Summer is in full swing, and with it comes sunny days filled with outdoor fun. It’s warm, it’s bright, and most of all, it’s dry. Many families want to get in as much of this outdoor time as possible. But let’s also not forget about those dreary, rainy days when the weather forces you and your kids indoors. In many cases, it’s a parent’s worst nightmare! Well, when thunderstorms and the gray, rainy-day blues roll in, you’ll be able to wash them away with these eight fun indoor activities. Use these creative and fun indoor activities with kids to spend a dreary summer day.
Why Is It Important to Have A List Of Fun Indoor Activities?
In today’s technology-driven society, it is more important than ever to find ways to entertain ourselves without having to rely on those helpful, yet pesky, electronic devices. Having a list of fun indoor activities helps to engage kids of all ages in creative activities without having to sit them in front of external entertainment to get some peace and quiet. Indoor activities can be anything from board games to arts & crafts and are a great way to stay entertained while stuck indoors.
Finding things to keep busy indoors can also create an individual sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health. It encourages socializing with siblings, parents, and friends, and provides an opportunity to learn new skills – whether it’s building, cooking, or as simple as coloring (fine motor skills). It’s a great way to bond and have some face-to-face time.
Build a “Campsite” Indoors
One of the best ways to create a cozy indoor camping experience is by building a tent or fort using blankets, sheets, and chairs. Kids love this! They may even do it if you don’t even tell them! Grab the cushions off the couch, and get creative. Chip clips help hold blankets and brooms make great tent holder-uppers.
You can even create a campfire effect by getting creative with a flashlight and construction paper. (No real fires though, please!) Cut out some flames in red, yellow, and orange paper, then tape them around the flashlight. Hit the button and you’ve got a portable, faux, and heat-less campfire.
Once everyone is set, gather some marshmallows and chocolate, and make some indoor s’mores while telling campfire stories. These fun indoor activities for families are sure to result in rainy-day smiles!
What You’ll Need:
- Blankets or sheets
- Chairs
- Flashlight or lantern
- Construction paper
- Marshmallows and chocolate
What to Do:
- Use blankets or sheets and chairs to create a perfect fort hideaway.
- Turn on an “outdoor soundscape” on your Google or YouTube music.
- Build your make-believe campfire for marshmallow “roasting” (translation: marshmallow eating!).
- Make indoor s’mores – with a parent’s help, of course – using the microwave – while telling campfire stories.
- Enjoy a fun indoor camping experience with your family!
READ MORE: 6 Terrific Ideas for Camping Food That Will Create Delectable Memories
Have a “Beach” Day
Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you can’t plan some fun indoor activities that remind you of the beach! Move the furniture aside, spread out a beach towel or blanket, maybe even pull those beach chairs out of storage, and create a fun beach-themed atmosphere with beach balls, shells, and even a mini umbrella. Choose a kid-friendly beach-themed movie to watch. You can even make beachy craft projects or enjoy some delicious summer treats, such as fruit smoothies or popsicles.
What You’ll Need:
- Beach towels or blankets
- Beach balls and shells
- Mini umbrella or sunglasses
- Summer treats such as fruit smoothies or popsicles
- Beach-themed movies and craft materials
What to Do:
- Move the furniture aside and spread out the beach towels or blankets to create a beach-themed atmosphere.
- Decorate the space with beach balls, shells, and a mini umbrella.
- Make some delicious summer treats, such as fruit smoothies or popsicles.
- Watch a movie that reminds you of the summer sunshine!
- Draw or trace images of turtles, fish, crabs, and more.
- Enjoy a make-believe beach day indoors with your family.
Get Creative with DIY Projects
Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to get creative with DIY projects. Build a birdhouse together or even prepare for an upcoming holiday with homemade decorations when you’re looking for fun indoor activities to pass the time. With so many project ideas online, the possibilities are truly endless!
Some of our favorite ideas are DIY slime or playdoh, using markers to decorate an old shirt, crafting hand-puppets out of old socks to put on a show with, or even homemade musical instruments.
What You’ll Need:
- An Internet-connected device for brainstorming on Google and Pinterest. They can be a wealth of ideas!
- Transportation, if you’re brave enough to venture out in search of materials. (If not, just use items from around the house.)
- Old newspaper, to cover your work surface.
- Tools and supplies for your chosen DIY project (e.g., slime ingredients, tie-dye kit, birdhouse kit).
What to Do:
- Browse Google, Pinterest, or even your local home improvement or craft store for ideas.
- Choose a DIY project you’d like to create.
- Gather all the necessary supplies.
- Follow the instructions to create the DIY project.
- Have fun getting creative with your family.
READ MORE: 6 Kid-Friendly Craft Ideas for Beginners That Won’t Break the Bank
Host a Cooking Competition
Baking is one of the fun indoor activities that everyone can enjoy, but why not take it a step further and host a cooking competition with your family? Choose a recipe or ingredient theme, such as summer fruits or BBQ foods, and see who can create the most delicious dish. You can even create scorecards and award prizes for creativity and taste.
What You’ll Need:
- Ingredients for your chosen recipe or theme
- Kitchen supplies (e.g., mixing bowls, measuring cups, oven, stove)
- Paper and writing tools for judge’s scorecards.
- Prizes for the winners!
What to Do:
- Decide on ground rules and judges.
- Choose a recipe or ingredient theme for the cooking competition.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and kitchen supplies.
- Set a time limit for the competition.
- See who can create the most delicious dish and award prizes for creativity and taste.
Create a Scavenger Hunt
Creating fun indoor activities like a scavenger hunt for your kids is a great way to spend a rainy day! Just hide objects around the house and provide clues to find them. You can even create a theme, such as a beach or jungle adventure, and create clues that fit the theme. It’s a fun way to get your family moving and using their problem-solving skills.
What You’ll Need:
- Objects to hide
- Clues to find the hidden objects
What to Do:
- Hide objects around the house.
- Create clues to find the hidden objects.
- Provide a theme, such as a beach or jungle adventure, and create clues that fit the theme.
- Be sure to create an answer key, so you remember the clues and where objects are hidden!
- Have fun searching and finding the hidden objects with your family.
Have a Spa Day
Take the opportunity to pamper yourselves with fun indoor activities like a spa day. Because who doesn’t want a little rest and relaxation? Moms you can get in on this too! You can create DIY face masks and scrubs, paint each other’s nails, and give each other relaxing massages. For an extra-soothing atmosphere, add soft music and candles.
What You’ll Need:
- DIY face masks and scrubs
- Nail polish
- Massage oils or lotion
- Soft music and candles
What to Do:
- Create DIY face masks and scrubs.
- Paint each other’s nails.
- Give each other relaxing massages using massage oils or lotion.
- Enjoy a family spa day.
READ MORE: Summer Nail Art 101: From Classic Manicures to Bold and Creative Designs
Put on a Talent Show
Encourage your family’s creativity and put on a talent show. With these types of fun indoor activities, everyone can showcase their talents – whether it’s singing, dancing, or performing a magic trick. You can even create a fun stage setup and have a panel of judges to award prizes. Whether it’s musical, singing, acting, or dancing, there’s something for everyone. Get the entire family to participate in fun indoor activities like this and no one will remember that they wanted to go outside!
What You’ll Need:
- Space for a stage setup
- Props or costumes if desired
- Prizes for the winners!
What to Do:
- Encourage everyone to come up with something unique to showcase their talents.
- Set a designated amount of time for each family member to put their acts together.
- Set up a stage and provide props or costumes if desired.
- Select a panel of judges to award prizes.
- Have fun putting on a talent show with your family!
Play Video Games
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with your family playing video games. While, yes, they are technology-based, many can allow for multiple players so more than just one person can be involved. You can choose a game that everyone enjoys, such as Mario Kart or Minecraft, and have fun competing and playing together. Video games are one of the simplest fun indoor activities because they require minimal planning ahead!
What You’ll Need:
- Video game console or computer
- Chosen video game (Pro tip: Browse the pre-owned video games at your local game store, purchase one, and keep a new-to-you game tucked away just for a rainy day!)
What to Do:
- Choose a video game that everyone enjoys.
- Set up the video game console or computer.
- Have fun playing and competing with your family.
READ MORE: Why Board Games and Video Games are Good for You
While rainy summer days may seem like a downer, they provide the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family and create lasting memories. Whether you choose to have a “beach” day, create a scavenger hunt, or put on a talent show, there’s always a way to plan fun indoor activities and stay entertained indoors. So, next time the rain is pouring down outside, don’t fret – use it as an opportunity to try out one of these fun indoor activities at home and enjoy the time spent together!
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