the older ones can bake them and remove them from the oven.
*extra tip: Baking cookies and biscuits is not only fun; it also gives you a great opportunity to teach kids useful skills such as counting and reading!
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