40 Screen-Free Indoor Activities to Bring on Joy(Even on Rainy Days!)

Let’s be real: summer days, sick days, or just plain long days have a way of bringing on the dreaded “I’m bored!” chant, leading to a plea for screen time. As a school counselor, I’ve learned the drill of keeping children occupied and emotionally regulated indoors, particularly when you’re attempting to limit devices.

But boredom is indeed a door to creativity! And indoor play is vital to the growth of imagination, problem-solving skills, and even emotional intelligence. To make it easier for you to turn those indoor minutes into learning-and-bonding moments, I’ve curated an ultimate list of 40 screen-free activities. Some of these activities are well suited for pre-teens and above children, and they’re easy to incorporate into an everyday balanced routine.

Prepare to ignite joy, creativity, and serenity — even indoors!

Artistic & Craft Projects Uncover these do-it-yourself activities that promote self-expression and finger dexterity!

Origami-Purchase an Origami Kit for Beginners and learn to make paper animals or objects.
Sculpting with Air-Dry Clay-Make figures, bowls, or ornaments with Non-Toxic Air-Dry Clay.
Tie-Dye Fun (Indoors)-Reuse old t-shirts or socks with a Tie-Dye Kit.
Collage Making-Make artwork with recycled magazines and newspapers.
Perler Beads- Create detailed designs and iron them into solid shapes with a Perler Bead Kit.
DIY Stamps-Carve patterns onto potatoes or erasers to stamp onto paper.
Yarn Crafts-Finger knitting kits, creating pom-poms, or attempting easy weaving.
Decorating Cookies/Cupcakes-Be creative with frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
Make Friendship Bracelets/Beaded Jewelry-Utilize Embroidery Floss Kits or a Bead Assortment Kit.
Make a Diorama-Build a 3D world in a shoebox with craft supplies.

Games & Structured Play
Get their bodies and minds moving with these interactive games that challenge strategy, teamwork, and speed!

Jenga-Challenge balance and strategy with a classic Jenga Game.
Uno/Skip-Bo/Phase 10-Play fast-paced card games such as Uno or Skip-Bo.
Headbandz/Guess Who?-Play ridiculous guessing games like Headbandz or Guess Who?.
Memory Game-Utilize a Classic Memory Card Game to educate and strengthen memory skills.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt-Make clues to search for a “treasure” making use of home-made objects.
“The Floor is Lava”-A traditional think-up game using furniture as footholds.
Indoor Bowling-Use plastic bottles and a soft ball for an indoor fun alley.
Hot Potato-Pass hurriedly around a plush toy to music, holding on when the music is halted.
Indoor Mini Golf-Establish a quick course with cups, books, and a soft ball.
Twenty Questions-A traditional word-guessing game for any age group of children.

Active & Movement-Based Play: Burn Energy Indoors
These games have children moving about their body, releasing energy, and enhancing coordination even indoors!

Indoor Dance Party-Put on your favorite tunes and just dance!
Indoor Obstacle Course-Set up a course with pillows, blankets, and furniture to crawl over, jump over, and go in and out of.
Balloon Volleyball-Maintain a light balloon off the ground with only hands or feet.
Charades-Mimic words or phrases silently.
Pictionary-Draw clues for others to identify.
Kids’ Yoga/Exercise Videos-Follow along with Kids Yoga Cards or fun online exercise leaders.
“Simon Says”-A traditional follow-the-directive game that gets everyone up and active.
Indoor “Snowball” Fight-Paper snowballs or soft socks create a friendly, safe battle.
Hallway Laser Maze-Crepe paper or yarn arranged in a hallway is a “laser” maze.
Blindfolded Maze-Blindfold someone and escort them through an simple furniture maze.

Quiet, Learning & Constructive Activities
These activities provide a chance for concentration, problem-solving, and creative building!

Listen to Audiobooks/Podcasts- Access enriching tales or study material with an Audible Kids Subscription.
Write and Illustrate a Short Book- Design their own paperback book.
Solve a Rubik’s Cube/Logic Puzzles- Engage their brain with a Rubik’s Cube or a Puzzle Book for Children.
Learn Something New- Juggling, easy magic tricks (with a Beginner Magic Kit), or easy computer programming (with a Coding Skills for Kids Book).
Fort/Den Building- Move from blankets to include chairs, cushions, and innovative engineering.
Model Building-Build complex STEM Model Kits or sophisticated LEGO Architecture Sets.
Shadow Puppets- Engage in hand-and-light-storytelling art on the wall.
Make a Family Time Capsule-Collect small items symbolizing the current time and open the capsule in the future.
Organize an Imaginary Vacation- Read about a fantasy vacation, organize activities, and even set a budget using maps and websites.
Create a Play/Skit-Work out characters, script, and perform for the family.
Sparking Connection Beyond the Screen
These activities inside are about learning to develop skills, create imagination, bring families together, and support emotional health. By offering guided, fun screen-free activities, you’re allowing your child to learn self-regulation, focus, and have a better understanding of imaginative play! The next time the weather keeps you trapped indoors, or you just need a break from screens, grab this list and bring some happiness and calm!

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase a product via these links, I receive a small commission with no additional cost to you. I only suggest products that I truly think will genuinely benefit your family.