Indoor Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

When the weather is cold, rainy, or just plain unpredictable, having a list of go to indoor activities for toddlers and preschoolers is a lifesaver. It somehow feels like every winter I am shocked when it hits that point where the temp doesn’t rise above zero and the windchill is in that “you’ve got like 10 minutes or I’m giving you frost bite” territory. I’ve lived here almost my whole life and still it sneaks up on me and makes me a bit stir crazy. If that’s you too, don’t worry, I (finally) come prepared. Whether you’re looking for sensory play, simple crafts, STEM activities, or low prep ideas that use what you already have at home, this roundup has something for every mood and attention span when you’re stuck in the house for what seems like decades (even if it is just hours).

Click on the red activities below to get full instructions, tips, and photos.

Sensory & Messy Play Activities Kids Love

These activities encourage hands on exploration, fine motor skills, and curiosity—perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love to touch, pour, mix, and squish.

• Easy Shower Paints for Kids (3 Simple Ingredients)
  A fun, low stress way to paint for kids—right in the bathtub.
  
• Winter Sensory Bin with Mini Marshmallows
  Soft textures, scooping, and imaginative winter play.
  
• Messy Fun with Oobleck
  A classic science activity that feels solid and liquid at the same time.
  
• Magic Milk Art
  A colorful, engaging activity that blends art and science.
  

Slime, Putty & Dough Activities

These are always a hit with preschoolers and older kids and can be used again and again for quiet play.

• Easy Basic Slime Recipe
  A simple introduction to slime making at home.
  
• Fluffy Slime Recipe
  Soft, stretchy slime kids love to squeeze and stretch.
  
• Fizzing & Erupting Slime (STEM Activity)
  Combines science, sensory play, and excitement.
  
• Homemade Silly Putty
  A fun DIY version of a classic favorite.
  
• Homemade Playdough
  Soft, long-lasting playdough perfect for open ended play.
  

Crafts & Creative Indoor Activities

These easy crafts are perfect for building creativity, strengthening fine motor skills, and giving toddlers and preschoolers a chance to make something they’re proud of.

• Pom Pom Love Bugs
  A simple, hands on craft that’s great for practicing gluing and color matching.
  
• Sticker Collages
  Give kids a sheet of paper and a variety of stickers to peel and place—excellent fine motor practice. Just make sure to also give them a PLACE to place the stickers so they don’t end up on your wall.
  
• Tissue Paper Window Art
  Stick colorful tissue paper pieces to contact paper and hang in a sunny window.
  
• Cardboard Box Creations
  Turn empty boxes into cars, houses, or rocket ships using crayons and tape.
  
• Dot Marker Art
  Dot markers or bingo daubers are perfect for toddlers learning control and color recognition.

Easy STEM Activities for Kids

These activities encourage problem solving, curiosity, and early science concepts while still feeling fun and age appropriate.

• Rock Candy STEM Activity
  A sweet way to explore crystals and observe changes over time.
  
• Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
  Shake, observe, and enjoy a hands-on science lesson.
  
• Color Mixing Experiments
  Use water, food coloring, or paint to explore how primary colors make new colors.
  
• Sink or Float Exploration
  Test household items in a bowl of water and predict what will sink or float.
  
• Counting & Sorting Games
  Sort buttons, beads, or toys by size, color, or shape to introduce early math concepts.
  
• Magic Milk Art
  A colorful, engaging activity that blends art and science.

Simple No Prep Indoor Activities (Using What You Have)

These ideas are perfect when you need something quick with zero prep.

• Painter’s Tape Roads
  Tape “roads” on the floor for toy cars, trucks, and trains.
  
• Magnetic Tile Matching Games
  Match colors, shapes, or build patterns using Magna Tiles or similar tiles.
  
• Indoor Scavenger Hunt
  Give kids a list of what to find around the house. Or simply call out items like “something red,” “something soft,” or “a circle.”
  
• Stuffed Animal Parade
  Line them up, sort by size, or create a pretend zoo.
  
• Obstacle Course
  Use pillows, chairs, and tape lines to crawl under, jump over, and balance.

Why Indoor Play Matters for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Indoor activities help young kids:

• Build fine and gross motor skills
• Practice problem solving and creativity
• Explore sensory experiences in a safe way
• Stay engaged when outdoor play isn’t an option
• Burn off energy around the house

Having a variety of sensory play, crafts, STEM activities, and easy no prep ideas makes indoor days feel fun instead of long. Enjoy!