Between riding bikes, beach days, and camping, Summer is made for outdoor activities [1]. So when the weather goes against those plans [2], you have get really creative to keep your kids entertained (and to keep your sanity)! Instead of scrambling for things to do after the rain starts to fall, plan ahead, and read up on these fun and creative activities that will make your child 100 percent OK with staying inside for a day (or two). Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, they'll have a blast with these indoor ideas. And bonus: they'll be off their phones and away from the TV [3]!
Ages 3-4
Even the littlest kids can get a little stir crazy after being inside for too long. Keep their bodies and brains moving with these fun activities (because watching one movie after another just won't work for them).
- Break out the Play-Doh.
- Draw pictures for loved ones.
- Grab some icing and decorate cookies.
- Finger paint.
- Take a trip to the library.
- Have a pillow fight.
- Get educational with flashcards.
- Break out the bedtime stories early.
- Make crowns with paper and markers.
- Create an obstacle course to crawl and walk through.
Ages 5-7
These kids are full of energy and need a way to use it! And just because you're indoors doesn't mean they can't. Don't be worried if things get a little loud, it means they're having a good time!
- Print out free colouring pages [5].
- Throw a dance party in the living room.
- Break out the plastic eggs for a Summer egg hunt.
- Throw on bathing suits and pretend the bathtub is the pool . . .
- . . . or run out in the rain instead!
- Make jewellery out of string and buttons.
- Play hide-and-seek.
- Make up a dance to your favourite song.
- Create a scavenger hunt around the house.
Ages 8-11
Don't be afraid to try anything and everything at this age. You never know when a silly activity could spark a newfound hobby.
- Make edible slime [6].
- Put on a fashion show with fancywear.
- Create a time capsule that you'll open exactly five years later.
- Make it a spa day with manicures and facials, complete with cucumber slices over your eyes.
- Make friendship bracelets.
- Play in the rain! That's what raincoats and rain boots are for.
- Melt crayons on a canvas with a hairdryer to create a custom piece of art.
- Go camping in the living room — yes, drag that tent inside!
- Decorate an old pair of shoes with paint.
- Throw a party! Decorate with streamers and wrap silly things around the house.
Ages 12 and Up
Sometimes the oldest kids are the hardest to keep entertained, but a mix of classic indoor activities, technology-driven ideas, and venturing outside of the home will keep your preteen or teen smiling all day long.
- Tell spooky stories [7] with flashlights.
- Do their makeup and then let them do yours!
- Tell Alexa to "play Song Quiz" and guess the name of the song and artist.
- Break out a classic board game. Winner picks dinner!
- Help them rearrange the furniture in their room.
- Let them pick a new recipe to bake and head to the food store for supplies.
- Make s'mores on the stove or s'mores dip in the oven [8].
- Make a list of things in the house and have them find and take pictures of each thing in 15 minutes or less. Winner gets a gift card!
All Ages
When there are kids of different ages at home, you have to get extra creative with the activities. But these ideas are sure to keep your littlest child and oldest kid from falling into a deep hole of boredom.
- FaceTime with relatives or friends.
- Build a pillow and blanket fort.
- Bake a new dessert, like these Lucky Charms cupcakes [9].
- Film yourselves lip-syncing to your favourite song.
- Have a talent show.
- Watch old family movies.
- Go see a movie (and don't forget the candy)!
- Lay a blanket on the living room floor and turn dinner into a picnic.
- Play dress up with old Halloween [10] costumes.
- Film yourselves making lunch like you have your own cooking show.
- Head to the YMCA for an indoor pool day.
- Blow up a couple balloons and don't let them touch the ground!
- Make your way to the aquarium for an educational afternoon.
- Blindfold them and have them guess what snacks you've whipped up.