From baking to games, these indoor activities are perfect for the whole family to have fun at home
Spring break has arrived a little earlier than expected for many families in the UAE, and with the school holidays now underway, some parents may suddenly find themselves planning more time at home with the kids.
If you’re wondering how to keep everyone entertained indoors, don’t worry, we got you and have rounded up 51 fun activities to keep the whole family busy. From baking and crafts to games, movie nights and creative challenges, there’s something here for every age.
So grab the snacks, clear a little space in the living room, and let the fun begin…
Tried one of our ideas? We’d love to see it – tag us on @whatsondubai so we can see the fun.
Also read: Expert advice on how to talk to your kids about coping with uncertainty
Baking and kitchen fun
Let the kids measure ingredients and decorate their creations with chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Lay out toppings and let everyone create their own mini pizza masterpiece.
- Cupcake decorating challenge
Bake simple cupcakes and see who can design the most creative one.
- DIY milkshakes or smoothies
Blend fruits, ice cream and toppings for a fun afternoon treat.
Split into teams and see who can create the best dessert.
Use squeeze bottles to create shapes or letters in the frying pan.
- Create a snack board together
Build a colourful platter with fruit, crackers and treats.
Arts and crafts
Bring out the paints and let creativity run wild.
- Make friendship bracelets
A simple craft that keeps little hands busy.
Use worn-out clothes and turn them into fun designs.
Old boxes can quickly turn into a fun play space.
- Create a family scrapbook
Print photos and decorate pages with stickers and drawings.
Give everyone their own page and you need to copy a drawing from the internet, the best drawing wins a prize.
The kids love it, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. See here for a tutorial
- Decorate jars or plant pots
Add paint, stickers or glitter for a fun craft project.
Games and challenges
- Family board game tournament
Bring out classics like Monopoly, Scrabble or Uno.
Act out movies, animals or jobs and see who guesses first.
Play music while everyone walks around a circle of chairs. When the music stops, everyone must quickly sit down — the last person standing is out.
- Treasure hunt around the house
Hide clues and prizes for an exciting indoor adventure.
Simple games (like snap) can provide hours of entertainment.
Set a timer and see who can build the most creative structure.
Divide into teams and see who finishes first.
Play a few seconds of music and guess the track.
Use empty bottles and a soft ball.
Movie and cosy time
Dim the lights, grab popcorn and pick a family film.
The perfect cosy spot for reading or watching movies.
Play rock, paper, scissors and whoever wins chooses the movie.
- Audiobook listening session
Relax together while listening to a story.
Take turns reading aloud from favourite books.
Stay in pyjamas, relax and enjoy a calm family day.
- Create a “snack bar” for movie night
Let the kids set up popcorn, sweets and drinks.
Get moving indoors
Turn up the music and dance around the living room.
A great way to move and relax at the same time.
Dance until the music stops – then freeze.
Use a balloon and a string across the room, it can’t touch the floor or you lose.
See who can do the most jumping jacks or sit-ups.
- Follow-the-leader fitness game
Take turns leading fun exercises.
Creative and imagination play
Write a short script and perform it for the family.
Use socks or paper bags as puppets.
Raid the wardrobe and walk the “runway”.
- Build a living room campsite
Set up blankets and pretend you’re camping.
- Write a short story together
Each person adds a sentence to build a funny tale.
- Create your own board game
Draw a board and make simple rules.
Design their costume and powers.
Quiet time activities
Perfect for calm family time.
Relaxing for kids and adults.
- Brain teasers and riddles
Challenge everyone’s thinking skills.
Learn how to create animals and shapes with paper.
Pick a theme and see what everyone creates.
Encourage kids to write or draw things they’re thankful for.
- Build the tallest card tower
A surprisingly tricky challenge.
Face masks, cucumber slices and relaxing music.
