Fun and Engaging Indoor Activities for 5-Year-Olds and Under
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Keeping young children entertained indoors can be a challenge, but with the right activities, you can make every day exciting, creative, and full of learning. Whether it’s a rainy day, a cold winter afternoon, or just a time when outdoor play isn’t an option, these indoor activities will keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged and having fun.
Here are some of the best indoor activities for children aged 5 and under!
1. Sensory Bins
Supplies Needed:
- A large plastic container
- Dry rice, pasta, beans, or kinetic sand
- Small toys, scoops, cups, and spoons
Instructions:
- Fill a container with a sensory base like rice, beans, or sand.
- Hide small toys or objects for your child to find.
- Provide spoons, cups, or small shovels for digging and pouring.
This activity helps with fine motor skills and keeps kids entertained for long periods!
2. DIY Edible Playdough
Supplies Needed:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup water
- Food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Let kids shape, roll, and create fun designs.
- This dough is safe if tasted but should not be eaten in large amounts.
3. Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
Supplies Needed:
- A large sheet of paper
- Paint
- Bubble wrap
- Tape
Instructions:
- Tape a large sheet of paper to the floor.
- Dip bubble wrap in paint and have kids stomp on it.
- Watch as fun patterns emerge!
4. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Supplies Needed:
- Paper and crayons
- A list of common household items
Instructions:
- Write down or draw pictures of household objects.
- Have your child search for each item and check them off the list.
- Give a small prize or sticker for completing the hunt!
5. Sticky Note Wall Art
Supplies Needed:
- Colorful sticky notes
- A blank wall or door
Instructions:
- Give your child a stack of sticky notes.
- Let them arrange and stick them in patterns or shapes.
- Easy cleanup and lots of fun!
6. Dance Party
Supplies Needed:
- A playlist of fun songs
Instructions:
- Clear some space in the room.
- Play upbeat songs and have a dance party.
- Try freeze dance by pausing the music and having kids stop moving.
7. Storytelling with Props
Supplies Needed:
- A box filled with random items (toy car, scarf, plastic cup, etc.)
Instructions:
- Have your child pick 3-5 items from the box.
- Create a story using the objects.
- Encourage them to act it out!
8. Balloon Tennis
Supplies Needed:
- Balloons
- Paper plates and wooden craft sticks
Instructions:
- Tape craft sticks to paper plates to make rackets.
- Blow up a balloon and hit it back and forth.
- Encourage gentle movements to keep the balloon in the air!
9. Cardboard Box Creations
Supplies Needed:
- Large cardboard boxes
- Markers, stickers, and scissors
Instructions:
- Give your child a cardboard box and let their imagination run wild.
- Help them turn it into a spaceship, car, or castle.
- Decorate with markers and stickers!
10. Shadow Puppet Fun
Supplies Needed:
- Flashlight
- Cut-out paper animal shapes
Instructions:
- Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight on the wall.
- Hold cut-out shapes or hands in front of the light.
- Make up a story with shadow characters!
11. Magic Milk Experiment
Supplies Needed:
- A shallow dish
- Whole milk
- Food coloring
- Dish soap
Instructions:
- Pour milk into the dish.
- Add drops of food coloring.
- Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch the milk.
- Watch the colors swirl!
12. Indoor Camping Adventure
Supplies Needed:
- Blankets, pillows, and a flashlight
Instructions:
- Build a fort using blankets and pillows.
- Bring in a flashlight for storytelling.
- Have a pretend “campfire” using paper towel rolls and tissue paper.
13. Finger Painting
Supplies Needed:
- Washable paints
- Large sheets of paper
- Paintbrushes (optional)
Instructions:
- Lay down a protective surface like newspaper or plastic.
- Let kids dip their fingers into paint and create colorful designs on paper.
- Encourage them to mix colors and make fun patterns!
This activity is great for sensory development and artistic expression.
Conclusion
Indoor activities don’t have to be boring! These ideas will keep your little one entertained while helping with motor skills, creativity, and learning. Try a few of these activities today and turn any indoor day into an adventure!
Vanesa Rooney – LDS Mum
