Rainy days and too-hot-go-outside days are inevitable. You will also have flare days. During these times, we must keep our kids entertained for both our sakes. Here are ten fun (and quiet) indoor activities for kids.
Why Indoor Activities Are A MUST
Even though it’s summertime and we’ve just returned from two vacations, my kids are constantly saying how bored they are. Really?! After all the constant activity we’ve had over the last two months, you’re bored?! This baffles me but also challenges me. I want to keep my kids off their electronic devices and engage their minds with fun games. Hello, Pinterest!
There are so many activities that you can do with your kids! Whether you are indoors, outdoors, at home, or on vacation, thousands of activities have been created to keep our kids’ imaginations going strong while keeping them entertained at the same time. While searching for activities, I realized there are more quiet games than others. Those are the best for me because fibromyalgia makes me sensitive to noise. These are fun games that my kids enjoy (or will enjoy) playing!
These fun (but quiet) games will keep your kids busy, and the best part is that they are inexpensive and can be made from many items you already have at home. They are also perfect for days when you may be experiencing a fibro flare or need some quiet time at home. Either way, these are sure to be a hit in your home!
Tip: Gather and prepare the items ahead of time and store them in an out-of-sight bin. Don’t let the kids see the goodies! Bring out the bin on flare, rainy, or just-because days. Have fun!
10 Fun (and quiet) Indoor Activities
Paper Plate Ring Toss: Prepare the plates by cutting out the center. Let the kids decorate the plates, then let the fun begin! Read more
Ball Toss: Gather some buckets (any size or shape will do) and let them toss in some balls to score points! Make it quiet: use softballs or line the buckets with towels to make it a calm game. Read more
Paper Plate Tic-Tac-Toe
Paper Plate Tic-Tac-Toe: Throwdown some masking tape, get some paper plates and markers, and start games of Xs and O’s! Bonus: This is just one of the few quiet activities this creative mom from Learn with Play at Home has made for her DIY Kids Hotel Activity Pack. Read more
Rainbow Color Sorting Sensory Bin: All kids love cereal, and while I don’t endorse sugary foods, I say let kids be kids (when it’s not overindulging). Sort out the colored Froot Loops or other rainbow-colored cereal into separate piles. Playing in it is okay, too! Read more
Pipe Cleaner Animal Crafts: Oh, the joys of pipe cleaners in all their multi-purpose wonder! These things are heavenly when it comes to crafting and super affordable when you can purchase them in bulk at the dollar store. Read more
Pom Pom Soccer: Don’t let the lack of pom-poms stop you! If you can’t find the pom-poms at the dollar store, substitute with a cotton ball or even a small paper ball. Read more
Balloon Tennis: Okay – I’m going to be honest. This one doesn’t thrill me, only because I have a slight phobia of balloons. Remember the Golden Girls episode when Dorothy pops Sophia’s balloon on a stick? Something similar happened to me when I was younger, and these lightweight elastic balls don’t amuse me. However, that doesn’t mean my kids can’t have fun, right? Just get a balloon and a fly swatter. No swatter? Use your hands, spatula, or ruler. Just no pencil! Read more
Paper Towel Roll Sorter: Yeah, I made up that name. There wasn’t a name, and my creative streak is running low as it’s near my bedtime, so we’ll call is a paper towel roll sorter for now. Tape it to the wall and let your little one put objects in it to be caught by a bucket or other container. Remember to keep it quiet using soft objects such as pom poms or cotton balls. Read more
DIY Moon Sand: This is my favorite activity on this list. I don’t know what it is about the moon and – the texture, the calming feature. I don’t know, but it’s magic. My youngest daughter’s speech therapist made this for her a few years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s super easy to make (two common ingredients – flour and baby oil), super easy to clean up (brush off the kid and sweep off the floor), and the kids can take it outside or inside with them to play. Read more
Marshmallow Shooter: My kids love this activity because it’s the closest to guns that I’ll let them get. I know, I know – Nerf guns are a rite of passage, but not for this mom! I usually have pom-poms and marshmallows, as well as plastic cups. And we all know where I stand on the balloon situation. Nevertheless, fun, fun, fun! Read more
