It’s cold and windy outside. You and your kids don’t want to bundle up only to spend 10 minutes outside. Or maybe, you’ve just come in from braving the frozen outdoors. You want a fun activity that will keep the kids entertained for a while, but you don’t want to clean up a big mess after.
I’m sharing 5 of my favorite low-prep indoor activities that will keep kids busy. Each idea needs just a few items from around the house and barely any setup.
Activity #1: Build a Ramp
My all-time favorite quick-play idea is ramp building. You can use whatever materials you have on hand to build a ramp. We often use plastic storage bins and cardboard.
Try these ideas:
- Test how fast different vehicles race.
- Explore what things will roll or slide down a ramp.
- Will everything roll? Do some objects get stuck?
- Change the height of the ramp.
- Change the surface of the ramp. Will aluminum foil or wax paper change how fast something goes down the ramp?
Activity #2: Toddler Treasure Hunt
This one is perfect for toddlers who love to explore the room. It’s also great if an older sibling can help.
There are no clues to hide. You just have your child look for the treasure (a favorite toy). Start off by hiding the treasure in plain sight and then work towards hiding it in more difficult locations (up higher, down lower, partially underneath something, behind something, etc.). These are perfect for siblings to do together. Check out our dinosaur treasure hunt for an example. Preschoolers will enjoy this treasure hunt, too. My daughter used to call the game hide-and-seek with dinosaurs.
For older kids, you can make the treasure harder to find and say hot or cold as they look for it. Or turn the lights out and have them search with a flashlight for the treasure.
Activity #3: Paper Plate Stepping Stones or Floor Is Lava
Give each player 2 paper plates. Step on the paper plates. Pick one up and move it forward. Continue until you get to the finish line.
You can pretend the floor is lava and the only safe place to step is on the paper plates.
Don’t have paper plates? Use construction paper or grab something from the recycling bin – a cereal box or piece of mail would work great here.
I recommend bare feet or grippy socks so your child is less likely to slide on the paper plates. Depending on your comfort level, sliding around on paper plates could be a whole different activity. Just be sure to discuss some safety rules first.
Activity #4: Make a Puzzle
All you need is paper and some scissors. Scrapbooking scissors are a fun addition if you have them. Always supervise children while they are using scissors and teach them how to use them properly.
Allow your child to cut the paper into large pieces. Scrapbooking scissors make interesting lines. You or your child can also draw lines on the paper before cutting with regular scissors.
Bonus: You or your child can draw a picture or design on the paper before cutting it into pieces.
Activity #5: Paint with Water
Give your kids wet paint brushes. Use a big thick brush for this if you have it. Allow them to paint on a chalkboard. You can let them draw with chalk first or just let them paint with water directly on the blank chalkboard. It changes color when it’s wet.
You can also let your kids paint with water on paper. The paper will eventually rip or get a hole in it. Thicker paper will usually last longer.
If you are brave enough, you can let them have a cup of water to re-wet their brushes. Or they can go to the sink and get their brush wet again. It depends on what level of potential mess you are comfortable with.
As a side note, my kids loved the Melissa and Doug Paint with Water books. The paint brush holds a small amount of water and lasts for quite a while.
