Inspirations and Muses
Written By Levity
Even though you want to be outside in nice weather all summer long, in the dog days of summer, sometimes it’s just too hot for your kids to play outside all day, but, as it turns out, hanging inside in the AC or with fans blowing in every direction isn’t half bad—as long as you have the right activities at your fingertips. This list will have your kids thinking you’re a regular old camp counselor. Here are 12 fun indoor activities for kids when it’s too hot to go outside.
1. Movie Day
Here’s a no-brainer for a hot day. Keep cool by relaxing indoors with your family in your most comfortable chair (try one of our lounge chairs on for size!), popping some popcorn on the stove, and watching a good flick. If you need recommendations for the latest and greatest movies out on streaming services right now, check out our list, and check out our movie snack ideas too.
2. Board Games
A board game day is always a blast. Whether it’s a classic game like Clue, an interactive game like Twister, or a new hit game like Exploding Kittens, there are a plethora of board games out there to choose from. You could even work on a puzzle, which is stimulating enough to keep the family going for hours.
3. Giant Jenga
Although Jenga has been around since the ‘80s, it’s a timeless game that never goes out of style. Gamemakers have just taken it to the next level with the creation of “giant Jenga.” This blown-up block game will have the whole family laughing as they stealthily try to slip each block out without creating a toppling mess—but knowing that if they do knock it over it’s ok too.
4. Baking/Cooking Day
Pick your poison: cookies or pizza. Don’t leave the oven on too long if you don’t have AC because it can really heat up your house quickly! In that case, opt for having the kids help you with a no-bake dessert or meal—and there’s always the microwave.
5. Finger Painting
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little messy! Your kids will get out some of that pent-up energy that they’d usually shed outdoors with a fun finger painting session. Momooze has some awesome finger painting ideas that’ll make your kids feel like Picasso.
6. Giant Bowling
You don’t even need to leave the house to have a bowling alley experience. Stack up some plastic cups, grab a rubber ball, and make sure you have a board to keep score on because it’s about to get heated. Pro tip: it’s even more fun to put the “pins” at the bottom of the stairs and start the “lane” at the top (as long as there’s nothing breakable around)!
7. Craft Day
Have your kids make you some new jewelry, a centerpiece for your dining room table, an addition to your window sill, or any other craft they fancy. Any indoor activity that keeps your kids away from screens in this day and age and also keeps their hands and mind busy and working is a win-win for you. For inspiration, I Heart Crafty Things has a lot of great craft ideas on their blog.
8. Fort Building
Bring the outdoors with you for your grand day in. If you don’t have a pop-up tent that will fit indoors, the pillow-and-blanket route never fails to provide a cozy and fun time. For the world’s coolest blanket fort, make sure you have some sturdy chairs that you can drape those blankets over (we might know where to find some of those!).
9. Science Experiments
Your kids will learn something new today with some mini science lessons while having a blast too. Make a baking soda volcano for an explosively awesome time. You could also make your own lava lamp or keep cool in the heat with a cold air balloon or a make-your-own cold pack.
10. Extreme Makeovers (You Edition)
Bring out your boldest makeup and nail polishes so your kids can give you or each other a makeover. Even if it gets a little messy, it’s worth the anticipation, surprise, and maybe some laughs when your completely new look is revealed. You can even try the blindfold makeup challenge for a truly hilarious makeover day.
11. Reading Time
It can be nice to spend a day just relaxing with your family and a fantastic read. Pick your kids’ favorite books off the shelf and have them read them aloud for instant story time. For older kids, it can be fun to read *next* to you, even if you’re reading different books, because you can tell each other the premise of the stories you’re reading and then discuss them.
12. Open Mic
You don’t even need a karaoke room, the Rock Band video game, or even a mic to get into this one. Put on your go-to karaoke song, turn up your speakers, belt it out, and you can get creative with the mic if you need to. It’s guaranteed to be a blast for the whole family.
Levity
