Rain is drumming against the window, it's grey outside and your child has already emptied the toy box twice. It's only ten o'clock, and the whole day stretches out ahead of you. Familiar feeling?
Here are 15 indoor activities that require minimal preparation, use things you already have at home, and that actually stimulate your child's development. Screen-free bonus included.
Sensory play: let the hands explore
1. Water play in the bathtub
Fill the bathtub with a few centimeters of water, and give your child cups, funnels, sieves and plastic animals. Water play stimulates fine motor development and cause-and-effect understanding. Place a towel on the floor beside it to limit the chaos.
2. Homemade playdough
Mix flour, salt, water and vegetable oil into a soft dough. Add a little food coloring for extra effect. Let your child roll, press, cut with plastic cutlery and poke things into the dough. This activity can keep a toddler busy for a long time.
Recipe: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Rice or pasta play
Pour dry rice or pasta into a large dish or tray. Give your child spoons, cups and small figures to hide in the rice. A simple and affordable sensory activity that provides lots of exploration.
Place an old sheet under the rice tray. It makes cleanup much faster, and you can pour the rice back and use it again.
4. Finger painting
Use child-safe paint, or make your own from yogurt and food coloring for the very youngest. Tape a large piece of paper to the table and let your child explore the colors freely. It's about the process, not the result.