• 8 ideas: indoor activities for kids – fun and play at home

    Play and movement 

    Published 2025-05-02

    The rain is falling, the wind is howling, and socks are sliding across the living room floor. The kids are getting restless, screen time has gone on too long, and you’re wondering how to save the day. Luckily, you don’t have to go far. With a little imagination, your home can become the perfect playground. These indoor activities for kids are full of laughter, movement, and moments that matter – even on an ordinary Tuesday.

    1. Cardboard creations – from boxes to robots

    Grab those cardboard boxes, paper rolls, and old cereal packages and let the creativity flow. Your kids can turn them into a robot, a castle, or a spaceship. Add tape, crayons, and imagination – no rules, just fun.

    • Tip: Host a mini art show in your living room where your child presents their creations. Admission? One big hug!
    indoor activities for kids – cardboard crafts at home
    indoor play for kids – crafting a giraffe from paper cups

    2. Games that bring you together – dice, giggles, and goofy rules

    Classic games like memory, Uno, or dice are always a hit. Or better yet – invent your own! Roll the dice: 1 = dance, 2 = make an animal sound, 3 = roll across the rug…

    • Tip: Let your child make up the rules. You can earn points for the silliest laugh, the tallest block tower, or the best animal impression.

    3. Get hands-on – playdough and magic sand

    When little hands want to get busy, homemade playdough and kinetic sand are perfect. They’re easy to make and even more fun to play with.

    Homemade playdough

    Mix in a bowl:

    1 cup flour
    ½ cup salt
    ½ cup water
    ½ tbsp oil
    A few drops of food coloring
    Knead until smooth – and start creating!

    indoor activities for kids – playing with colorful playdough
    indoor play for kids – molding kinetic sand at home

    Homemade magic sand

    You’ll need:

    2½ cups fine sand
    1½ cups cornstarch
    ½ cup oil
    Mix well and get sculpting!

    • Tip: Let your child run a pretend playdough bakery or sand café where you can order wild treats and silly shapes.

    4. Storytime or puppet show – let the curtain rise

    Drape a blanket over a table, dim the lights, and bring out the stuffed animals. Put on a show or make up a story together – anything goes in your home theater.

    • Tip: Your child can be the director and assign roles. Wrap it up with applause and a “theater drink” like juice or water in a fancy glass.

    5. Water play in the bathroom – little boats, big fun

    If you’ve already explored every room in the house, the bathroom still holds adventure. Fill the sink or a bowl with water and let toys go on a voyage.

    • Tip: Create a car wash for toy cars or a spa for stuffed animals. No water? Try a dry version with sponges and empty bottles. Just have a towel nearby – splashes and giggles are guaranteed!

    6. Build a fort – pillows make perfect hideouts

    With some blankets, cushions, and imagination, the living room turns into a bear cave, a rocket base, or a princess castle. Bring a flashlight, snacks, and a favorite book for maximum coziness.

    • Tip: Give the fort a name and create a secret greeting for everyone who enters.

    7. Baking together – sweet smells, happy hearts

    Baking is more than just cooking – it’s learning, bonding, and creating something delicious together. And the smell of banana bread? Irresistible.

    indoor activities for kids – baking together in the kitchen
    banana bread – fun and easy indoor activity for kids

    Easy banana bread

    You’ll need:

    2–3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
    ¾ cup melted butter
    1 large egg
    1–1½ cups sugar
    1 tsp vanilla
    1 tsp baking soda
    ¼ tsp salt
    3½ cups flour
    Mix everything, pour into a parchment-lined pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. Cool and enjoy together!

    • Tip: Let your child decorate their slice with banana bits or sprinkles. Tasting counts as part of the fun!

    8. Learn through play – letters, numbers, and fun questions

    Play is a great way to learn without pressure. Hide letters around the house and ask your child to find an S or an O. Or ask: What animal starts with B? What animal says “moo”?

    • Tip: Count things together – stairs, blocks, or books. Build towers and test: which one stays up when you jump next to it three times?

    Want a change of scenery? Leo’s is just around the corner

    As fun as home can be, sometimes you just need to get out and let the kids burn off all that energy. Leo’s is the perfect place for that. Our indoor adventure parks are full of space to run, jump, climb, and explore – rain or shine, all year round.

    👉 Find your nearest Leo’s location and plan a day of movement, excitement, and play for the whole family.