Fun Activities for Kids — Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Kids

Build a fort.

What child—or adult, really—doesn't like building forts? Toss kids a few blankets, sheets, and pillows and watch them turn ordinary items into a wondrous haven fueled by their vivid imagination.

Draw a self-portrait.

Put their drawing skills to the test by encouraging your kiddos to create their own masterpiece. Give them paper, crayons, and colored pencils—or maybe even paint, if you're feeling adventurous—and watch their art come to life.

Make paper airplanes.

Nothing gets kids excited like making their own playthings. Paper planes are easy to make and will keep your child flying high all afternoon.

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Make papier-mâché.

Put your old newspapers or magazines to use with this tried-and-true craft. Simply provide water and all-purpose flour and watch your child create an eye-catching sculpture.

Make music with pots and pans.

Okay, this activity may not be the quietest, but it will be a major hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Let them play to the beat of their own, er, drum. Just be sure to place the pots and pans in safe areas to avoid any musical mishaps.

Pick pretty flowers.

Gathering flowers from their own backyard can keep little ones busy and expose them to the wonders of nature. To help give them a sense of accomplishment, encourage them to create a bouquet for a pretty dining room centerpiece.

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Put on a puppet show.

Let your child put on a performance starring their favorite characters and marvel at their blossoming imaginations. And don't be afraid to take the stage yourself to get some laughs out of 'em!

Put on a shadow puppet show.

What's more fun than a puppet show? A shadow puppet show. Kids can use their hands, toys, and other objects to put on an out-of-this world show. The best part? Their imaginations make this easy activity virtually endless.

Turn a cardboard box into a pirate ship.

Ahoy, matey! Got an old box that needs to be tossed? Put it to use by allowing your kids to turn it into a makeshift pirate ship. Encourage them to decorate it for added nautical flair.

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Have a tea party.

Set up your child's finest china, make finger sandwiches, and spruce up the space with frilly linen for a high tea fête. Invite a friend or two and turn it into a full-on playdate. If they're unavailable, simply get her favorite plushies in on the fun.

Make homemade slime.

Invite your science-loving kiddos to make their own slime, which only requires a few simple ingredients (warm water, glue, food coloring, and cornstarch) and a few super easy steps. If properly stored, they can squish and play with it for days to come.

Go on a scavenger hunt.

Print out a list of objects for your little ones to find and let them run wild. The best part? This activity can be done successfully indoors or outdoors. Plus, it helps boost observational and cognitive skills, while encouraging young minds to slow down and pay attention.

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Have a dance party.

Simply crank your child's favorite tunes and watch them bust a move! Even tweens and teens won't be able to resist the rhythm.

Teach them how to crochet.

Introduce kids to crocheting and see how quickly they pick up the skill. We bet that in no time, they'll be making scarves, hats, and other items to keep their loved ones cozy.

Put on a magic show.

No need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep your kids entertained. Let them show off their magic skills with their own enchanting performance and cheer them on in awe!

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Make fun-shaped balloons.

Buy a pack of colorful, long balloons, and let your kids create silly hats and animal shapes out of them. We wouldn't be surprised if this activity keeps them busy and laughing all day long.

Make friendship bracelets.

If your kids are crafty, making a friendship bracelet might become their new favorite hobby. They can customize and design them in countless ways to complement their friends' unique styles.

Make your own trail mix.

Healthy eating should always be a top priority. Promote smart snacking by encouraging your children to make their own trail mix for a tasty activity.

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Write in a journal.

Encourage your young ones to write their daily thoughts, dreams, and goals in a journal. This exercise will foster consistency while improving their writing skills. Just remember to respect their privacy and never peek!

Make a mud pie.

Sometimes having fun means getting your hands dirty. Kids will get a kick out of "serving" their best dirt-filled pies to unsuspecting guests.

Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears. 

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