Being stuck inside is never an ideal situation, but there are a host of ways to get the kids creating and using their imagination at home – from indoor treasure hunts and jewellery making, to composing your own songs and disco dance parties.
Here are ten creative ideas for some indoor family fun – cheap and easy ways to beat the lockdown boredom.
Indoor treasure hunt
From choosing and making the treasure to how you devise the hunt, an indoor treasure hunt is ideal for getting the kids to think creatively.
Draw a map and then hide various items around the house and get your little ones to hunt them down. They can then draw their own maps of the house, or a room, and hide an item which you have to find.
Dress Up
Let the kids’ imaginations run wild playing dress up with old clothes and everyday objects.
Hunt out some old shoes, dresses, shirts, hats, jewellery, or sunglasses. Whatever you can find! This should help kick start some inventive role playing for the little ones.
Indoor Theatre Show
Plan some home theatre and put on a show in your living room. Making costumes with children and deciding on their choice of show and music will get them thinking creatively.
The children can perform for the family and add to the show with their choice of props.
Jewellery Making
Using everyday items from the home, try some jewellery making with the family. Kids can make bangles, necklaces and rings cheaply and easily. A touch of added sparkle with some glitter should add to the fun!
Disco dance party
Have a disco party in your home and let the kids choose the music and disco decorations. They can also try making their own disco outfits and accessories.
This could include Zumba or yoga, there are a number of tutorials for both on YouTube. An excellent way to keep the family fit and healthy.
Messy Play
Let the children explore without worrying about the mess. They can use aprons and the messy play element can be kept in bags. Younger children will love the sensory experience and the chance to rummage.
It’s a great way to let children of all ages express themselves. You can have fun with paints or even make life size drawings or collages.
Get Creative with Food
Food can be an excellent way for children to explore their creativity. Prepare the food with the kids and let them create toppings and decorations for cakes and pizza. Baking in particular is a perfect activity for supervised young children.
You can also encourage your budding chefs to create their own dishes and menus.
Build a Den
Children love to make dens, they provide hours of fun and an opportunity for role play. Fire-up their imaginations and build a den using cushions, blankets and chairs at home.
Make your very own indoor fort, boat or hideaway. Den building is ideal for children to create their own worlds and break the routine of staying indoors.
Making Music with Homemade Instruments
Have fun making music with various items from around the house. From a pots and pans drum set to a rice shaker, let your imagination run riot!
You can also get creative writing songs, lyrics and melodies. It’s certain to get the children thinking and laughing and you can finish with a performance of the song.
Arts and Crafts
Your little ones can have hours of crafty fun creating their own worlds, such as houses, boats and spaceships.
Revive some of those old Blue Peter tips and get creating from cardboard containers and toilet rolls. You can encourage kids to imagine what they want to build.
Paint the finished items and display them around the house.