10 Indoor Activities for Families
10 Indoor Activities for Families
shelby Stone, LMFT
Due to the fires currently impacting the Los Angeles, many areas are experiencing unsafe air conditions that require us to stay indoors. Being stuck inside during this time can add an extra layer of difficulty as we try to cope with the emotions surrounding this tragedy. Here are 10 indoor activities to help families stay busy, stay connected, and manage stress:
Puzzles: Working together on a jigsaw puzzle can engage families, feeling like they are contributing to something together. Puzzling can also be a relaxing solo project.
Art & Crafting Projects: From drawing and painting to clay sculpting and Play-Doh, creating art is a proven way to process and express emotions, reduce stress, improve mood, increase self-esteem, and help kids and adults adapt to changing conditions. If you do not have access to art supplies at this time, consider making homemade decorations, friendship bracelets, cards, or use a tablet to create digital art.
Games: Get the family immersed in classic board and card games like Taboo, Scrabble, Uno, Monopoly, Go Fish, Apples to Apples (or Cards Again Humanity for more mature families) to promote bonding and find moments of joy. Video games and virtual reality can also be a family affair with multiplayer options like Minecraft, Mario Kart, and Animal Crossing or exploring virtual reality worlds and interactive games together. Laughter, friendly competition, and adventure are great ways to join together.
Movement: In order to efficiently filter our stress hormones, we need to move our bodies. Try turning on some music and having a dance party or letting your kids teach you some TikTok choreography. There are also many online platforms with exercising routines for all ages and abilities. Maybe try some gentle movement with yoga and stretching or create a indoor obstacle course to keep active.
Talent Show: Each family member can perform, showcasing their own talent or skill, or act as host for the evening. Another way to engage in laughter and confidence building, feature some joke-telling, magic tricks, song & dance, or anything else you can think of. Take photos and videos - you could even make a digital slideshow or scrapbook of the experience!
Cooking/Baking: Whether picking a theme for dinner or choose-your-own-adventure pizza night, everyone can pitch in on a part of the meal or setting the table. Consider decorating cookies or cupcakes with younger kiddos who may not be ready to chop veggies.
Science Experiments: Tap into curiosity and learning by trying simple, fun science experiments like making slime, attempting the floating egg experiment (dissolve salt in water then test the buoyancy of eggs), or creating a Skittle rainbow (arrange Skittles in circle on outer curve of plate, put tbsp of sugar in the middle of plate, carefully pour warm water into the middle of the plate). Check here for more ideas.
Movie Marathon: Pick a series or genre of movies or TV shows, cuddle up in a cozy spot (blanket forts encouraged), and eat some yummy snacks. Rest and relaxation are important - make sure to slow down and take a pause.
Read Books: Try reading individually or taking turns reading something aloud together. Audiobooks are another great and engaging option to share in the experience.
Create Stories: Come together to create a family storybook with illustrations and writings - fact and fiction are both welcome. Consider writing letters or cards to each other, friends, family, or the community. You can also try taking turns telling a story with each person adding to the narrative or individually exploring the world of writing.
Whether you’re trying to keep busy indoors or simply need to slow down and rest, these family-friendly activities can help you connect, relax, and support each other during this challenging time. We are all in this together.
Looking for additional support? We are here to help.