If you’re looking for Easy Play Inside Ideas to keep the kids busy while you’re stuck indoors (or trying to make dinner without little helpers underfoot), I’ve got you covered! These 13 fun activities use simple supplies you already have in the kitchen. We use spoons, noodles, straws, and ice cube trays, so no extra shopping is needed. Be sure to pin this list to save for the next rainy (or dinner-cooking) day!
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Easy Play Inside Ideas for Kids: Kitchen Version
We love using kitchen items for play because they spark creativity and keep things simple. It’s nice not having to store another toy (because I honestly have no idea where it would go). Taste-safe play is one of our favorites because it keeps my little guy safe. We can grab what we already have and start playing right away. No planning, no pressure—just fun, easy play inside ideas that make everyone happy.
All the activities shared today come from last week’s Love to Learn Linky (a weekly party where bloggers share their latest and greatest posts with us). At the end of this post you can join in the party and be inspired by the creative bloggers that contribute to this week’s party.
(Click on the name of the activity to find directions)
- Fishing with Magnets by Stir The Wonder (Magnets)
Brush Away Alphabet Germs by Growing Book by Book (Ice Cube Tray)
Investigating Levers Catapult by Munchkins and Moms (Spoons) - Edible Water Beads by A Little Pinch of Perfect (Food Play)
- Straw Busy Bag by Mommy Needs a Coffee Break (Straws)
Play & Learn with Pasta by Dabbling Momma (Pasta)
Paint on Salt and Ice by The Practical Mom (Water & Salt)
Magic Milk Art by Simple Fun for Kids (Milk)
Baking Soda Letters by Simple Fun for Kids (Cookie Cutters)
Color Sorting Activity by Tiny Tots Adventures (Milk Caps)
Free Form Sculptures by Left Brain Craft Brain (Toothpicks/Skewers)
Simple Sensory Activities by One Time Through (Food Play)
Don’t Drop the Cap Game by A Little Pinch of Perfect (Kitchen Strainer)
With so many fun ideas to choose from, it’s easy to find something that fits your day. Whether you want to sneak in a little learning, calm an energetic toddler, or keep everyone busy while dinner cooks, these activities are sure to help. Best of all, they use everyday items, so you can start playing right away without extra prep. So gather a few supplies, pick your favorite idea, and enjoy some easy play inside time together. Don’t forget to pin or share this post so you can come back to these ideas anytime!
Make sure to stop by my lovely co-hosts to see what they have featured:
Valentine’s Day Q-Tip Painting Printables by Totschooling
Love to Learn Linky
Now it’s time for some more links! Bloggers, share your posts every Thursday and watch as we round them up and share them all over the place. Almost anything goes, we’re just hoping your activities teach kids (or us!) something (science, art, cooking, behavior, crafting, parenting etc…).
The Love to Learn Linky is hosted by:
Left Brain Craft Brain (leftbraincraftbrain.com): Anne is an ex-engineer, current stay-at-home mama writing about crafty ways to encourage creativity (and brain power!) in our kids. Each of her projects gives kids the chance to learn about a new subject and do something crafty at the same time.
Totschooling (totschooling.net): Viviana is a blogging mom to a toddler and a preschooler, sharing ideas and resources for early education. She specializes in unique, hands-on printable activities that are educational, fun and inspire creativity in young minds.
One Time Through (onetimethrough.com): Sue is an Elementary School Teacher currently on leave to be at home with her preschooler son. She shares ideas for connecting and learning with kids through meaningful, play-based activities that nurture curiosity and creativity, as well as positive parenting tips.
A Little Pinch of Perfect (alittlepinchofperfect.com): Katie combines creativity, play, and learning for the perfect mishmash of fun activities that keep kiddos entertained throughout the day. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of play and feels that all activities naturally provide a fun way to learn.
Love to Learn Linky Etiquette:
- Posts should be about educating our kids in any way – science, art, cooking, crafts, behavior, parenting, etc. Please keep them family friendly and please no Etsy shops or giveaways unless they are relevant to the topic.
- Upload your direct post link to the InLinkz widget. Link up to 3 posts.
- Like the hosts on Facebook: A Little Pinch of Perfect, Totschooling, One Time Through and Left Brain Craft Brain.
- Or follow the hosts on Pinterest: A Little Pinch of Perfect, One Time Through, Left Brain Craft Brain, Totschooling.
These are some super great ideas! Thanks for including our pasta play!!
I hear you about running out of room to store toys Katie! My son loves being in the kitchen with me when I'm cooking. Sometimes he helps and sometimes he just wants to be close. Great ideas! Sue