Finding fun and creative Indoor activities for kids is hard. Kids have short attention spans and get bored quickly. Coming up with new ideas is easier said than done especially when dealing with an only child whose only source of entertainment is you. Here are a few fun indoor activities to entertain an only child when you’re stuck in the house?
With social distancing in full effect in an attempt to flatten the curve of the current COVID pandemic, children have far fewer options for play and activities outside. Of course, inside the home, they’re easily entertained with devices and game consoles. That being said, while tech is an easy fix, it’s not always the best one. Hey, I grew up on old-school Mario. I know how much fun video games are, but while the kids are stuck at home, it’s the perfect time to give them indoor activities that require a bit more interactive learning potential.
5 Indoor Activities to Entertain an Only Child
These indoor activities are a great way to get kids to use their brains and have fun doing it. These are especially good for an only child because they really need no partner. They’re all projects and activities that can be done solo with a little help from a parent when required.
Baking
Baking is one of the best indoor activities that a child can do. Baking incorporates math due to the precise measurements involved. It also requires some concentration, which will help the time pass more quickly. Plus, at the end of it all, your child will have something delicious to show for all of his or her hard work.
Test out your baking skills with these kid-friendly recipes:
- Mermaid tail Cupcakes
- Mint Chocolate Cupcakes
- Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes
- Unicorn Donut Holes
- Southern Peach Cobbler
Single-Player Board Games and Card Games
You might not know this, but there are tons of single-player board games and card games out there. From medieval conquering to space exploration and mystery-solving, there is a wide variety of single-player board games out there. You can find 15 of the best single-player board games here.
When we think of single-player card games, Solitaire is the first thing that comes to mind. Solitaire is a game with a wide variety of variations, so there’s always a new way to play. Card Game Heaven has a list of the most popular Solitaire variations that you can look over. In addition to Solitaire, however, are some modern single-player card games that add a bit more spice to things.
Onirim is a single or two-player card game that requires players to navigate a mysterious labyrinth, searching for the door that will set them free. Its most recent version comes with seven expansions, so there’s a ton of content.
Arkham Horror, for one or two players, is a supernatural mystery card game where players assume the roles of unique investigators trying to solve mysteries as they battle monsters.
In addition to these two games, you can find a few other single-player card games on this Amazon list.
Pinterest Projects
Pinterest is the land of indoor activities for everyone, including only children. From sewing to painting to arts and crafts, and more, Pinterest has it. Half the fun is getting on there and searching for the perfect project, so pull up those boards and start searching with your son or daughter.
Building Kits
Building kits are another great source of learning, creativity, and fun for kids. Whether the kids are into LEGO, drones, or models like cars, ships, planes, or even Gunpla (Japanese robot models), there are a ton for them to choose from. Some of the best places to find models and building kits are:
Take an Online Class
If you’ve been following us since we started homeschooling then you already know we’re huge fans of Outschool. I love that Outschool allows Reese to spend her time online doing something educational. Whether that be learning to code, taking a hands-on science class, or debating Harry Potter in a book club for tweens. If your kids love being online, check out a few of our favorite Outschool class. If you’ve never taken an Outschool class here’s an opportunity to try it out. Sign up using this Outschool link and they will give you $20 towards your first class.
There are several classes under $20. Pick from one of our favorites below or try something different. As long as it’s under $20 the first class is free!
You Decide: Act as a Juror for a Civil Case $12
This activity will explore exactly what civil cases are, how they are decided and the issues that are decided in civil court. Then students will be given a real case where they will act as jurors to determine which side they agree with and determine the punishment for the losing side (which will reward the winning side).
Edible Science: Understanding Matter $15
Make ice cream while learning science. This class will explore the states of matter and how cooling changes matter by making ice cream in a bag. Students have the opportunity to develop scientific vocabulary in an authentic, real-world experience.
Escape Room: Escape from the National Museum of Natural History $15
In this one-time class, students will attempt to Escape from the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. using knowledge about natural history, and their critical thinking & logic skills.
Room Makeovers and Bedroom DIY
If you have an older child, this can be a fantastic indoor activity for him or her. Kids love nothing more than making their space really reflect who they are. Again, Pinterest really shines here. You can find all sorts of ideas with your child about how to revamp their bedroom, making it more “them”. It can be something as simple as rearranging furniture or even giving the room a new coat of paint. You’re only limited by imagination and how much work your child is willing to put into the project.
Reese was on the search for area rugs and we found these cute finds:
- Pink Solid Tufted Area Rug
- NuLoom Pink Solid Loomed Area Rug
- NuLoom Cloud Pink Solid Tufted Area Rug
Indoor Scavenger Hunts
An indoor scavenger hunt is a ton of fun. This indoor activity promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, concentration, and commitment. It’s also just plain fun to scour the house for the items on the list. To add a bit of spice, give your child a special prize at the end of the scavenger hunt to make them feel like they really accomplished something.
Indoor Activities Keep the Kids’ Minds Engaged and Decrease Boredom
By now, your child might be going a bit stir-crazy, but these indoor activities will help get him or her out of there funk, inspire their creativity, and get those brains working again. They’re a great way to break up video games and screen time without the kids feeling like they’re being punished. After all, if I didn’t have work, I’d probably be playing more video games, too! Pepper in these indoor activities, and you’ll have a nice balance of screen and brain time for the kiddos.
