13 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids Coming Inside from Winter Adventures

When the kids have shed their warm layers from time outdoors playing in the cold and their hot chocolate is all gone, what do you do to keep them entertained inside?

Here are eight creative suggestions to have fun inside with the little ones using things you have around the house – no crafty skills required.

13 Creative Ways to Keep Kids Entertained Inside

#1 – Play explorer.

Make a fort or set up a small tent indoors. Outfit your tent with a flashlight, compass, map and other things a little explorer may need and then let the fun begin.

#2 – Go swimming in the tub.

Add fun toys that can get wet that your child does not usually play with in the tub like Barbie dolls, ponies, superheroes, matchbox cars, little plastic animals or items from the kitchen like a few pans, plastic bowls, cups, spoons and bubble bath.

#3 – Make your own Easter egg hunt.

Who says you can only hunt for eggs on Easter and who says the only thing you can hunt for are eggs? Get a basket and a few similar items and hide them in the house. over and over again.

#4 – Break out the board games or make up your own.

This is a great time to pull out those old, dusty board and card games. Even toddlers can get in on the action with games like Go Fish, Candyland and even Uno. Don’t forget you can also play lots of games with nothing at all like – I Spy With My Little Eye, Hot & Cold, Mother May I and more.

#5 – Play dress up.

Let the kids raid your closet and play pretend. You probably never knew that you have doctor outfits, waitress outfits and much, much more just hanging in your closet.

#6 – Have a spa day.

Cut some cucumbers to place on your eyes, fill the tub with a little warm water for a foot soak, gather some lotion and fingernail polish and treat yourself and your child to a mini spa.

#7 – Play vet.

Get a few stuffed animals, a pretend doctor kit and some blankets to build your vet office. to add a little more fun to the game, add a few little bowls of water and cereal for the animals to eat.

#8 – Write a book.

Help your child write a story. Then, write one sentence each on blank sheets of paper and have your child illustrate the story. Staple it together and your child is a published author.

#9 – Cook up a storm.

Encourage kids to take charge of their own meals and snacks by letting them prepare simple dishes. They can whip up easy options like sandwiches, fruit dips, granola bowls, and smoothies without needing to cook. This not only fosters independence but also allows them to explore their culinary creativity.

#10 – Make paper snowflakes.

Grab some construction paper from your craft stash and go for it. Countless design ideas for crafting snowflakes are just a click away. Check out these fun snowflake ideas and designs. 

#11 – Craft Valentine's for school friends.

Kids really miss their friends when they're not together. To keep them entertained, all you need are some stickers, markers, glue sticks, and a few creative ideas. They can have a blast making Valentine's cards or other fun greeting cards to share with their pals once they return to school.

#12 – Get tactile with playdough and/or kinetic sand.

Attention all fans of playdough and kinetic sand! Get creative by building a castle, crafting a pizza, or shaping a smiley face. Keep those fingers busy while enjoying the creative process.

#13 – Read books with a snow or wintertime theme.

Cozy up with books that capture the essence of snow and winter. These stories can transport you to frosty landscapes and evoke the magic of the season, making them perfect companions for chilly days. Whether it's a heartwarming tale or an adventurous journey through a winter wonderland, there's something special about immersing yourself in winter-themed literature.