Family-fun

Indoor activities to keep little ones amused

With temperamental weather, it’s a good idea to have some home activities up your sleeves

24 fun ideas to entertain little ones indoors

If the weather let’s you down, these fun ideas to entertain little ones, won’t

Rainy days 474

Let’s face it, the great British summer is often a let-down weather-wise so being prepared ow to entertain little ones indoors is a must.

Here are our top 25 ideas on how to have fun at home.

1. Board games

Board games are a great way to get all the family involved in some indoor fun.

2. Have a bake off

Little ones love to bake so get some simple recipes and get messy in the kitchen.

3. Freeze dance

A classic indoor game. All you need is music, and "freeze" when the music stops, in fun poses or with funny faces.

4. Fashion parade

Let the little ones raid your wardrobe and put on their own fashion show.

5. Reading corner

Cuddle up on the sofa with a blanket and enjoy reading books together.

6. Oldies but classics

Have a couple of games of "Simon Says" or "Follow the Leader."

7. Card games

Grab a pack of cards and teach little ones  the simple joys of games such as Rummy, Spit, or Slapjack.

8. Band stand

Work together to make your own instruments and lead a marching band through the house.

9. Movie time

Nothing beats a good old family film, get everyone together for a screening of a classic.

10. Write letters

The old-fashioned way of writing on paper and let friends and relatives living further away what you’ve all been up to.

11. Balloon mania

Blow up some balloons, chuck them in the air, and see if you can all keep them from touching the ground.

12. Fun with Wii Fit

Get some exercise and have fun at the same time with your own console’s keep fit games.

13. Catch the mallow

Make a marshmallow catapult and see who can catch the most in their mouth.

14. Domino run

Invest in some dominos and line them up in a chosen layout and let them fall—little ones will love it

15. Build a city

Dig out all the Lego you own and build a Lego city.

16. Puppet show

Design paper-bag puppets and put on a full blown puppet show.

17. Create a fort

Nothing entertains little ones like turning some bed sheets into their own fort!

18. Creature foam sculptures

Make shaving cream sculptures in the sink.

19. Puzzle time

Take on a difficult puzzle as a family.

20. Flower pot fun

Decorate pinecones, paint flower pots, or make leaf art.

21. Family tea party

Let all family members get dressed up and host a fancy tea party (be sure to invite the dolls and stuffed animals).

22. Activity book marathon

Dig out those activity books that no one has opened in a year and see who can get the most completed.

23. Salt pictures

Spread some salt on the table and have fun creating pictures in it.

24. Indoor camp

Who needs the outdoors, grab the sleeping bags, a tent, board games, and s'mores and set up in the living room.

Indoor activities to keep little ones amused