Activities
40 Indoor Activities for Kids
Looking for indoor activities for kids? Discover fun screen-free ideas including games, STEM projects, crafts, movement activities, and family challenges.
Whether it's raining, too hot outside, too cold, or you simply need ideas that don't involve tablets and TV, indoor activities can save the day.
Kids naturally want movement, creativity, challenges, and novelty.
The secret isn't finding one activity that lasts all day.
It's having a variety of activities ready so kids can move from one adventure to the next.
Quick Picks
Best for active kids: Living room obstacle course
Best for creative kids: Mystery craft challenge
Best for learning: Science experiments
Best for siblings: Indoor treasure hunt
Best overall: Family game night
Movement Activities
1. Living Room Obstacle Course
Ideas:
- Jump over pillows
- Crawl under chairs
- Walk balance lines
- Hop like animals
2. Freeze Dance
Play music and freeze when it stops.
3. Animal Walk Race
Examples:
- Bear crawl
- Crab walk
- Frog jumps
- Penguin walk
4. Balloon Volleyball
Use:
- Balloon
- String (optional)
5. Indoor Basketball
Use:
- Laundry basket
- Soft ball
6. Fitness Challenge
Ideas:
- Jumping jacks
- Squats
- Hopping contests
7. Hallway Bowling
Use:
- Empty bottles
- Soft ball
8. Dance Competition
STEM Activities
9. Volcano Experiment
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
Popular STEM Pick
Kids STEM Experiment Kit
Hands-on science projects and experiments for curious kids.
Check Price10. Paper Airplane Challenge
Compete for:
- Distance
- Speed
- Accuracy
11. Build the Tallest Tower
Use:
- Blocks
- Cups
- Marshmallows
12. Sink or Float Experiment
13. Create a Weather Station
Track:
- Temperature
- Clouds
- Rain
14. Build a Marble Maze
15. Shadow Experiment
Use flashlights and toys.
Creative Activities
16. Mystery Craft Challenge
Use:
- Pipe cleaners
- Stickers
- Construction paper
- Random supplies
17. Create a Comic Book
Kids invent:
- Characters
- Stories
- Adventures
18. Cardboard Box City
Build:
- Houses
- Stores
- Roads
19. DIY Puppet Show
20. Draw Your Dream Treehouse
21. Design Your Own Toy
Questions:
- What does it do?
- Who uses it?
- Why is it helpful?
22. Paint Rocks
Quiet Activities
23. Build a Reading Fort
Use:
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Pillows
24. Journaling Challenge
Ideas:
- Favorite memories
- Dream vacation
- Invent a creature
25. Puzzle Books
Examples:
- Mazes
- Word searches
- Dot-to-dot
26. Coloring Challenge
27. Sticker Activity Books
28. Audiobook Time
29. Memory Game
30. Puzzle Challenge
Family Activities
31. Family Game Night
32. Charades
Themes:
- Animals
- Movies
- Superheroes
33. Family Story Builder
34. Family Talent Show
35. Indoor Treasure Hunt
36. Minute-to-Win-It Challenges
37. Trivia Night
38. Build a Family Time Capsule
39. Cooking Challenge
Ideas:
- Decorate cupcakes
- Build mini pizzas
40. Family Question Game
Questions:
- If you could invent anything, what would it be?
- What superpower would you want?
Parent Tip
Kids often need variety more than they need entertainment. Try rotating activities every 20–30 minutes rather than expecting one activity to hold attention for hours.
Recommended Indoor Activity Supplies
Helpful items to keep nearby:
- Building blocks
- Craft supplies
- Science kits
- Sidewalk chalk
- Puzzle books
- Family games
- Activity cards
Recommended
Indoor Activity Bundle
Screen-free games, crafts, and activities designed for kids.
Check PriceRelated Articles
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- 25 Screen-Free Activities for Kids
- Best Family Board Games for Kids
- Best STEM Kits for Kids by Age
Get Weekly Screen-Free Activities
Join parents receiving family activities, challenges, and printable resources every week.
Join Free