While the weather outside is frightful, your kids' playdates can still be totally delightful. In fact, fun and blowing off steam with friends is especially important when outdoor activities are out of the question. Next time your kids plan a playdate, make it one to remember by adding one of these indoor adventures to the agenda.
Toddlers Need in on the Action Too
Little kids deserve to have big-time indoor fun too! These nine activities [2] are designed to engage the senses, and many have the added bonus of challenging fine and gross motor skills as well.
Create a Time Capsule
Create a 2014 time capsule. Have kids include a letter to their future selves with information like their grades in school, Summer plans, best friends' names, hobbies they enjoy, favorite movies and songs, and more. Also scour the house for a few mementos and photos. Be sure to seal the whole thing in an airtight container (a tennis ball or tupperware would work well), and wait until a sunny day to bury it in the backyard. Just remember to make a note of where it is and when you want to open it!
Make Indoor S'mores
Take indoor camping to new levels with s'mores for dessert! If lighting up the fireplace in the middle of the Summer seems like a bit much, then use the flames from your stove.
Get Crafty
If your kids and their crew love crafting, set them up with a fun activity like DIY pillowcases [5], clothespin caterpillars [6], or homemade crayons [7].
Have a Dance Party
Pull out those hairbrush microphones and blast your favorite tunes for a kids-only dance party! Let each child play DJ for a few songs so there's no battling over music choices, and give prizes for inventive dance moves. Can the little ones do the worm?
Build a Fort or Tent
For some good old-fashioned fun, hit the linen closet and construct a fort or tent with sheets and pillows. The process of creating the hideaway is only the beginning; as soon they're done with the hard work, playtime can begin!
Pizza Party!
Budding chefs will love getting hands-on experience in the kitchen. Check out one of these inventive pizza-inspired recipes [9], or take note of one of our favorite insider tips and see if you can buy a few pounds of dough from your favorite pizza joint. Then let them toss and top till their hearts' content!
Hone a Little Green Thumb
Gardening may seem like more of an outdoor adventure, but for your cold- or rainy-day fix, invite the kids to roll up their sleeves and plant herbs in mason jars [11]. You'll reap the benefits with fresh basil, thyme, or whatever suits your palate.
Have a Classic Game Marathon
Put away the video game controllers and go old-school with classic kids' games [13] like Candy Land, Twister, Chutes and Ladders, and Operation. They might not be as high tech as the PlayStation or Wii, but there's a reason companies have been making them for decades.
Finger Paint
Get messy with finger paint — no explanation required!
Have a Movie Marathon
Even the most creative, engaged, and active parents need a break now and again (and so do your kids!). Kick back with a big bowl of popcorn and a movie marathon. Consider a pick from our favorite classic Disney flicks [16], films about friendship [17], or top picks for gradeschoolers [18].
Get Your Om On
Have your kids' friends come over in comfy clothes, and set up a makeshift yoga studio [19] in the comfort of your own playroom!
Loom-a-polooza!
If you've got little loomers in the house, set up the table with all the gear and goodies [20] and get to work.
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
Using masking tape, create a racetrack for kiddie cars to zoom throughout the house. Be imaginative with walls, rugs, and obstacles — just be careful around delicate wallpaper and painted walls.
Fun With Fashion
Pull out all the play clothes, along with some of mom's high heels, dad's old sporting equipment, and whatever else you can find, and let your kids and their buds create the ensembles they can imagine. Then take it to the next level with a full-blown fashion show.
They Blinded Me With Science!
The classic baking soda and vinegar volcano [24] trick never, ever, ever gets old.
Make Your Own Ice Cream
The kids will all be screaming for ice cream with this easy recipe [26] — best of all, no ice cream machine is required, just a few active hands!
Treasure Hunt!
Create a treasure map, and hide some special prizes around the house — scavenger-hunt style. If you have the resources, spray paint spare change to make it look like gold coins, or use candy prizes.