Are you at home with the kids? Maybe you're busy and can't go out, there's nowhere to go or it's too hot, cold, windy or rainy to head out the door? Need some inspiration to keep them from telling you "I'm bored - there's nothing to do" on repeat? As a parent - I know well and you do too that there is always "something" to do, sometimes they just need a little nudge in the right direction and they will find their fun! I have 14+ fun ideas just for you to help your kids find fun things to do around the house.
Here are 14+ ways your kids can find fun things to do indoors:
 B. Gutell |
1. Have a LEGO challenge 🧱
If you have tons of LEGOs - like most of us! just, grab a few small containers and scoop up a random assortment for each person. Set a timer and start building! What cool things can your kids come up with? You can give your kids a theme if they need help getting started. They can build a spaceship, a car, an animal, a skyscraper or stick to all one color to start.
2. Water play 💦
Put the kids in the bathtub and throw in a few toys or fun things they don't usually play with in the water. Don't forget to add bubbles for even more fun. It will make the experience all new! My kids love kitchen items like plastic bowls, cups, and even utensils in the bathtub - event some empty plastic containers from your recycling bin will work. Just be sure to avoid glass containers and sharp objects!
Please make sure you don't leave little ones unattended - safety first, always!
 SDI Productions via Canva |
3. Sensory bins 👐
Sounds fancy, but what I do is so simple! I just throw some materials into an empty wash basin or container. Yep, that's it. Some of my go-to's are dry rice, dry beans, dry pasta of different shapes, play dough, acorns, sticks . . . you get the idea!
My kids love to scoop the objects, sort them, count them, string them on laces or ribbon, and drop them into containers and shake them. Add measuring cups, cleaned out recyclables of different sizes, ice cube trays - good for counting and sorting, egg cartons, whisks, wooden spoons, rubber spatulas, ladles, or anything else you have around the house. Keep it simple! One main ingredient and just a few add-ins are all you need to keep them entertained!
Need some more ideas:
- ❄️ How to Create a Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin
- 🌈 How to Make a Rainbow Tactile Sensory Bin
- 😋 Your Kids Will Love Digging Into These Edible Sensory Bins
- 🧊 Chill Out With This Ice Sensory Activity for Kids
4. Have a movie day 🎦
You can go fancy and make little cars out of boxes and do a "drive-in" movie in your living room or you could just pop some popcorn and cuddle up on the sofa.
5. Learn something new
Head to YouTube and look up a fun tutorial to do together! Kids love watching you can learn something new right alongside them.
 Gemütlichkeit via Canva |
6. Get creative in the kitchen! 👩🍳
Kids love to spend time in the kitchen with you. Even the littles can help measure and grab ingredients while older kids can lead the way. Make frozen hot cocoa, a batch of your favorite cookies, or something tasty in the slow cooker.
- Look at Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas for yummy recipes
- Check out Macaroni KID EATS for more family-friendly fun recipe ideas!
Worm & Dirt Cupcakes? Oh My! Kids Will Love Making This Treat
 Renae Gonzalez |
7. Feed the Birds 🐦
Make a bird feeder and get to know your backyard birds! We're partial to the classic pinecone covered in peanut butter and rolled in seed feeder, but this one made from recycled materials is fun and easy to make too. Just remember to keep the feeder full all season long because the birds will come to depend on the food source. Here's one more to try Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders.
8. Make easy pop-up puppets
I'm not super into crafty projects with my kids, but I think these pop-up puppets are super cute and worth tackling!
 Sarah Hauge, publisher of Macaroni KID Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial, Colo. |
9. Become scientists
STEM fun is the Best fun! See these simple instructions for growing ice crystals in your kitchen or try these 10 paper engineering challenges.
Here are some more STEM ideas:
- STEM Fun - Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs Craft for Kids to Make - and Break
- STEAM Fun: How To Clean a Penny
- DIY Lava Lamp: An Experiment with Oil and Water Kids Can Do At Home
- STEM Fun: Catapult Your Way To an Indoor 'Snowball' Fight
- Snow Fun! How To Make DIY Fake Snow With Just 2 Ingredients
10. Have an easy gingerbread house contest
Our store-bought gingerbread houses never stand a chance, so I love this alternative to a traditional gingerbread house that you can make all year long. I also love the idea of turning it into a contest so the kids are more invested in it - which means it buys you more time. Why wait until the holidays for a gingerbread house?
11. Decorate the house
Use scrap paper or cut up some brown paper bags and have the kids make their own seasonal festive decorations to hang on the fridge or try a bubble wrap art project.
 yavdat via Canva |
12. Do a toy turnover
I'm sure the kids have tons of older toys they're starting to get bored with. Go through the toys with them and select things in good condition to donate.
Macaroni Tip: Check with local preschools or places that offer daycare, many would love your toy donations.
13. Make modeling dough
My kids love to make their own play dough and mix in different things – big sequins, wooden beads, pipe cleaners, googly eyes... the possibilities are endless! Try unsweetened drink mix powder for color and scent!
 Timurpix from Getty Images |
14. Read!
Go through your bookshelves, pick some books, maybe some you haven't read in a while, settle down, get comfy and read. Tired of the books at home or looking for something new? Visit your local library and check out some books or take advantage of the e-book / e-audiobook options!
- 📚 Libraries in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and nearby
- See Macaroni KID audiobook picks!
Are you looking for more ways to Find Your Family Fun?® Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event Calendar for kid friendly things to do in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Malibu, Calabasas and nearby in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
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Updated August 20, 2023
