When winter keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect time to get creative with fun, family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained. From building epic blanket forts to making homemade ice cream in a bag, there are endless ways to bond with your kids and have a blast without stepping outside. Whether you’re cooking together, tackling DIY projects, or diving into a family movie marathon, these indoor activities are sure to turn cold days into warm memories.
1. Cook Up Something Together
Turn cooking into a fun family activity by planning and preparing a meal or treat together. It’s a great way to teach kids some basic cooking skills and bond in the kitchen.
- Make homemade pizza
- Bake cookies and decorate them
- Whip up pancakes with fun toppings
2. Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Build a fun obstacle course using items from around the house to keep the kids active. Great for burning off energy and creating a little indoor adventure.
- Jump over pillows
- Crawl under chairs
- Balance on a taped line on the floor
3. Build and Paint Birdhouses
Get crafty by building and painting birdhouses with the kids. Once the weather warms up, you can hang them outside and watch the birds move in.
- Build simple birdhouse kits
- Paint them with colorful designs
- Hang them in the yard or on the balcony
4. Piece Together a Jigsaw Puzzle
Working on puzzles is a great way to relax and work together as a family. Pick puzzles that suit your kids’ ages and skill levels.
- Start with a 100-piece puzzle for younger kids
- Try a 500- or 1,000-piece puzzle for older children
5. Paper Airplane Showdown
Hold a family contest to see who can make the best paper airplane and whose flies the farthest. It’s a simple and fun activity for all ages.
- Create different airplane designs
- Test which flies the farthest or fastest
- Add decorations or race against time
6. Build a Cozy Blanket Fort
Turn your living room into an indoor adventure by building a massive fort with blankets and pillows. It’s the perfect spot to play, read, or watch a movie.
- Use chairs and couches for support
- Add pillows for extra comfort
- Use flashlights for a cozy, nighttime feel
7. Get Crafty with Winter Projects
Use everyday materials to create winter-themed arts and crafts with your kids. It’s an easy way to keep them entertained and creative during the cold months.
- Make paper snowflakes
- Build cotton ball snowmen
- Create homemade holiday decorations
8. Have a Movie Marathon Day
When it’s too cold to go outside, settle in with your favorite movies and some snacks. Stay in your pajamas and turn the living room into a home theater.
- Pick family favorites like Frozen or Toy Story
- Make popcorn and hot chocolate
- Cuddle up under blankets
9. Fun with DIY Science
Do simple science experiments at home to engage your kids in hands-on learning. These activities are fun, easy, and spark curiosity.
- Make baking soda volcanoes
- Create homemade slime
- Watch a balloon inflate using vinegar and baking soda
10. Play Board Games and Puzzles
Classic board games and puzzles never go out of style. They’re a great way to bring the family together for some friendly competition or cooperative play.
- Play Monopoly Junior, Candy Land, or Uno
- Work on a family puzzle together
- Try new games like Guess Who or Connect 4
11. Lego Building Fun
Use Legos to challenge your kids’ creativity. You can set building challenges or work together on a themed project.
- Build a winter scene
- Create the tallest Lego tower
- Design cars or buildings
12. Play “Simon Says” for Active Fun
Keep the kids engaged with a game of “Simon Says.” It’s a fun way to keep them active while listening carefully to directions.
- Include silly actions like “Simon says hop like a bunny”
- Make it competitive by eliminating players for small mistakes
- Take turns being Simon
13. Set Up Indoor Camping
Bring the camping experience indoors by setting up sleeping bags and flashlights in the living room. It’s a cozy and exciting way to switch things up.
- Lay out sleeping bags and pillows
- Tell stories or read by flashlight
- “Roast” marshmallows in the microwave
14. Make Ice Cream in a Bag
Whip up a fun treat by making homemade ice cream in a bag. It’s a simple kitchen science project that results in a delicious reward!
- Use zip-lock bags, ice, and simple ingredients
- Shake the bags until the ice cream forms
- Add your favorite toppings
15. Classic Hide-and-Seek
This simple game never gets old. Play hide-and-seek indoors and let the kids find creative places to hide.
- Hide behind furniture or under tables
- For added fun, play in the dark with flashlights
- Give younger kids easier hints
16. Puzzle Time Together
Working on puzzles is a great way to unwind and engage your kids’ problem-solving skills. Choose a puzzle that suits their level and enjoy some quiet time.
- Simple 50-100-piece puzzles for younger kids
- Complex 500+ puzzles for older children
17. Redecorate a Room Together
Get the kids involved in redecorating a room, whether it’s their bedroom or a common space. It’s a fun way to freshen up the house and let them have a say in the design.
- Rearrange furniture
- Add new posters or artwork
- Choose new bedding or room colors
18. Visit the Library
Take a break from indoor activities and visit your local library. It’s a great way to find new books, attend storytime, or discover fun programs for kids.
- Pick out a new book for each child
- Attend a family story hour or craft session
- Check out movies or educational games
19. Play Couch Co-op Video Games
Bond with your kids by playing family-friendly video games together on the same screen. Couch co-op games are a great way to collaborate, compete, and have fun as a team.
- Try Mario Kart, Minecraft, or Overcooked!
- Work together to complete levels or solve puzzles
- Take turns if you have multiple players
20. Create a Miniature City
Turn your living room into a bustling mini metropolis by building a miniature city with your kids. This activity sparks creativity and can be customized based on whatever materials you have at home.
- Build skyscrapers, houses, and roads using Legos, blocks, or cardboard.
- Decorate buildings with windows, doors, and signs using crayons or markers.
- Add toy cars and figures to bring the city to life and create new areas like parks or airports.