From baking to games, these indoor activities are perfect for the whole family to have fun at home

Spring break has arrived a little earlier than expected for many families in the UAE, and with the school holidays now underway, some parents may suddenly find themselves planning more time at home with the kids.

If you’re wondering how to keep everyone entertained indoors, don’t worry, we got you and have rounded up 51 fun activities to keep the whole family busy. From baking and crafts to games, movie nights and creative challenges, there’s something here for every age.

So grab the snacks, clear a little space in the living room, and let the fun begin…

Tried one of our ideas? We’d love to see it – tag us on @whatsondubai so we can see the fun.

Also read: Expert advice on how to talk to your kids about coping with uncertainty

Baking and kitchen fun

family indoor activities

  • Bake cookies together

Let the kids measure ingredients and decorate their creations with chocolate chips or sprinkles.

  • Make homemade pizza

Lay out toppings and let everyone create their own mini pizza masterpiece.

  • Cupcake decorating challenge

Bake simple cupcakes and see who can design the most creative one.

  • DIY milkshakes or smoothies

Blend fruits, ice cream and toppings for a fun afternoon treat.

  • Family bake-off

Split into teams and see who can create the best dessert.

  • Pancake art

Use squeeze bottles to create shapes or letters in the frying pan.

  • Create a snack board together

Build a colourful platter with fruit, crackers and treats.

Arts and crafts

family indoor activities

  • Painting afternoon

Bring out the paints and let creativity run wild.

  • Make friendship bracelets

A simple craft that keeps little hands busy.

  • Design your own T-shirt

Use worn-out clothes and turn them into fun designs.

  • Build a cardboard castle

Old boxes can quickly turn into a fun play space.

  • Create a family scrapbook

Print photos and decorate pages with stickers and drawings.

  • Draw the same picture 

Give everyone their own page and you need to copy a drawing from the internet, the best drawing wins a prize.

  • Make homemade slime

The kids love it, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. See here for a tutorial

  • Decorate jars or plant pots

Add paint, stickers or glitter for a fun craft project.

Games and challenges

family indoor activities

  • Family board game tournament

Bring out classics like Monopoly, Scrabble or Uno.

  • Charades

Act out movies, animals or jobs and see who guesses first.

  • Musical chairs

Play music while everyone walks around a circle of chairs. When the music stops, everyone must quickly sit down — the last person standing is out.

  • Treasure hunt around the house

Hide clues and prizes for an exciting indoor adventure.

  • Card games afternoon

Simple games (like snap) can provide hours of entertainment.

  • Lego building challenge

Set a timer and see who can build the most creative structure.

  • Puzzle race

Divide into teams and see who finishes first.

  • Guess the song

Play a few seconds of music and guess the track.

  • Indoor bowling

Use empty bottles and a soft ball.

Movie and cosy time

family indoor activities

  • Create a home cinema

Dim the lights, grab popcorn and pick a family film.

  • Build a blanket fort

The perfect cosy spot for reading or watching movies.

  • Family movie marathon

Play rock, paper, scissors and whoever wins chooses the movie.

  • Audiobook listening session

Relax together while listening to a story.

  • Story time corner

Take turns reading aloud from favourite books.

  • PJ afternoon

Stay in pyjamas, relax and enjoy a calm family day.

  • Create a “snack bar” for movie night

Let the kids set up popcorn, sweets and drinks.

Get moving indoors

family indoor activities

  • Family dance party

Turn up the music and dance around the living room.

  • Online kids yoga session

A great way to move and relax at the same time.

  • Freeze dance game

Dance until the music stops – then freeze.

  • Balloon volleyball

Use a balloon and a string across the room, it can’t touch the floor or you lose.

  • Mini workout challenge

See who can do the most jumping jacks or sit-ups.

  • Follow-the-leader fitness game

Take turns leading fun exercises.

Creative and imagination play

family indoor activities

  • Put on a mini play

Write a short script and perform it for the family.

  • Create a puppet show

Use socks or paper bags as puppets.

  • Dress-up fashion show

Raid the wardrobe and walk the “runway”.

  • Build a living room campsite

Set up blankets and pretend you’re camping.

  • Write a short story together

Each person adds a sentence to build a funny tale.

  • Create your own board game

Draw a board and make simple rules.

  • Invent a new superhero

Design their costume and powers.

Quiet time activities

family indoor activities

  • Jigsaw puzzles

Perfect for calm family time.

  • Colouring books

Relaxing for kids and adults.

  • Brain teasers and riddles

Challenge everyone’s thinking skills.

  • Origami folding

Learn how to create animals and shapes with paper.

  • Drawing challenge

Pick a theme and see what everyone creates.

  • Gratitude journal time

Encourage kids to write or draw things they’re thankful for.

  • Build the tallest card tower

A surprisingly tricky challenge.

  • DIY spa afternoon

Face masks, cucumber slices and relaxing music.