During cold winter months when going outdoors may not be feasible, there are plenty of engaging and free activities for children to enjoy.

By offering a variety of indoor options, you can keep children entertained, active, and engaged during winter. Here are 10 ideas for free activities.

1. Arts and crafts

Encourage creativity by setting up an arts and crafts station. Provide materials like colouring books, paints, markers, crayons, coloured pencils, paper, glue, scissors, and craft kits. Children can create drawings, paintings, collages, or even make their own crafts from scratch.

Turn off the TV and let your children rediscover the joy of at-home entertainment.

2. Board games and puzzles

Board games and puzzles are excellent for building problem-solving skills and fostering social interaction. Choose age-appropriate games that are engaging and fun for the whole family to play together.

3. Indoor scavenger hunt

Create an indoor scavenger hunt by hiding objects around the house and providing clues for your children to follow. This activity promotes exploration, critical thinking, and teamwork.

4. Reading and storytelling

Set aside dedicated reading time where children can dive into their favourite books or discover new stories. You can also engage in interactive storytelling sessions, taking turns to create and narrate imaginative tales.

5. Indoor obstacle course

Create an indoor obstacle course using cushions, furniture, tunnels, hula hoops, and other safe household items. Children can crawl, jump, climb, and manoeuvre their way through the course, promoting physical activity and coordination.

6. Cooking and baking

Involve children in simple cooking or baking activities with age-appropriate tasks. They can help measure ingredients, mix batter, decorate cookies, or make their own snacks. This not only teaches them valuable skills but also provides a tasty outcome.

7. Science experiments

Conduct simple science experiments using household items. Explore concepts like density, colour mixing, or chemical reactions. Websites and books dedicated to kid-friendly science experiments can provide inspiration.

Here’s how to nurture little scientists at home.

8. Indoor fort building

Encourage imaginative play by building forts using blankets, pillows, and furniture. Children can create cosy reading nooks, secret hideouts, or pretend campsites.

9. Dance or exercise

Clear out some space and let children dance or engage in kid-friendly exercise routines. There are numerous online resources with guided dance or exercise videos tailored to children’s interests and energy levels.

10. Movie or game nights

Enjoy family movie nights with popcorn and cosy blankets. Alternatively, have game nights where children can play video games, interactive games on consoles, or engaging educational apps.