This pandemic has been a trying time for most parents. Tac on a very cold winter, and the days can feel eternal. My two boys have a lot of energy and as much as I’d like them to burn it on their own, they usually need a little adult direction. I am always on the lookout for fun easy indoor games or activities to keep everyone happy when we’re stuck inside, and to give the boys a chance to burn their energy in a positive way.
I have fallen victim to the Amazon pit looking for toy/game solutions, but they are usually played with a few times, then collect dust. Screens are an easy solution, but we really try hard to limit those as much as possible.
So, I compiled a list of indoor games that can be played with two or more people (depending on Mom and Dad’s energy level). Any necessary equipment can be found around the home and can be played indoors without (much) damage to the house. I usually play a few rounds with them, and then see if they can play without me. This works 10% of the time.
So without further ado:
1 – What’s in the Case?
Grab a pillow case or small bag. One person grabs 5 household items or toys and places them in the case (nothing sharp, wet, or dangerous). The other person has to close their eyes, reach in and guess each object by feel. It’s trickier than it sounds and is a ton of fun.
2 – Painters Tape Course
For this you will need a roll of tape (blue painters tape is easiest on the floors and cleanup). Before applying the tape, have the kids draw a map of the obstacle course on a piece of paper so they have an idea of what it will look like. There can be a maze, balance beams, imaginary walls to jump over or for a castle. The possibilities are endless!
3 – Sock Sports
“No throwing balls in the house”
Man, I sound like my parents. An easy solution for the cooped-up sports fanatic is a rolled-up pair of socks and a laundry basket. Stand the basket upright for Socks-ketball, lay it on its side for Sock-ey or Sock-er. These are a few go to games in our house but getting creative and coming up with your own spin is part of the fun.
4 – Scavenger Hunt
We were staying at a friend’s house a few years ago and their kids were bored. The adults were talking in the kitchen, and when the 8 year old came in asking what they could do the mom said,
“I hid a quarter upstairs, go try to find it.”
There was no quarter, but a scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids thinking and moving at the same time. These hunts can be complex and mapped out with clues and hidden items, or they can be simplified by just asking kids to find items in their rooms.
Find something blue!
Can you find something really small?
Bring me something soft!
Find something fuzzy!
5 – What’s Missing?
This is a classic restaurant game with kids that can be re-purposed anywhere. Get a collection of items. We like to use small action figure toys as we have a lot of them. Spread them out on the floor or table. Have one person study the display of items for 30 sec, then close their eyes. The other person removes one of the items and the first person has to guess what was removed. If it’s too easy, try two or three items.
6 – Questions
If sitting around the dinner table or just lounging on the couch, try some of these open ended questions. Some of the best quotes in our family come from questions like these. They are a great way to encourage creative thinking and bonding as a whole.
Survive and Thrive
We need to get through this craziness somehow, and kids are not sympathetic to our woes. Hopefully one if not all of these easy indoor games gives you and your family some mental reprieve from captivity and you have some fun in the meantime. How many days ’til Spring?
