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This blog post originally appeared on Parent Patter and has been used with permission.
Because staying indoors on a wet or windy day doesn't have to be dull.
1. INDOOR TREASURE HUNT
Everybody loves a good treasure hunt and moms; this one is super easy to set up. Make a set of clues for each player (or get them into teams). Have some fun with the clues: Use age-appropriate rhymes, catchy phrases or funny jokes to lead the little ones onto the next clue. Seal each clue in an envelope with a clue number to help the kiddies keep track of where they are. The person (or team) who solves all the clues first will find the treasure – perhaps a stash of chocolate coins.
2. MAKE PLAY DOUGH
All you need is a bit of flour, water, oil and salt. You’ll find that it takes a bit of time to get the right consistency, but once you've got the formula right, your kids will love making it. If you’re particularly adventurous, have them add different food colouring to the mixture. Homemade play dough is non-toxic and super cheap and kids will have loads of fun shaping all kinds of things from the dough.
Try these recipes: Homemade slime, bathtub paint and play dough
3. CAMP IN THE GREAT INDOORS
It’s time to turn those pillows, duvet covers, mattresses and towels into grade-A fort building materials. Find a table or use some chairs. Drape the sheets over them and have a distinct entrance where all the kids can crawl in through. And what better way to camp than with an indoor picnic?
4. PLAY SIMPLE GAMES
These games are great as they get children’s imaginations ticking over while being fun and passing time. Here are some of the easiest to play.
- The one word story
Sit in a circle, then starting with ‘Once upon a time…’ continue the story by going around the circle and have each kiddo add one word.
- Improvised poetry
Have someone say a line of poetry or a song lyric. The next person needs to say something that rhymes with it, and so on. It tends to help with momentum if the kid’s get to start and you do the rhyming.
5. PAPER JET COMPETITION
All that this requires is a few pieces of paper and a basic paper jet blueprint (but half the fun is coming up with your own designs). Have each kid spend some time folding their paper into the shape of a jet, and then see whose jet goes the furthest or does the best tricks.
Read more: 27 no-mess indoor activities
What are you favourite indoor activities for keeping kids busy?
