Indoor games to keep the kids entertained during lockdown

Keeping the kids entertained is a priority for families across the county during this period of lockdown. But thinking of new and exciting games to keep the little monkeys happy can be tricky. To help those running out of ideas, we’ve created a list of a fun activities for children of all ages!

1. ESCAPE HUNT

Suitable for ages 8+, Escape Hunt has created an exciting new play-at-home game to help keep the family occupied for an hour. The game is suitable for 2-4 players, and is available to buy online for £14.99.

You will need:

  • A printer
  • A phone, tablet, or laptop device
  • Internet connection

  • How to play:

    Five priceless treasures have been stolen across London and the five dastardly thieves have escaped the police’s clutches once more. But intelligence has it that they will strike again soon.

    You will need to work your way through the evidence and reveal which thief stole which item and where they’ll strike next. To begin playing, just download and print the evidence – it’s up to you now!

    2. Indoor bowling

    Bring the bowling alley into your home during lockdown! Indoor bowling is a great way to reuse water bottles, plastic cups, or any other suitable and un-breakable objects around your home.

    You will need:

  • 6 or 10 water bottles, plastic cups, or similar
  • Some tape
  • A medium sized, soft ball

  • How to play

    Simply line up six or ten water bottles up at the end of your hall or living room. Next, place a line of duct tape at the starting line. Then just take your ball and start bowling!

    (Note: if you need to stabilise the water bottles or make the game a bit more difficult, simply fill them up with some water, but don’t forget to screw the tops on tightly!)

    3. Obstacle course

    An indoor obstacle course can be a great way to get out your kids’ pent-up energy during the lockdown period. And you don’t need to have any special equipment for it either! You can just use whatever objects you have around the house to create a fun and challenging adventure.

    Some suggested obstacles:

  • Lay out some hula hoops to create stepping stones
  • Create a ‘limbo’ stick that the kids have to crawl under
  • Create a tunnel with blankets and furniture (high chairs can be perfect for this)
  • Make your kids walk a stretch of the course with a book balanced on their head
  • Stack cushions for your kids to jump over
  • 4. Treasure Hunt

    Treasure hunts can be a great way to keep the kids entertained for a while. However they do take some planning! That’s where we’re here to help.

    You will need:

  • Paper
  • Pen
  • A prize

  • How to play:

    Create a starting clue to direct your kids to a certain location or item in the home. Then have another clue waiting at that spot. That tip leads to the next spot, and so on. At the final destination, place a prize, such as a toy or treat, for the winning champions.

    Some suggested clues:

    Riddle: I have four legs but no feet. When you get tired, take a seat.

    Answer: Chair

    Riddle: You use me after playing in the dirt. But if I get in your eyes, it might hurt.

    Answer: Shampoo

    Riddle: After you turn out the light, you rest your head on me at night.

    Answer: Pillow

    Riddle: Time to chill, time to think, for your next clue, go here for a cool drink.

    Answer: The fridge

    5. Sock toss

    This game is just like Basketball and Netball. The idea of this activity is to see how many pairs of socks you and your child can throw into a basket against the clock.

    You will need:

  • A bucket, basket, empty carboard box, or similar
  • Rolled up socks
  • Some tape

  • How to play:

    Start by setting out a distance for your child to stand away from a bin (remember, the further away, the harder it will be!). Then just start throwing! The aim of the game is to throw all of your socks into the basket but the other player. First one to complete the sock toss is the champion!

    Have we missed any off? Get in touch with us on social media at @thelightleeds!


    Need some more ideas? Take a look at our brand new dedicated area for ideas on how to entertain the family.