How To Keep Your Kids Busy and Entertained When They Are Stuck Inside  

It would be great if your kids could play outside all year long. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Extreme heat, snow or rain forces everyone indoors.

Still, you should not let bad weather stop you and your family from having a good time. Here are five ways to keep your kids busy and entertained inside the house.

1. Let the Learning Begin

Take advantage of the time indoors by jump-starting your kids' brains. Show them websites that let them have fun while they learn. YouTube channels and podcasts are great digital education resources. Some sites even let kids play fun math games such as snake.

If your kids prefer more hands-on activities, find some online science experiments that they can perform in their rooms. They can create their own slime or even a lava lamp.

Reading is another activity that will stimulate your kids' minds. Many libraries even let you check out books electronically.

2. Hit the Kitchen

Ask your kids to help you bake some cookies or brownies. They can do simple tasks like mixing the ingredients or cracking eggs. Your kids can learn important cooking skills and get a sweet reward when the goodies are ready.

You can easily find child-friendly dessert recipes online. If sweets are not your thing, you can try some savory dishes, as well.

3. Play (or Make) a Game

Board games were popular for a reason. Teach them the classic tabletop activities that you played as a child. If your kids enjoy Monopoly or Guess Who, you can even set up regular family game nights.

If you do not have any board games in your house, you can download online party games on your phone or tablet. You can also set up games in your house. For instance, you could grab some furniture and cushions and build your own obstacle course.   

For a less physical, but still, fun, activity, have your children decorate a cardboard box. When they are not looking, cut a flap into the box. Once your kids are done, explain that the box is magical and that items will magically appear inside it. Put some trinkets through the flap and watch your kids' eyes light up when they open the box.

Larger families may also enjoy playing Pass the Story. All you need is a large ball. Take the ball and start making up a story. Then pass the ball to another member of the family and have he or she continue the tale. Continue until the story is complete. This is a great way to let your children's imaginations run wild.

4. Create Something

Storms are a great excuse to bring out the arts supplies hiding in your closet. Create a workshop for your kids filled with paper, tape and everything else they need for a rainy day.

You can also rely on another old staple: the fort. Have your kids use blankets and pillows to create their own little hideaway. Once the fort is done, hold a sleepover inside it. You can even tell ghost stories or read books via candlelight.  

Boxes are another item children can use to construct mini-houses. With a bit of imagination, a box can become a car or plane, as well. The next time you get a gift or buy an appliance, you should thus store the box in the basement. It could come in handy on a rainy day.

5. Bring the Outdoors Inside

Younger kids' outdoor toys can be utilized in your house. Your kids can ride their bikes in the garage. They can even use their slide, as long as it leads to a pile of cushions.

Kids do not need a yard or sunlight to stay busy. With your help, you can keep them entertained when they are stuck inside. They might learn something or discover a fun new hobby.  In the future, they may gravitate toward these indoor activities even when the weather is nice outside.