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40 Indoor Activities for Kids

Whether smoky air from fires or a cold and wet day is keeping you indoors, we've got ideas!

By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni KID Brentwood, Calif. and Kara Murphy, publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa. July 14, 2022

Stuck inside because of bad weather or poor air quality? We've all had those days where we look at our kids and think: 

How on earth am I going to keep these kids entertained for the next 12 hours?

Before you run whimpering to hide your head under a pillow (we've all been there too!) check out our list of 40 ideas for easy, indoor fun on those days you're stuck at home ... because we are all in this together, mamas!



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1. Read a book
2. Play freeze dance
3. Have a staring contest
4. Write a story
5. Draw a picture
6. Play a card game
7. Make a blanket fort
8. Bring outside toys in
9. Play red light, green light
10. Play hide-and-seek


Macaroni KID Chicago Midtown publisher Sara Yaniga

11. Build with cardboard
12. Have a dance party
13. Play Simon Says
14. Go on an indoor scavenger hunt
16. Make an indoor obstacle course
17. Have a pillow fight
18. Watch a movie
20. Make a paper clip chain


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22. Take a nap (you wish)
23. Stack canned food
24. Blow bubbles (yes, inside!)
25. Play hopscotch
27. Build with blocks
28. Play dress up
29. Write a letter & mail it
30. Make music with pots


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31. Look at old photos
33. Have a tea party
34. Craft
36. Walk like animals
37. Build pretzel log cabins
38. Do yoga
39. Let the kids take pictures for a change
40. Play tic-tac-toe

Renae Gonzalez is the publisher of Macaroni KID Brentwood, Calif. Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.