The Ultimate List of Fun Activities for Kids at Home

Looking for fun kid activities, from toddlers to elementary-aged children? Check out over 50 ideas for creative things to do with kids at home — indoor or outdoors when schools are closed!

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You know it’s bound to happen. That moment when kids are stuck at home and utter the words, “I’m bored.”

Snow days. Sick days. Or like the current times, school closures due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.

Read: Virtual Playdate Ideas for Social Distancing

But did you know, those little words, should actually be music to your ears??

It’s true.

Because a bored kid is actually a good thing. It’s good for their development, problem-solving and just exploring creatively.

Sure, it’s important to let them have the freedom to play in unstructured settings to manage boredom and explore their passions, but what about those times you need to plan ahead??

There’s no harm in being a little proactive and having a plethora of options ready to go for those situations that call for it, like the present!

So whether you’re just trying to get through the day with your sanity intact or simply want to explore more ways to help your kids burn-off energy creatively, check out the ideas below.

Related: 25 Ways to Teach Science to Your Preschooler

The list includes both indoor and outdoor activities for kids, from the toddler and preschool years to elementary-age.

50 Creative Kid Activities to do at Home

This list of activities for kids is broken down by age group, but can absolutely be done by several ages, depending on your child’s interest. Take a look, click on the links for more details and have fun!!

*Note: The list will be updated continuously. Check back later for more!

Indoor & Outdoor Activities for Toddlers

Click the links below to see each toddler activity in action. From washing their favorite toys and painting with bubbles inside, to getting active with color hopscotch or exploring nature outdoors.

• Roll and Hop Shape Game
• Bubble Painting Activity
• Parachute Play
• Bath Time for Toy Animals
• Tape Resist Art
• Color Scavenger Hunt
• Tape Jump Gross-Motor Activity
• Color Hop Activity
• Painting with Ice Activity
• Outdoor Sticky Mural
• Dinosaur Swamp Play
• Pretend Snow Sensory Bin
• Dance Party
  • Grab your favorite instruments, hula hoops or just turn the music up for a dance party!
• Dress Up
  • Let the kids go all out and dress up in their costumes or favorite characters.
• Indoor ball pit
  • Use whatever kid-friendly balls you have at home, even stuffed animals can work

Indoor & Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers

If you are specifically looking for activities for preschoolers, click below. Many of these can be done with a toddler as well, which works great if you have more than one child at home!

• Indoor Obstacle Course
• ABC Sidewalk Chalk Activity
• Make your own gluten-free playdough or grab your own set with fun pretend play accessories!
• Easy Pretend Play Ideas
• Preschool Outdoor Obstacle Course
• Color Sorting Pom-Pom Game
• Rainbow Bubbles Sensory Play
• Bird Feeder Craft Activity
• Shark Sensory Bin
• Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt
• Pet Rocks
• Dinosaur Egg Excavation Activity
• Make an air fort using blankets and a fan!
• Try this body painting activity great for all ages!
• Get building with magnetic tiles.
• Set up indoor bowling with anything you have lying around.
• Play your favorite board games, even little ones can partake in.
• Fill one of these with pillows or even couch cushions to make a giant crash pad!
• Put those toilet paper rolls to good use with this GIANT list of paper roll craft ideas!
• Try movement breaks or kid yoga to release tension and create a calm body.

Indoor & Outdoor Activities for Older Kids

Finally, don’t forget to involve your school-age child with any of the kid activities below. From creative ways to burn off energy in the backyard, to finding a quiet corner to cozy up with a good book.

• Make your own reading nook with pillows, canopy, tents or blankets!
• Go hiking with an outdoor scavenger hunt
• Make Giant Bubbles
• Do Chores – For Kids of All Ages
• Make Cardboard Box Crafts
• Sidewalk Chalk Math Activity
• Bang – Sight Words Card Game
• Build a Fort
• Play with Legos
• Break out the bikes or scooters.
• Indoor Egg Scavenger Hunt
• Gross-Motor Energy Busters
• Fun Rock Painting Activities
• DIY Ninja Warrior Backyard Obstacle Course
• Take your pick with these creative science experiments
• Try a variety of activities from brain-teasers, Legos and origami, perfect for your 6-10-year-old child.

*This list is growing and will be updated periodically. Check back for more!