Beauty through imperfection

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The Absolute BEST (indoor) Fun Ideas for Kids

A lot of Texas days it is just too hot to go outside, so a majority of summer days are spent inside! That’s why I compiled this HUGE list of fun things to do inside on a hot (or rainy) summer day! The best part is, since it is indoor fun, they are perfect for this winter too!!! Have fun!

How to keep kids busy indoors when the weather won't let them play outside

  1. Make Personalized Coloring Sheets from Family Photos – This is so easy and fun! My kids love coloring pictures of themselves and the extra detailing on the images can be a great challenge for an older child! 
  2. And then make your own coloring book!
  3. Learn how to make snow and play with it indoors!
  4. Make this special gift for grandma
  5. Build a Skyscraper with pipe cleaners and drinking straws!
  6. Make your own Paper dolls – Grab a few clothing catalogs (JC Penny’s HUGE catalog works great!), and cut out some of the images to use as custom paper dolls.
  7. Color these (Free) Star Wars Coloring Sheets or these (Free) Finding Dory Coloring Sheets.
  8. Do these Puzzle Flash Cards
  9. Play this Snatch and Match Game
  10. Build Mix and Match Pool Noodle creatures
  11. Work on these Cutting Sheets to learn scissor skills.
  12. Make Your own Flashcards – Fun tutorial to make toddler flash cards using pictures from magazines
  13. Cardboard box – Will it be a garage? a castle? a tent? a fishing pond? The possibilities are endless! I’m amazed by how many hours my son will play with a big cardboard box! We color our boxes and add lots of stickers to give them a bit of personality.
  14. Have a board game marathon (here’s a list of some of our favorites)
  15. Bake cookies!
  16. Read a story & then act it out together
  17. Make an artwork display wall – This is how we did ours, Little Man LOVES seeing all his artwork constantly on display.
  18. Make a bird feeder – This is an easy child/toddler friendly tutorial
  19. Make some diaper slime to keep the kids playing inside and having fun!
  20. Homemade Mini Popsicles
  21. Host a “spy training day” – This looks like a lot of fun for older kids!
  22. Paper Plate Ring toss – Great way to work on colors and throwing/aiming skills
  23. Bake some fancy Dr Seuss cupcakes
  24. Create your own village play mat – I’m definitely going to try this one when my kids are a bit older!
  25. Race Cars from Toilet Paper Rolls – This website is in hungarian, but the pictures are so awesome I think it’s still do-able! These cars look so neat!
  26. Send them on a scavenger hunt
  27. Let them “paint” bread for toast – I know for a fact my Little Man would deem this the coolest activity ever! Such a cute idea.
  28. Colander + Pipe cleaners = hours of fun – the little holes in the colander are the perfect size to stick pipe cleaners through.  Make all kinds of fun designs!
  29. Finger puppets & mini stage DIY – This tutorial includes instructions for kids of various ages. Super fun!
  30. Make Finger Print art  
  31. Make your own slime – Gross! but it looks pretty easy and lots of icky fun.
  32. Create Sculptures with toothpicks and Mini Marshmallows – I know my husband would Love this one ;)
  33. Paint the bathtub
  34. Make a robot helmet
  35. Fish for magnent letters in the bathtub
  36. Be the weatherman – Super fun (and messy) activity, where kids can learn about weather & have fun in the process!
  37. Egg carton game – Color sorting and a scavenger hunt all in one. love it!
  38. Go fishing for Letters – Super cute idea, using a magnetic fishing pole and ABC magnets for some bathtub fishing!
  39. Make your own play dough
  40. Do this fun Summer Daisy Hand Print Craft
  41. Make a big hug card

Looking for more? Check out these favorite indoor activities from our affiliate


Craving outdoor fun? Check out this awesome post from Beauty in the Mess for 15 free or cheap outdoor summer activities!

 

What are your kids’ favorite indoor activities?

 

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Paula

Young wife, mama, author, blogger, encourager, friend. Lover of hot weather. Lover of travel. Accomplished chocolate eater. Proud Hufflepuff.

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Comments

  1. What a great list, thank you for including our Paper Plate Ring Toss in your line up! Will have to book mark some of these for my girls to try out.

    Reply

  9. Seriously awesome list! I live in Las Vegas and it is getting pretty darn hot here, the park just isn’t very fun (as least for me) in 110 degree weather. Thanks so much for this!

    Reply

  12. What a great list. My son just made a box city, complete with windows, carpet, furniture, etc. It was a lot of fun to watch, but he was not letting anyone help (except for cutting out the windows and doors). :)

    I’m visiting today from Love My Post.

    Reply

  20. Wow! Really wonderful ideas! I love the village play mat and the finger puppers w/mini stage. Thanks for sharing this great list at Submarine Sunday! I’m always looking for ideas of things to do with my daughter.

    Reply

  21. Great list of ideas. It’s winter here in Australia at the moment and we have plenty of indoor days upon us, so a useful list for any time! Thanks for including our Robot Helmet :)

    Reply

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