Indoor games for kids are fun and useful, whether it’s raining or you just want to keep the kids away from screens. By choosing to play fun activities for kids indoors, you can spark creativity and keep the kids happy for hours!
Here are our Top 10 Indoor Games for Kids and Au Pairs to spark some ideas on how to have more creative fun inside with the kids.
Top 10 Indoor Games for Kids and Au Pairs!
Stuck inside and wondering how to keep the kids busy? These fun activities for kids indoors will transform any ordinary day into an exciting adventure. From cozy classic board games to indoor obstacle courses, there’s something here for every kind of fun.
1. “Indoor Crab-Walk Football” Gives Kids Exercise
Some of the best inside activity ideas only require a ball and some open space. If you want to keep the kids moving, Crab-Walk Football will certainly give them a workout!
This is a really fun and fit activity; just make sure everyone has enough space so they are not kicking each other or priceless family heirlooms. 😉
2. Broom Hockey Keeps Kids Active
Broom Hockey is a silly indoor version of hockey. One of the easiest fun inside activities for kids to set up, all you need are a few household items; brooms, a soft ball, and some makeshift goals. Again, be sure to play in an area without a lot of breakable items.
You may also want to consider using pool noodles instead of brooms, just in case the kids get wild. 🏑
3. Penguin Waddle Will Have Kids Laughing
This is a fun, silly indoor game for kids that’s guaranteed to have everyone laughing. Just inflate a few balloons and have the kids walk (or waddle) around with a balloon between their knees!
You can make it a race or just a ridiculous penguin party. It’s up to you!
4. Make-Believe Animals Evokes Imagination
My kids pretend to be Paw Patrol pups every day. Imaginative play is a great way for kids to work through issues they may not know how to grapple with otherwise. It’s also important for child development and supporting kids’ social skills, language skills, and more.
Kids love pretending to be animals, but feel free to encourage other types of make-believe games, too! (Hint: You can pretend to be Ryder & give the Paw Patrol their “mission”).
5. “The Floor is Lava” Encourages Problem-Solving
This is one of the most classic indoor games for kids. It’s a fantastic way to create an obstacle course right in the living room, letting imaginations run wild while enjoying one of the best fun activities for kids indoors. What kid hasn’t played “The Floor is Lava”?
This game evokes problem-solving. Help the kids build a “safe path” through the lava with pillows or stuffed animals. My kids love jumping across pillows between our couch and beanbag. You can ramp up the fun by pretending to be a lava monster!
6. An Indoor Fort is a Great Place to Read
Building an indoor fort with blankets is fun for both kids and adults. It’s also one of the most engaging activities for kids indoors, helping them develop critical thinking skills and spatial reasoning as they figure out how to make their fort sturdy. However, if you want a quick cheat code, it’s easiest to put a large sheet over a table or couch so the blankets don’t fall down.
Forts are a great place to encourage reading. Put some pillows inside, bring a flashlight, and settle in for some fun storytime.
7. A Giant Car Track is Exciting
You don’t have to be as extreme as these guys, but building a giant car track can keep kids occupied for hours. Even if you don’t have battery-powered cars or Magic Tracks, you can be creative in what you use to build a car track.
My kids love using wooden blocks as a “road” and driving Matchbox Cars across them. Bonus points for building a city out of blocks, too!
8. Simon Says Teaches Kids to Pay Attention
“Simon Says” is an oldie but goodie. This classic game is one of the most versatile fun activities for kids indoors, requiring no setup while building listening and motor skills. Not only is it a great opportunity to be silly with the kids, but it also teaches children to pay attention and follow instructions.
If you’re watching toddlers, The Wiggles have a song version of Simon Says that’s easy for little ones to follow. My kids love The Wiggles!
9. Matching Games Help With Memory & Attention Span
People often think of board games when they need fun indoor games for kids. However, if you’re watching little kids, they may not be developmentally ready for most board games. Matching games are beneficial and help kids improve their attention span.
You can find fun matching games with your Host Kids’ favorite TV characters. Or, you could just draw some yourself on index cards!
10. Silly Messes Are Always Fun
Kids love to make messes! Parents and Au Pairs don’t always love cleaning up messes. But the good news is there are lots of activities that allow kids to make a mess that’s also easy to clean up. Try some homemade play dough or slime!
If your Host Kids love TV as much as my kids do (oh boy, do they), they will get a huge kick out of pretending to be the PJ Masks & using their slime as Sticky Splat.
Bring the Fun Indoors: Make Memories That Last with an Au Pair!
Indoor playtime is the perfect opportunity to bond, laugh, and create cherished memories with your Host Kids. Whether you’re an au pair or a busy parent, these fun indoor games make it easy to keep kids engaged, active, and imaginative—rain or shine. From building forts to silly messes, each activity sparks joy while fostering creativity and learning.
Ready to add even more cultural enrichment and flexibility to your family life?
Find an Au Pair Today and start your journey toward affordable childcare and unforgettable experiences!
For more Kid Fitness ideas, check out our Kid Fitness Board on Pinterest.
