Finding fun activities to enjoy with your child at home can be a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of creativity and some everyday household items to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure.
The key is to engage your child’s imagination and keep them entertained with simple, yet exciting activities.
In this article, you will discover 30 different ways to have fun with your child at home. From arts and crafts to indoor games, there are plenty of ideas that cater to a range of interests and ages.
These activities not only keep your child busy but also help in fostering their creativity and learning skills.
1. Bake cookies together
Baking cookies with your child is a fantastic way to spend time together. It’s an activity that combines fun, learning, and tasty rewards.
Start by picking a simple recipe. Chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodles are great choices. They are easy to make and hard to mess up.
Let your child help with measuring ingredients. This teaches them about math and following instructions. You can even make it a game by counting out chocolate chips or measuring flour.
Mixing the dough is always fun. Give your child a spoon to stir or let them use their hands. Kids love getting messy, and this is a safe way for them to do it.
Rolling dough into balls is another fun task. Your child can practice making balls of different sizes.
As the cookies bake, the kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma. This builds anticipation and excitement.
Once the cookies are done, let them cool before tasting. Enjoy the cookies together with a glass of milk.
Baking cookies together not only creates delicious treats but also makes lasting memories.
2. Create a DIY Craft Station
Setting up a DIY craft station at home can be a fantastic way to spark creativity. You don’t need much space, just a dedicated area where your child can let their imagination run wild.
First, gather some basic supplies. Think about getting glue sticks, age-appropriate scissors, crayons, markers, and colored paper. You might also want to include items like stickers, glitter, and stamps.
Next, find a good spot. A small table in a quiet corner works perfectly. If you have extra shelf space, use it to store all the craft materials. Keeping everything organized makes it easier for your child to find what they need.
Another tip is to use small containers or bins to keep supplies sorted. This helps keep the area tidy. You could even label the containers to make things even more organized.
Having a comfortable chair is important too. Make sure it’s the right height for your child to sit and work comfortably. If you want to save space, consider using fold-out desks or tables.
Finally, let your child personalize the space. Encourage them to add their artwork or decorate their craft station. This makes it feel like their own special place to get creative.
3. Build a blanket fort
Building a blanket fort is a fun and easy way to engage with your child. You don’t need a lot of materials, just some blankets, sheets, and a bit of imagination.
Start by choosing a spot with enough floor space. A living room or playroom works well. Lay down cozy blankets or sleeping bags to mark the area of your fort.
Next, gather some chairs, couches, or tables. Place them about 4 feet apart to form the walls. Drape sheets over the sides of the chairs to create the walls of your fort.
For the roof, drape another sheet over the top of the chairs or tables. If the sheet slides off, weigh it down with books or clothespins.
Make the inside inviting by adding pillows, stuffed animals, and a lantern. An Ikea lantern can add a nice touch and create a cozy atmosphere.
This activity not only sparks creativity but also provides a private little hideaway for your child. Enjoy crawling inside the fort together and let your imaginations run wild.
4. Play a board game
Playing board games with your child is a fantastic way to bond while also teaching valuable skills. Many board games can help develop fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
For younger kids, games like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders are great for learning colors, numbers, and shapes.
Older kids might enjoy more strategic games like Chess or Settlers of Catan. These games can help improve problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
Board games also offer a wonderful opportunity to teach emotional regulation and self-management. Your child learns to take turns, manage victories and defeats, and play cooperatively with others.
Games like Monopoly Junior or The Game of Life are perfect for family game night. They are simple enough for younger children but still fun for adults.
Memory games or puzzles like jigsaw puzzles and Rubik’s Cubes can be a great way to challenge and entertain. These activities help improve your child’s memory and concentration.
Whether you are picking a classic like Monopoly or a newer game, board games are a fun and educational way to spend time with your child.
5. Have a Movie Marathon
Pick a day for a movie marathon and gather some of your favorite films. It’s fun for both you and your child.
Choose a theme for your marathon. You could go with classic family movies like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Jungle Book, or The Wizard of Oz.
Make it cozy with blankets and pillows. Dim the lights, and maybe even light some candles to set the mood.
Prepare some movie snacks. Popcorn is a must, but you can also include some of your child’s favorite treats.
Pause between movies for stretch breaks and discussions. Talk about favorite parts and characters. This makes the experience more interactive and memorable.
6. Do a puzzle
Doing a puzzle can be a fantastic way to spend quality time with your child. Puzzles come in many shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your child’s age and interests.
You can start with chunky puzzles that have large pieces. These are perfect for toddlers who are still developing their motor skills.
For older kids, consider more complex puzzles like jigsaw puzzles with hundreds of pieces. These can be a great challenge and a lot of fun to complete together.
Creating your own puzzles can also be a fun activity. Use materials like cardboard, old magazines, or even LEGO blocks to design unique puzzles that you and your child can solve.
Name puzzles are another great idea. Write your child’s name on a piece of paper, cut it into pieces, and let them put it back together. It’s a fun way to help them learn their letters.
Holiday-themed puzzles are another hit. Use popsicle sticks to create puzzles for different holidays. Decorate them with markers or stickers and mix them up for a fun challenge!
No matter what type of puzzle you choose, it’s a great way to bond, learn, and most importantly, have fun together!
7. Arrange a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get your child excited and moving. You can easily set one up at home with items you already have. Simply make a list of things for your child to find around the house.
For example, you might list a red sock, a spoon, or a toy car. Give your child a small bag to collect the items. As they search, they’ll be using their observation and problem-solving skills.
You can also create themed scavenger hunts. If it’s a rainy day, go with an indoor theme like finding cozy items. During spring, include items from nature like leaves or flowers. Customize the list based on your child’s interests for added fun.
Adding little clues or riddles can make the hunt more challenging for older kids. You might say, “Find something that keeps you warm at night,” leading them to their favorite blanket.
Consider offering a small reward at the end, like a snack or extra playtime. This adds a sense of accomplishment and keeps the game exciting.
Scavenger hunts are perfect for kids of all ages and can be adapted to suit different skills and settings. They’ll bring adventure and joy to your home.
8. Read a book aloud
Reading a book aloud can be a fun and enriching activity. Pick a favorite book and find a comfy spot. It’s great for bonding and helps build your child’s imagination.
Get creative with your voice. Use different accents or funny sounds. This keeps your child engaged and makes the story come alive.
Involve your child by letting them turn the pages. You can also ask them questions about the story as you go. This makes it interactive and more exciting.
If your child is energetic, consider letting them move around while you read. They could hop on a hopper ball or bounce on a small trampoline nearby.
Reading aloud can be part of a daily routine, like before bedtime or after lunch. Consistency helps build a love for reading.
Make it a family event by inviting siblings to join. Everyone can take turns reading parts of the story.
Remember, it’s not about reading perfectly. It’s about having fun and spending time together.
9. Paint Rocks
Painting rocks is a fun and creative activity you can do with your child at home.
You can use simple supplies like acrylic paint, markers, and brushes. Rocks can be found in your yard or bought at a craft store.
Try painting animals, like ladybugs or owls. You can also paint patterns or simple designs like rainbows and stars.
Another fun idea is to turn rocks into game pieces. Paint a set to make a DIY Tic Tac Toe board. You can take it anywhere, even to the beach.
For younger kids, using markers is an easy, mess-free way to decorate rocks. Sharpies are perfect for drawing on rocks.
Let your child’s imagination run wild. They can create their own characters or scenes. Display the finished rocks in your garden or around the house.
Painting rocks is a simple and enjoyable way to spend time together and make lasting memories.
10. Make a scrapbook
Making a scrapbook with your child can be a fun and creative way to spend time together. It’s a wonderful way to capture memories and tell stories.
Start by gathering some materials. You’ll need a scrapbook, glue, scissors, and colorful markers. You can also collect stickers, ribbons, and patterned paper for decoration.
Choose a theme for your scrapbook. It could be a special trip, a family event, or even everyday moments. Let your child pick pictures and mementos they want to include.
Help your child arrange the items on the pages. Try fun layouts like Polaroid-style photos or a black-and-white theme. Don’t forget to add little notes and captions to explain each picture.
Encourage your child to be creative. They can draw, doodle, or write short stories next to the pictures. Use colorful washi tape for borders or frames.
Making a scrapbook together is not only about the final product but also the bonding time. Your child will love looking back at the memories and feeling proud of their creative work.
11. Conduct a Science Experiment
Why not turn your home into a mini science lab? Science experiments are a fun way to learn and play together.
You can start with simple experiments using stuff you already have. For example, try the “disappearing penny” trick using a glass of water.
Another fun experiment is the color-changing flowers. Put white flowers in water with food coloring and watch them change colors over a few days.
Mix oil, water, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create a homemade lava lamp. It’s a cool way to explore how different liquids don’t mix.
You can also inflate a balloon with yeast and water. The balloon fills up as the yeast produces gas. This is a great way to learn about chemical reactions.
For something a bit more exciting, make a vinegar and baking soda rocket. The fizzing reaction can make the rocket fly up to 50 feet!
These activities are perfect for sparking curiosity and spending some quality time together. So grab those common household items and start experimenting!
12. Play hide and seek
Hide and seek is a thrilling game for kids. It’s simple to set up and promises hours of fun. Just close your eyes, count to ten, and let your child find the perfect hiding spot.
There are many exciting variations. You can try “Secret Wave,” where each person found joins the seeker team. This adds a twist and keeps the game interesting.
For younger children, “Sardines” is great. In this version, one person hides and everyone looks for them. When someone finds the hider, they join them in the hiding spot. It becomes cozy and fun with everyone packed like sardines.
You can also play “Hide Things and Seek.” Hide small objects around the house while your child’s eyes are closed. Then, let them search for the items. It’s like a mini scavenger hunt and is perfect for days when you want to switch things up.
Playing hide and seek can improve memory and task skills. Kids remember rules and use strategy to find the best spots. It’s also a chance for them to get active and use their imagination.
Embrace the wiggles and giggles that come with this timeless game.
13. Dance party
Turn up the music and throw a dance party right in your living room. Dancing is a great way to get moving and have fun with your child.
Start by creating a playlist of your child’s favorite songs. Mix in some upbeat tracks to keep the energy high.
Clear some space by moving furniture aside. This will help prevent any accidental bumps or falls.
You can make it more exciting by adding some decorations. Streamers or balloons can make the space feel festive.
Encourage your child to show off their dance moves. Join in and dance along to make it a memorable experience for both of you.
Play games like Freeze Dance. Pause the music suddenly and have everyone freeze in place until the music starts again.
Use different dance styles. You can try hip-hop, ballet, or even pretend to be different animals while dancing.
A dance party is not just fun; it helps with physical activity and coordination. Plus, it’s a great way to lift everyone’s spirits.
You can even have themed dance parties, like disco night or a superhero dance-off. Dressing up can make it even more fun.
Don’t worry about perfect moves. Just dance, laugh, and enjoy the time together.
14. Build with LEGO blocks
LEGO blocks are a fantastic way to spend quality time with your child. You can start with simple builds like houses or cars and gradually move to more complex creations.
Try setting fun challenges, like building a spaceship using only 50 bricks. You could create a dinosaur using just one color of bricks or make a robot using only square bricks.
LEGO activities also teach valuable skills. While building, your child can improve their fine motor skills and learn to plan and solve problems.
You can also combine LEGO with learning. For example, you could create a scale to weigh objects or build a candy dispenser that actually works! These projects not only entertain but also offer hands-on experience with STEAM concepts.
Don’t forget, it’s all about having fun and being creative together!
15. Have a tea party
Hosting a tea party at home can be a delightful way to spend time with your child. You can dress up in fancy clothes or even create paper crowns to feel like royalty.
Prepare simple snacks like sandwiches, cupcakes, or 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls. Use small plates, cups, and napkins to make it special.
Set the table with a pretty tablecloth, doilies, and some flowers. You can use real or fake flowers placed in small vases.
Serve tea or a kid-friendly option like juice or hot chocolate. Allow your child to help with pouring and serving.
Make it more fun by adding some creative activities. You can decorate cookies or cupcakes together.
Organize a “Best Hat Contest” where everyone wears their funniest or fanciest hats. Hold a “Teacup Treasure Hunt” with clues hidden in teacups around the house.
Enjoy the time talking and laughing together. A tea party can make ordinary moments feel magical and create lasting memories with your child.
16. Write a story together
Grab some paper and pens or open a document on your computer. Start by brainstorming ideas with your child. Maybe it’s about a magical world or a friendly monster. Let your imagination run wild!
Take turns writing sentences or paragraphs. Encourage your child to add their ideas and twist the plot. This not only boosts creativity but also improves writing skills.
You can use story prompts to get started. Simple prompts like “Once upon a time, in a faraway land…” can spark great ideas.
Illustrate your story if you like. Draw scenes or characters to bring the story to life. This makes the activity even more engaging and fun.
Don’t worry about making it perfect. The goal is to have fun and create something together. So enjoy the process and cherish the time spent with your child.
17. Make Homemade Playdough
Making homemade playdough is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your child. You’ll need simple ingredients like flour, salt, water, and oil.
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl. You can add food coloring to make it more exciting.
Knead the mixture until it forms a dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Let your child help with mixing and kneading. They’ll enjoy feeling the different textures.
After making the dough, you can use cookie cutters, rolling pins, and other tools to create fun shapes.
Storing the playdough in an airtight container will keep it fresh for months.
Involve your child in making different colors or adding scents for added fun.
18. Do a nature walk in the backyard
Explore your backyard with your child. Start by observing the different plants and flowers. Let your child touch leaves and feel the textures.
Walk around and look for bugs or small animals. Point out birds flying or insects crawling. This helps kids notice the little things around them.
Bring a small notebook and crayons. Encourage your child to draw what they see. This can include trees, flowers, or even bugs.
Create a simple scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to find, like a red leaf, a small rock, or a feather. Let your child check off each item as they find it.
Talk about different smells in nature. Smell flowers, leaves, or the soil. Discuss what each one smells like.
Make a bark rubbing. Hold paper against tree bark and rub with the side of a crayon. This creates a textured picture of the bark.
Pack a small snack for the walk. Find a nice spot to sit and enjoy it. Use this time to relax and talk about what you’ve seen.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. A hat and water bottle are useful, too. Enjoy your nature walk and treasure the moments spent together in the backyard.
19. Set up a mini photo shoot
Gather some props and set up an indoor scene. Use toys, costumes, or any fun items you have lying around. Get creative and decorate the space to make it special.
Take turns as the photographer and the model. Let your child snap some pictures, too. You’ll be surprised at how much fun they have behind the camera.
Use different rooms for variety. Try taking photos in the living room, kitchen, or even their bedroom. Each space offers a unique backdrop and feel.
Remember to capture candid moments. Don’t just take posed photos. Snap some shots of your child playing, laughing, or making funny faces. These moments are often the most cherished.
20. Create a Treasure Map
Making a treasure map with your child can be an exciting adventure. Start by drawing a simple map. You can use a regular piece of paper and draw some easy landmarks, like a tree, a house, or a big rock.
To give the map an old look, crumple the paper and smooth it out. You can even stain it with wet coffee grounds or a black tea bag. This makes it look like an ancient pirate map!
Choose a few spots in your house or yard where you’ll hide small treasures. Mark each spot on the map with an “X.” You can add fun pirate-themed drawings like skulls and caves to make it more interesting.
Hide little treasures at the marked spots. These can be small toys, candies, or even funny notes. Now, hand the map to your child and let the treasure hunt begin! Watching them follow the map and discover each hidden treasure will bring joy and excitement. It’s a playful way to spend quality time together.
21. Invent a new game
Creating a new game can be a fun and exciting activity for you and your child. Start by brainstorming ideas together. Think about what your child loves. Do they like running? Maybe a game with lots of movement would be great.
You can use household items for game pieces. For example, create a bowling game using empty plastic bottles and a tennis ball. Or, design a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house.
If you have paper and markers, you can design a board game. Draw the board, make the rules, and come up with challenges or tasks for each space.
Naming the game can also be a fun part of the process. Let your child be as creative as they want.
Don’t forget to test the game. Play it together and make adjustments as needed. This not only makes the game better but also involves your child in problem-solving.
Inventing a game is a great way to encourage creativity, teamwork, and lots of laughter. Plus, your child will feel proud playing a game they helped create.
22. Decorate cupcakes
Decorating cupcakes with your child can be a fun and creative activity. Start by baking a batch of simple cupcakes—vanilla or chocolate work great. Make sure to let them cool before starting the decorating process.
Set up a decorating station with various toppings. You can include sprinkles, colorful frosting, and edible glitter. Adding different flavors, like banana caramel or hot chocolate buttercream, can make it extra special.
Kids love using candy and small toys as toppers. You can find fun cupcake ideas like making cupcakes look like cheeseburgers or ice cream cones.
Allow your child to use their imagination. Let them decorate however they want. The goal is to have fun, not perfection.
Share the finished cupcakes with family and friends. It’s a great way to enjoy some sweet treats and create lasting memories.
23. Paper Airplane Contest
Hosting a paper airplane contest at home is a fun and easy way to entertain your child. All you need is some paper, a bit of space, and a love for friendly competition.
First, gather your supplies. Standard A4 or letter-size paper works well, but you can also use colored paper to make it more exciting.
Next, spend some time folding your planes. There are many different designs, from simple darts to complex gliders. Try a few different styles and see which one flies the best.
Once your planes are ready, set up a launch area. A long hallway or living room works great. Make sure there’s plenty of room for the planes to soar.
For the contest, you can have a few different events. See whose plane can fly the farthest, stay in the air the longest, or hit a target. You can even create obstacles to fly around.
Keep track of the scores and celebrate each other’s successes. Little prizes, like stickers or a homemade certificate, can add to the fun.
24. Gardening
Gardening can be a wonderful way to bond with your child. Start with a small spot in your yard or use containers if you don’t have much space. You can even use old containers like ice chests or kiddie pools.
Pick plants that are easy to grow, like tomatoes, beans, or sunflowers. Let your child help with planting the seeds and watering the plants. This can teach them patience and responsibility.
Create a mud garden with clean dirt, sticks, and old toys. This setup will allow your child to explore and play while you garden. Use kitchen utensils and cars to make it more fun.
You can also make simple projects like a bird feeder or a toad house. These activities are easy and exciting for kids. Collecting natural treasures while gardening can add another layer of fun. Think about rocks, leaves, and flowers.
Consider setting up a garden scavenger hunt. Write down a list of items for your child to find in the garden. It’s a fun way to learn and explore.
Gardening with your child is a great way to spend time outdoors and teach them about nature. Plus, it’s a relaxing and productive activity for both of you.
25. Create a family playlist
Creating a family playlist is a fun and easy way to bond with your kids. You can start by asking everyone to pick their favorite songs.
Include a mix of genres to keep things interesting. This way, you’ll have something for everyone to enjoy.
Take turns playing DJ. Whether you listen during meals, car rides, or family game nights, it makes the moment special.
Make sure to add songs that bring back memories. It could be a tune from a past vacation or a song that always makes you laugh.
You can also use this opportunity to introduce your kids to music you loved growing up. This can be a great way to share stories and experiences.
With your playlist set, you’re ready to create new memories together. So grab your playlist, hit play, and enjoy the music!
26. Practice magic tricks
Practicing magic tricks with your child is a fun and exciting way to spend time together. You don’t need to buy fancy equipment. Everyday items like coins, cards, or even a pencil can become magical props.
Start with simple tricks. The disappearing toothpick trick is perfect for beginners. Tape a toothpick to your thumb with clear tape. Close your fist and then open it to reveal the toothpick has vanished.
Another easy trick is the rubber pencil illusion. Hold a pencil loosely and shake it up and down. It will look like it’s bending when it’s not.
Try the floating matchstick trick. Place a matchstick on a card, cover it with a napkin, and lift the card with the matchstick floating in the air.
Kids also love the dancing raisins experiment. Add raisins to a mix of vinegar, water, and baking soda, and watch them move up and down in the bottle.
These tricks help boost your child’s confidence. As they practice and perform, they learn to present themselves and tell a story. Magic tricks are not only fun but also help develop fine motor skills and creativity. Enjoy the show!
27. Make paper mache crafts
Making paper mache crafts is a wonderful way to have fun with your child at home. You only need a few simple materials like newspaper, flour, and water. Start by tearing the newspaper into strips.
Next, mix one part flour with two parts water to make the paste. Make sure it’s smooth with no lumps. Dip a strip of newspaper into the paste, then slide it through your fingers to remove excess paste.
Lay the strip on your chosen base, such as a balloon or cardboard shape. Smooth it down with your fingers. Continue layering strips in a crisscross pattern until you have three layers.
Let the paper mache dry completely. This might take a day, so be patient! Once it’s dry, your child can paint and decorate their creation.
This activity not only sparks creativity but also helps develop fine motor skills. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together. Enjoy making a variety of fun shapes and characters!
28. Charades
Charades is a fun and lively game you can play with your child. It involves acting out a word or phrase without speaking, and the other players have to guess what it is. This game is great for all ages and can be played almost anywhere.
To get started, divide into teams or play individually. Write down different words or phrases on slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a slip and acting out what’s written without using words or sounds. Your goal is to get your teammates to guess correctly as quickly as possible.
You can choose themes for your charades, like animals, movies, or everyday actions. This adds more excitement and makes the game even more engaging.
Charades not only provides lots of laughter but also helps improve communication skills and creativity. It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time with your child while boosting their ability to express themselves through actions.
Playing charades can also be a great learning experience. For young kids, acting out animals or everyday chores helps them understand these concepts better. It’s a versatile game that offers both fun and educational benefits.
29. Origami
Origami is a fun and relaxing activity you can do with your child at home.
All you need is some colorful paper squares. You can find packs of origami paper online or cut regular paper into squares.
Start with simple projects like paper boats, birds, or flowers. There are many free tutorials and printable instructions available online.
Following the step-by-step guides together is a great way to bond and develop fine motor skills.
Origami is also a wonderful way to encourage creativity as your child can decorate their creations with markers or stickers.
As you get more comfortable, try tackling more complex designs. This can be a great challenge and a fun way to spend an afternoon.
With origami, the possibilities are endless and it’s a fantastic way to explore creativity while spending quality time together.
30. Face Painting
Face painting can be a fantastic way to have fun with your child at home. It’s a creative activity that lets your child become anything they imagine, from a tiger to a princess.
You’ll need some face paint, which you can find in kits at most craft stores. Grab some brushes and sponges too. Make sure to use face paints that are safe for skin.
Start with simple designs, like a butterfly, a pirate, or a superhero mask. These are easy and don’t require many colors. There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you step-by-step.
Face painting isn’t just for special occasions. You can turn an ordinary day into a magical one by transforming your child’s face into their favorite character.
It’s also a great way to bond. As you paint, you can chat, laugh, and spend quality time together. Don’t worry about making it perfect—it’s the fun that counts!
