50 Fun and Free Things To Do When You're Stuck Inside

If it's not a rainy day (or 5 in a row), it's COVID-19. Whatever the reason, days stuck in the house with little kids are inevitable. But those days don't have to be boring, frustrating, or full of screens. Here are 50 fun and free things to do when you're stuck inside!

  • PlayDoh. You can even make your own.

  • Kinetic sand. Spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet to control the mess.

  • Bake something simple. Think boxed baking mixes here, mommas.

  • Create sensory bins. These can be adapted for many ages.

  • Board games. Some of our favorites include Sequence for Kids, Scrabble Jr., and Operation.

  • Puzzles. Giant floor puzzles down the hall is a great way to spend an afternoon.

  • Read a great book aloud. A great way to sneak in those childhood classics. Or Harry Potter.

  • Build a fort. Bonus points if you all take a nap in it after.

  • Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Or whatever animal is easy for you to create.

  • Circle Time. Just like preschool- go over the day's date, weather, letter, number, shape, and color.

  • Chore BINGO. Trick them into having fun while cleaning house!

  • Take a nap!

  • Make cereal necklaces. Simply string yarn with Cheerios or Froot Loops for instant fun and snack time.

  • Dance party. Try Just Dance or Go Noodle.

  • Limbo. How low can you go? Find out using holiday garland, a string of Christmas lights, or ribbon.

  • Musical chairs. Ask Google Home or Alexa to do this for you!

  • Make cloud dough. Only two ingredients, mommas!

  • LEGO time. Fun to do with LEGO Masters playing in the background for inspiration.

  • Make a road for cars. Draw roadways on paper or cardboard, or use tape on the floor.

  • Hide & seek. Good for a couple minutes of quiet time if you find a really good spot.

  • Indoor scavenger hunt.

  • Family yoga.

  • Create a family tree. A fun way to go down memory lane.

  • Obstacle course. Use masking or painter's tape to mark the route.

  • Card games. Faves include Go Fish, Old Maid, and Hi/Low.

  • Make instruments and create music together. Rubber band banjos, TP roll kazoos, and pot & pan drums are classics.

  • Interview family members. Ask "What's your favorite color? TV show? Season?"

  • Charades.

  • Pictionary.

  • FaceTime or Skype friends and family.

  • Throw a party. Decorate the house, bake a tasty treat, and have a "just because" party.

  • Play I Spy.

  • Tea party. Get dressed up to add extra flair.

  • Spa day. Bubbly foot baths, face masks, and mani/pedis.

  • Shadow animals. Use a flashlight in a dark room to create fun shadows on the walls.

  • Puppets. Make paper bag puppets and put on a puppet show.

  • BINGO!

  • Watch a livestream. Choose from bald eagles, penguins, lions, and many more.

  • Art for Kids Hub. Create works of art from step-by-step instructions.

  • Make cards or write letters to loved ones.

  • Watercolor. You can even make your own paint!

  • Play dress-up.

  • Origami.

  • Create a collage/vision board. Put those old magazines to good use.

  • Draw self-portraits. Set up shop in front of a mirror. Or draw portraits of one another.

  • Listen to an audiobook together.

  • Indoor games. Try Leap Frog, Simon Says, and Red Light/Green Light.

  • Activity or sticker books.

  • Wash toys. Fill up the tub or sink and let the kids wash their own toys!

  • And if all else fails... it's MOVIE TIME!