Days spent at home can be a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, but it’s not always easy to come up with new activities to keep everyone happy and entertained.
Here are some ideas for family indoor fun.
1. Create a drive-in film night
Watching a good movie is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family.
You can make it even more fun for your little ones by creating a box car for them to sit in, drive-in style. There are plenty of simple guides online to help you create the perfect cardboard vehicle for your kids.
Once they’re all set, it’s time to get the popcorn ready and enjoy a nice family film.
2. Play some classic games
Why not dig out a pack of cards and try out some classic games like Go Fish or Crazy Eights?
You can also have a go at any classic board games you might have. If your kids are too young for the likes of Monopoly, you can try some simpler games such as Guess Who.
If you have a little extra time, you could even create your own game using things you probably already have at home. For instance, you can create a chess board from Lego or create your own board game with the help of a site like Twinkl.
3. Have a themed dining night
You can let your kids pick a theme and then dress up and create a meal based on their choice. For example, you can dress up as cowboys and cowgirls and settle down to a cowboy-inspired dinner, whether it’s a burger or a hearty bowl of chilli.
You could also pair a meal with a film. How about fashioning some cardboard dog ears and watching Lady and the Tramp with a nice bowl of spaghetti? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or Ratatouille will also do nicely.
4. Visit virtual museums and art galleries
You don’t need to leave your home to have a cultural day with your family. In fact, you can explore some of the world’s greatest museums and art galleries online.
For example, you can take a virtual tour of the National History Museum or visit Paris’s Louvre for a Mona Lisa virtual reality experience.
5. Make a puppet theatre
Help your children make a puppet theatre and put on a show.
From using props to helping them create a script, songs and dances, you can make it as elaborate as you’d like.
Puppets can be made easily, using paper bags, scrap fabrics or old socks. You can also add some soft toys or dolls to the cast.
Then, sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show, rewarding your kids’ efforts with plenty of claps and cheers.
6. Camp indoors
Create that magical camping experience in the comfort of your living room.
All you need is a tent and some sleeping bags. Turn off the lights and get your torches out. Dinner can be hot dogs on the living room floor, sitting around the ‘campfire’ - Pinterest has plenty of suggestions on how to make a safe pretend indoor campfire.
7. Take a rollercoaster ride
We’re not suggesting some dramatic home improvements in the name of family entertainment. Instead, you can enjoy the thrills of some of the world’s most exciting rollercoasters and rides all from your own home.
Why not start with Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure at Universal Studios? It takes you on an exciting ride through the Forbidden Forest in the grounds of Hogwarts School.
8. Join an online escape room
There are plenty of virtual escape rooms and online whodunits that the whole family can take part in. They’re a fun way to get everyone’s brains ticking.
The School Run website has some suggestions here, including some that are free.
9. Make a gingerbread house
For little effort or money, you can create an impressive baking spectacle by making a gingerbread house. The ingredients are simple and you can find plenty of templates online.
This is a great recipe for kids to help with.
When it comes to spending a fun family day at home, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for even more ideas, read our guides on the best creative activities to do at home and the best family indoor adventures
