10 Fun Activities for Kids!

Do you want some fun, interactive ideas to entertain children and use that pent-up energy in a positive way? Then join us below for TEN low-cost to free ideas!

10 Fun Activities for Kids…

No matter the reason, when you have kids at home—be it for a weekend or days on end—it’s easy for them to become bored or run out of things to do. Yes, watching a movie or playing a video game can keep them occupied for a while, but there are times when it’s so much better to refocus their energy and captivate their attention with these safe, fun and interactive ideas…

1. Scavenger Hunt!

For younger children, simply have them seek out hidden toys or whatever you choose to hide. Make a list of three or four items they will be searching for, read the list to them and let them have fun searching and bringing the items back to you!

For older ones, give them an initial clue, then leave a clue next to each item as to where they can find the next hidden item. Or, try creating a map of your house with an “X-marks-the-spot” as a clue. You could have them take turns creating their own list of things to find or writing the clues for each location.

No matter how you create your scavenger hunt, it’s a great way to get kids up off the couch and expending that pent-up energy in a safe, fun way!

2. Paint Rocks!

If you have pebbles or small rocks, some paint* or markers—then your kids will be able to do this craft. Just grab your selection of rocks and paints, lay everything out on a covered surface and let their imaginations soar! 

Once done—depending on where you live—you and your little artists can strategically set these around your neighborhood in out of the way but visible places to brighten people’s day. Older children may even write out positive messages to bring encouragement to those who discover these treasures! 

*Note: watercolors are not ideal as they may not show up well on rocks.

3. Make Your Own Puzzle!

All you need is a piece of cardstock, cardboard—or any other decently sturdy paper product—some markers, pens, crayons, or paints for drawing, and a pair of scissors!

Give your kids whatever paper and drawing supplies you’ve chosen, then let them create* a masterpiece. Or, let them cut pictures from old magazines and glue to the sturdy paper.

Once done, cut their artwork into squares, rectangles, triangles, or—if you are really adventurous—traditional puzzle shapes. If you allow your children to use scissors, give them charge of this task. After cutting the pieces, all that remains is to shuffle them, then recreate their masterpiece by assembling them!

*Note: It’s best if they use a lot of colors to make the puzzle easier to put back together once cut.

4. Create a Play!

What better way to expel energy and promote fun creativity than by creating a special play of their own making?! And what’s even better is that you’re sure to have everything you need at home!

Younger children may require a theme or some initial prompting for what their play might be—perhaps even a little help finding the props* they require. However, with a little guidance, most will quickly take over the entire production. Older children can even write a basic script to follow. 

A great alternative to the option of creating their play from scratch would be to choose a scene from a favorite movie or show, then turn that into their very own variation…

Once having chosen the play and the props, all that remains is for your children to put on the show for the family—bringing their creative genius to a climactic conclusion followed by much applause!

*Remember, you do not need to have the exact props their play might call for, just be creative… a broom is perfect for a staff, a paper towel roll for a scepter, and so on.

5. Read a Book!

This may hardly seem an activity, but after hours of play sometimes it is good to just sit down together and read a book. 

With younger children not yet reading, you (or an older child) will obviously have to read to them. However, with children of reading age sometimes it’s fun for them to read to you—giving them great pride and needed practice. Either way, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone…

A fun way to read out loud is to add funny voices and act out scenes as you go. Or read a book you never thought about reading to them—for older or mature children it might be okay to pull out some classic* novels, your favorite reads, or even a light devotional. The choice is yours, but no matter what you choose, this is something they could easily remember with fondness their whole life.

*Many classics can be found free online, on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, etc. If you do not have something on your shelves, you may still be able to gain free access to it without leaving your house!

6. Have a Camp Out in Your Living Room!

When you are stuck at home for a while, it’s good to have a change of pace. One way to do this is to camp out in your living room!

Just bring in a few sleeping bags or blankets to your living room, break out your flashlights or no-flame-lanterns, and any camp-friendly foods you have on hand—microwaved s’mores or beans optional—and you have the basic ingredients for your indoor camp out!

7. Create Your Own Dance Routine!

Do your kids have a lot of energy? Then why not suggest they create a dance routine?

All they need is their imagination, energy, and a catchy tune* to dance to. They can practice on their own for a while and then proudly put on their performance for you or the whole family!

*Note: you might want to be involved in helping them choose a tune or song that you wouldn’t mind hearing a few times; alternatively, no music need be required—at least before the final performance.

8. Make Your Own Story Time!

Books are a wonderful option, but if you’ve read through your entire library, or simply want to mix things up, why not create “Story Time!”

All that’s needed is their imagination and a willing ear. If you have more than one child that’s old enough to talk, they can tell each other stories—and they have their very own Story Time! If they want, they can even draw pictures to go with their story or act it out, essentially creating their own fairy tale! Older children may even want to write their story down in a special journal or decorative notebook.

9. Create Play Time with Masking/Painters Tape!

All you need to create hours of fun is masking tape (or painter’s tape) and your child’s imagination!

Take the tape and map out a city to play with toy cars or tape some squares for a game of indoor hopscotch, or even an agility course! There are hundreds of options. Imagination and your supply of tape are the only limits to your creativity!

10. Play Indoor Mini-Golf or Bowling!

If you don’t have access to a mini-golf course or a bowling alley, you can still play at home! All you need are a few things that you probably already have around your home…

For indoor mini-golf you will need:

• A putter—this can be anything from a broom, to a cane, to an umbrella, etc.
• A golf ball—any toy ball should do, though, something fist sized or maybe smaller is ideal.
• A target/hole—there are a number of options… cut out holes in a cardboard box, or use empty jars, etc.

That’s all you need. If you have a real putter—or even a toy putter—that’s great, but the wonderful thing about indoor mini-golf is that it’s not a requirement… 

Be creative! Try giving point values to different holes or jars. The idea is to get your kids up off the couch and having fun!

For indoor bowling you will need:

• Pins*—the options are seemingly endless… from empty cans or bottles, to plastic jars, empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, etc.
• A bowling ball—most balls will do, however, unlike with mini-golf, it’s better to have a ball fist-sized or larger unless you have a weighty ball

That’s all you need to play indoor bowling! Just set up your pins in a triangle shape, get your ball, and you have indoor bowling! If desired, keep score or create bowling bumpers with pillows or other items from around the house… the details are up to you. The point is to expel energy and provide an enjoyable family activity as they—and maybe you too—play this fun game of indoor bowling!

*Note: It’s traditional to use 10 pins for bowling, however, you can use any number you desire; just remember that this works best if the items you use as pins are all of a similar size and weight.

If you would like more activities for kids, click HERE for educational activities, or HERE for artistic activities.If you, or your family, are struggling with fear, doubt, or anxiety right now, then click HERE to learn how to overcome and find Godly peace!