Fun Indoor Activities to Do with Kids at Home During Winter

Winter brings chilly days, early nights, and the challenge of keeping kids entertained indoors. But cold weather doesn’t mean fun has to stop! Here are some engaging, kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones busy and make your home feel like an adventure zone. Whether you’re looking for creative outlets, learning opportunities, or just something to burn off some energy, this list has something for every interest.

1. Indoor Obstacle Course

Kids love to climb, jump, and crawl, so turn your living room into an obstacle course! Use cushions, blankets, and chairs to create tunnels, stepping stones, and “lava” sections. You can even time them to see if they can beat their previous time through the course. This activity is a great way to work on motor skills and burn some energy on those chilly days.

Pro Tip: Set up different "stations" with hula hoops for jumping, pillows for balance beams, and paper plates as “ice” patches that are slippery.

2. Craft and Creativity Corner

Break out the craft supplies and get ready for some creative time! Stock up on paper, glue, markers, crayons, stickers, and any other crafty supplies. Try a few different projects, such as:

• Making winter-themed paper snowflakes

• Building holiday decorations or cards

• Painting rocks to look like snowmen or animals

This hands-on activity encourages creativity, and the results make great seasonal decorations or gifts.

3. Bake-Off Challenge

Winter is the perfect time for baking! Get the kids involved by having a mini bake-off challenge with simple recipes they can help with, like cookies, muffins, or pretzels. Let them take charge of decorating with sprinkles, icing, and fun toppings. This activity builds kitchen skills and teaches basic cooking and measuring.

Pro Tip: Create a hot cocoa bar with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes as a reward after baking!

4. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt around the house! Make a list of items for kids to find, such as something blue, something round, or a favorite toy. Add a fun twist by hiding little treats or prizes in some spots, or make it themed (like winter wonderland) for added excitement.

Pro Tip: Include a mystery riddle for the final item, leading them to a cozy spot where they can read a book or watch a movie.

5. Home Theater with a Twist

Set up a cozy movie day, but make it special by turning your living room into a theater! Let kids create "tickets," set up blankets and pillows, and prepare popcorn and snacks. You can also do themed movie marathons (like Disney classics or animated winter tales).

Pro Tip: Encourage them to dress up as their favorite characters or set up a “concession stand” where they can choose their movie snacks.

6. Science Experiments

Who says you need a lab for fun science experiments? You can create a mini science lab right at home with common household items. Some easy, kid-safe experiments include:

• Making baking soda and vinegar volcanoes

• Creating "snow" by mixing baking soda and conditioner

• Trying DIY slime with glue and borax or baking soda

These activities are both fun and educational, introducing basic scientific concepts in a hands-on way.

7. Storytelling and Puppet Shows

Encourage imaginative play by having a storytelling session or setting up a mini puppet show. Kids can create characters with paper bags, socks, or stuffed animals, then put on a show. You can help by building a small stage with a cardboard box or by simply draping a blanket over a table.

Pro Tip: Record the show on your phone so they can watch it later and share it with family and friends.

8. Dance Party or Freeze Dance

Sometimes, kids just need to move! Put on some music and have a dance party right in the living room. Freeze dance is a fun variation where they have to stop whenever the music pauses. This activity is great for burning off energy and lifting spirits on cold winter days.

Pro Tip: Try themed dance parties, like “Disco Night” or “Glow-in-the-Dark Party” (using glow sticks or a small flashlight).

9. Build a Reading Fort

If your kids love to read (or you’re hoping to encourage them to), a reading fort is a cozy way to dive into books. Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to build a little hideaway where they can curl up with their favorite stories. You could even add a theme, like a “snow fort” or a “castle” depending on their interests.

Pro Tip: Pick winter-themed books or stories to read together, adding an extra seasonal touch.

10. DIY Indoor Snowball Fight

No snow? No problem! Use soft, white socks rolled up or get plush “snowballs” from a toy store for a safe indoor snowball fight. Set up opposing “bases” or “forts” on either side of a room and let the battle begin. This is a great way for kids to get moving, and it’s fun for adults too!

Winter doesn’t have to mean staying idle indoors. With a little creativity, you can create memorable moments and keep kids engaged. Try one or more of these ideas next time you’re snowed in or on a chilly weekend. These activities don’t just pass the time; they encourage creativity, physical activity, and family bonding.

What are your favorite indoor activities? Let us know in the comments, and enjoy a cozy and fun-filled winter at home!

Warm up at Razzle Toys: come in to check out our books, arts & crafts, baking kits, science kits, and so much more to make your winter activities a blast!