Fun Indoor Activities for Kids When You Can't Go Outside

As much as we love the outdoors, there are some days when it's just not possible to go outside. Whether you're looking for rainy-day activities or indoor activities for kids, we've got you covered! Here's our favorite indoor activity, plus 6 other great ideas!

Our Favorite Rainy Day Activity for Kids: Back Door Coloring!

This activity might be better for kids who are old enough to understand the difference between a wall and a sliding glass door. Simply grab a handful of dry or wet-erase markers and let them go to town! We love our specially-formulated chalkboard markers because the colors are incredibly vibrant and they are extremely easy to wipe off! 

Some ideas to get their creativity flowing:

• Trace the World Outside: Have them outline the trees, birds, or even passing cars.

• Make a Giant Mural: Collaborate on a family drawing and add fun details together.

• Play Drawing Games: Try activities like Pictionary or drawing prompts.

When you're finished, wipe it down with a wet paper towel, then dry with a fresh paper towel or soft rag. It’s mess-free fun that can keep kids occupied for hours!

Other Activities to Try: 

Indoor Obstacle Course

Bring the energy indoors with a homemade obstacle course. Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a fun and challenging course. You could include activities like crawling under tables, hopping over pillows, or balancing on a makeshift beam (a line of tape on the floor works great!).

Add a timer and see if they can beat their previous time for an extra bit of excitement. Bonus: This activity is a fantastic way for kids to burn off energy on days when they can’t play outside.

DIY Storytime Theater

Encourage your little ones to put on their own play! All they need are some dress-up clothes, a few props, and a story to act out. They can recreate their favorite book or movie scene, or you can challenge them to come up with their own adventure. If they want to get extra fancy, set up a seating area for the audience and make tickets for family members to attend the big show.

Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are perfect for younger kids. Fill a shallow container with rice, dried beans, or kinetic sand, then add scoops, cups, or small toys for hands-on play. For added fun, create themed sensory bins like a construction site or an under-the-sea adventure.

Pro Tip: Place a sheet under the bin for easy cleanup!

Indoor Picnic

Bring the picnic fun indoors! Lay a blanket in your living room, grab some easy snacks, and enjoy a cozy indoor picnic. Kids can help assemble simple treats like sandwiches, fruit kabobs, or cheese and crackers. Play nature sounds in the background to enhance the picnic atmosphere.

Balloon Games

Balloons are a great way to bring excitement indoors. If your kids love Bluey, they can play "Keepy Uppy" to their heart's content! They can see how long they can keep the balloon from touching the ground. You can also add challenges like only using their heads or knees. For older kids, try balloon volleyball using a couch or chair as the net.

Quiet Time Activities

After all the fun and excitement, a little quiet time can be helpful. Set up a reading nook with pillows and blankets, offer some coloring books, or put on an audiobook for them to enjoy. Having a designated quiet time can give both kids and parents a much-needed break. 

Next time the weather keeps you indoors, try these fun and easy indoor activities for kids. From artistic creations to energetic games, there's something for every age and interest. Keep this list handy for endless indoor fun!