10 Ways to Bring Outdoor Family Activities Inside
Playing outside is definitely a family favorite, but there are times when it just isn’t possible. As a Together Counts™ Ambassador, I stand behind the importance of active play – even if a gloomy day keeps us indoors. We are stealing a decorating trend of bringing the outdoors inside with these simple and fun family activity ideas!
Indoor Garden – Planting a terrarium is an easy family activity. I love how Modern Parents Messy Kids themed this garden to her kid’s favorite playthings by adding dinosaurs. What would you add to your family terrarium?
Indoor Picnic – Household meals do not have to be boring! Even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich is elevated to an adventure when it is eaten on a blanket on the living room floor. Make a big production of packing up a nutritious meal and then take a tour of the house on your way to the final picnic destination.
Indoor Games – A roll of painter’s tape can mimic almost anything you might draw on the sidewalk with chalk. When I was a camp counselor, my cabin was known as the one with the painter’s tape hopscotch on the floor. No camper of mine ever entered the cabin without playing this active game!
Indoor Drive-In– Family movie night at my house will never be the same now that I have seen this DIY Indoor Drive-In Movie idea from Homemaking Fun! Creating cardboard box cars and drive-in treats will be a huge hit with my kids.
Indoor Side – This simple cardboard and staircase slide from Milk and Cuddles is genius. The kids get to play on your indoor “playground” and expend energy all in the comfort of home.
Indoor Camping – Sheet and blanket tents are fun to construct together. Grab the sleeping bags and have a family campout! Retell favorite family stories by the glow of a flashlight.
Indoor Campfire Food – Traditional s’mores can be created over a burner by parents. Our favorite campfire cone recipe works great in the oven.
Indoor Catch– I admit to proclaiming “no ball in the house” several times, but there are ways to still get active indoors without complete household destruction. Using bean bags, wadded up paper, scarves or even a favorite stuffed animal for a friendly game of catch can get the family actively playing inside.
Indoor Obstacle Course – This is a rainy day staple at my house. Our front entry and hall becomes the site of a very competitive race course. It all starts with an obstacle treasure hunt around the house seeking the most unusual obstacle. Chairs are no longer chairs, they are barriers to go over and under. Pillows are transformed into islands – no falling in the ocean! Stuffed animals become projectiles that must hit the basket target.
Indoor Bubbles – Hand a child sitting in the tub a bottle of bubbles and pull the shower curtain! Tons of fun await as bubbles are launched.
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night will keep active play away!
Holly Homer is a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages 7, 10 and 12. She realized early on that boys have a lot of energy and energy can be turned for evil use if not channeled in the proper direction! She partially homeschools and has embraced that the dining room table will never be free of kids art projects. Keep up with Holly on Kids Activities Blog.