5 Fun Indoor Activities for a Blustery Day

It’s one of those classic Pacific Northwest days—wind whipping, rain falling sideways, and maybe even a power outage (thank goodness for generators!). Instead of letting cabin fever set in, why not dive into some simple, creative activities you can do with the kids right at home? Here are five low-prep, high-fun indoor activities that use common household items. Grab a warm drink, get cozy, and let the indoor adventures begin!

#1. Oobleck Magic: Science Meets Fun

Have you heard of Oobleck? If not, you’re in for a treat! Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it can act like a solid when you apply force to it and like a liquid when you let it flow freely. To make your own, all you need is cornstarch, water, and a bit of tempera paint for color if you like.

Recipe: Mix about 1 cup of water with 2 cups of cornstarch in a bowl, stirring slowly. If it’s too thick, add a little more water; if it’s too thin, add a touch more cornstarch. You’ll know it’s right when you can press your hand down hard and it feels solid, but when you lift your hand, it oozes like slime.

This activity is a big hit because it feels like magic! Kids love poking, squeezing, and watching it transform. It’s messy but easy to clean up—just let it dry and sweep up any residue.

#2. DIY Indoor Scavenger Hunt: A Quest for Treasure

When kids have energy to burn, a scavenger hunt can work wonders! Write up a list of items for them to find around the house. Some easy ones might include:

• Something red

• A sock with stripes

• A book with an animal on the cover

• Something round

• A family photo

For older kids, you can make it a little trickier by adding hints or clues instead of straight-up descriptions. For example, “Find something that’s both sweet and cool” could lead them to the freezer for a popsicle (if you have power!). The thrill of the hunt will keep them engaged, and you can join in by hiding special surprises along the way.

Pro Tip: For younger kids, make the hunt feel like an adventure by turning it into a treasure hunt. Draw a “map” of your house with X’s marking specific spots for them to explore, and watch their eyes light up as they discover each “treasure.”

#3. Cardboard Box Creations: Imagination Station

Is there anything better than a good old cardboard box? If you’ve got an old box from a recent delivery (or even a big cereal box), hand it over with crayons, markers, and scissors, and let your kids turn it into whatever they want. The possibilities are endless:

• Spaceship: Draw control panels, add foil-covered buttons, and let their imagination blast off.

• Dollhouse or Pet Hotel: Cut out “windows,” tape in a few walls, and decorate rooms with stickers and markers. You can even use old fabric scraps as rugs or bed covers.

• Robot Helmet: Cut a hole at the bottom big enough to fit their head and cut out eye holes in the front. Use leftover markers, buttons, or stickers to add “robot controls.”

This activity lets kids explore design, build something all their own, and, best of all, it uses up a box that might otherwise end up in the recycling. Win-win!

#4. Sock Toss Game: Indoor Energy Buster

If your kiddos need to move around, this game is perfect! Grab a few pairs of balled-up socks and a couple of laundry baskets, boxes, or buckets. Arrange your “goals” around the room at different distances, and let the games begin! Here are a few variations:

• Classic Toss: See how many socks each person can toss into the basket from a set line.

• Target Practice: Assign points to each basket or bucket based on difficulty. Maybe the closest one is 10 points, while the farthest is 50. See who can reach 100 points first!

• “Trick Shot” Challenges: Add in some trick shots. Try bouncing the socks off a wall, throwing over your shoulder, or aiming with your non-dominant hand.

Not only does this burn off energy, but it also keeps them entertained and works on their hand-eye coordination. Best part? Minimal mess!

#5. Homemade Musical Instruments: Jam Session Time

A noisy one, but so much fun! Grab items from the kitchen and let the kids create their own instruments. Here’s how you can start:

• Pots and Pans Drums: Use wooden spoons or spatulas as drumsticks, and let them rock out. Try giving each pot or pan a different role to create a unique sound.

• Shakers: Fill a container (like a plastic spice jar or a small Tupperware) with dry beans or rice, seal it tightly, and shake away! (Note: You can tape the lid down to prevent any accidental spills.)

• Rubber Band Guitar: Stretch rubber bands over an empty tissue box or an open box to create a little guitar. Kids can pluck the bands to make different notes.

Once everyone has an instrument, have a mini jam session! You can put on a favorite song in the background or have each family member take turns as the “conductor,” leading the others to play faster, slower, louder, or softer.

And there you have it—five fun, simple, and budget-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained on those blustery, rainy days. So grab a warm blanket, let the kids explore these creative ideas, and enjoy the cozy chaos that indoor fun can bring!