Looking for some simple but engaging activities to enjoy as a family? Whether you’re stuck indoors, planning a cosy weekend or just want to spend quality time together, these ideas are perfect for all ages – from babies to older children. Most require minimal setup, and lots use things you probably already have at home. Let the fun begin!
Gloop
A messy one – but oh so fun! Simply mix cornflour and water until you reach your desired consistency. Gloop is fascinating for children to explore as it acts like both a liquid and a solid. Add a few drops of food colouring or a splash of scent to make it even more exciting. It’s also taste-safe, making it great for babies as well as older kids.
Playdough
Playdough is a classic favourite for a reason – children of all ages love it! If you don’t have any to hand, there are lots of easy homemade recipes online. Older children might enjoy making salt dough to create keepsakes or decorations that you can treasure forever.
Craft Time
Break out the paint, crayons or glue sticks! Whether your child paints a masterpiece or gets stuck into some junk modelling using recycling materials, crafts are brilliant for creativity and self-expression. Try giving a theme to spark ideas – Dino land, under the sea or superheroes, for example. You can even get inventive and make mud paint outdoors or paint made from spices.
Sharing Stories
Snuggle up with your favourite books or make up your own amazing tales together. Older children can try writing and illustrating their own stories, while younger ones can tell stories using drawings. Create story baskets or bags with props or bring stories to life using puppets and toys.
Imaginative Play
Set up a little scene using favourite toys – anything from a princess tea party to a doctor’s surgery or a teddy bear café! Role-play is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, social skills and independent play. The Young Ones often runs a busy paediatric clinic in our living room and my daughter loves playing hairdressers!
Build a Den (inside or outdoors)
Grab blankets, cushions, and chairs to build the ultimate indoor den. Dens are quick to make and provide the perfect cosy space for imaginative play, reading or just cuddling up – especially lovely if someone’s feeling under the weather.
Water Play
Fill a washing-up bowl or large tub with warm water and let the fun begin! Add spoons, jugs, toy animals or even baby dolls for washing. Great for garden/outdoor play or even indoors – though just be sure to pop down some towels underneath – it can get splashy! Water play is brilliant for toddlers and older kids alike.
Shaving Foam Fun
A brilliant sensory experience – just squirt some shaving foam or mouldable soap foam onto a tray or table and let them dive in with their hands. You can add colours or use it to practise mark-making with fingers or tools. You can also mix shaving foam with sand, to make the ultimate “cement” and add blocks – perfect for any budding construction workers
Bring the Slide Inside
If you have a small indoor/outdoor slide or tunnel, bring it inside for a change of scenery. It can feel like a whole new adventure and is great for toddlers on rainy days, if you don’t feel like venturing out. Just give it a good clean and make sure there’s a safe space around it.
Fresh Air Adventures
Head outside into the garden or local green space for some fresh air. Set up a mini obstacle course using cones, ball or whatever you have to hand. You could also go on a nature hunt, collect natural objects, or follow a colour checklist to spot things around you. If you’re local, we have the amazing countryside, Carlton towers and other lovely spots like Barlow Common or Brayton Barf are perfect!
Puzzles & Board Games
A great option for quiet bonding time. Pull out any old puzzles or board games, or make your own games up! Try charades, Simon Says, or even a family quiz night. These are perfect for rainy afternoons or winding down before bed.
Baby Sensory Bottles
Fill clear plastic bottles with different materials – like coloured water with oil, rice and beads or pom-poms and beads. They are great for natural treasures too, such as acorns and seeds. Secure the lids tightly (hot glue works well) and let babies shake, roll and explore. These are great for visual and auditory stimulation!
Tummy Time Treasure Mat
Pop textured items like fabric scraps, ribbons or small sealed sensory bags under a clear plastic mat or zip-lock bag taped to the floor. It adds interest during tummy time and encourages babies to reach and explore.
Science Fun
A simple handwashing experiment can double as a lesson in germs! Fill a bowl with water and grind in some pepper—this represents the “germs.” Have your child dip a clean finger in (the pepper sticks), then dip again after coating their finger in soap… watch the pepper scatter!
Cooking & Baking
Get little hands involved in the kitchen. From helping with dinner to baking sweet treats, children love being part of the process. It also teaches valuable life skills. Let older kids plan a meal or decorate their own cupcakes – it’s a great mix of fun and learning!
Music & Movement
Turn up the music and have a living room disco! Dancing is fantastic for both physical and emotional wellbeing. You could also try simple yoga stretches or movement games like “copy me” to get everyone involved and active.
Bubble Fun
All babies and young children love bubbles! Blow bubbles and watch them float down – great for tracking, visual stimulation and a bit of giggly fun. Try singing a little rhyme as the bubbles float to make it even more engaging for babies or challenge children to blow and catch their own bubbles.
Movie Nights
We love a good family movie night! Let the kids choose the film, make some popcorn, and cosy up with blankets. You can even theme the night with snacks or dress-ups—whatever makes it feel special.
Final Thoughts
Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and a few household items, you can create lasting memories and give your children rich experiences that support their development and bring you closer together.
Got a favourite activity we missed? Share it with us in the comments or on social media – we’d love to see your ideas and creations! 💬
Guiding The Young Ones 
Leave a comment