13 Ways to Have Fun Indoors

By
Staff of Anne Arundel County Public Library
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0
116

Winter weather means more days spent indoors, but that doesn’t have to mean
boredom for kids. These books give kids plentiful options for exercising their imaginations,
putting their thinking caps on and just having fun! Read these books with your children
for inspiration on a cold or rainy day. You just might find something new to try together.

Preschool

Photo of a book cover that reads "Bored No More!" above an illustration of a house with a person doing a different activity in every room. One person is painting and another is reading next to a stack of books.
Courtesy of Abrams Books.

“Bored No More!: The ABCs of What to Do When There’s Nothing to Do”
by Julie Reiters
The ultimate book of boredom busters from A to Z—perfect for any time you’re stuck at home or need a little inspiration! Whether you’re home with the flu or stuck inside on a snowy day, this lively picture book offers fun suggestions for families looking to step away from their screens.

Photo of a book cover that reads "Food Play!" with photos of a heart-shaped cookie cutter, a paper plate, a slice of watermelon and sliced bananas.
Courtesy of Storey Publishing, LLC.

“Food Play!”
by Amy Palanijan
Preschoolers learn how to prepare their own food with activities that foster fun in the kitchen and promote healthy eating habits.

Photo of a baby blue book cover that reads "The Think-Ups!" in yellow block letters above an illustration of a bunch of animals sitting on a sofa and rug together.
Courtesy of Candlewick.

“The Think-Ups!”
by Claire Alexander
What’s there to do on a rainy day? If you are someone like Kiki, with a big imagination, you teach someone how to play The Think-Ups! Here’s how to play: Take turns thinking up any creature you like and, just like that, that creature (or several of them) will appear.

Early Elementary

Photo of a burnt orange book cover that reads "Beat This Book." The two O's in the word "book" are eyes that make up a face.
Courtesy of Happy Yak.

“Beat This Book”
by Howard Calvert
Think you can beat this book? First, you’ll have to complete its ridiculous, ludicrous— yet absolutely hilarious—challenges.

Photo of a white book cover that reads "Hands on Science Motion" in large teal font above an illustration of three ramps with balls rolling down.
Courtesy of Charlesbridge.

“Hands-On Science: Motion”
by Lola M. Shaefer
In this picture book, young scientists use their imagination to bring experiments to life. They poke whipped cream in the illustrations, tilt the book to roll a ball down a ramp and slide beanbags to test friction. After predicting what will happen next, eager readers turn the page to see the results.

Photo of a book cover that reads "How to Babysit Your Grown-up" above an illustration of a girl and woman wearing science goggles and doing experiments together.
Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

“How to Babysit Your Grown-Up: Activities to Do Together”
by Jean Reagan
Get ready to see a plant drink, make ice cream in a bag, teach your mom yoga and more in this fun-filled activity book! Enjoy family fun with science, crafts, nature and other activities with kids as they lead a hands-on learning experience.

Upper Elementary

Photo of a book cover that reads "10-Minute Crafty Projects" with photos of colored pencils, keychains and a beaded art project in the shape of a fish.
Courtesy of Capstone Press.

“10-Minute Crafty Projects”
by Elsie Olson
From outdoor ornaments and rubber band bracelets to string art and snow globes, these amazing 10-minute creations will have kids making crafts in no time!

Photo of a colorful book cover that reads "Eyes Open" in small black text in the lower left corner. The cover is made up of large shapes and an amorphous green blob with faces.
Courtesy of Aperture.

“Eyes Open: 23 Photography Projects for Curious Kids”
by Susan Meiselas
Twenty-three enticing projects help inspire a process of discovery and new ways of telling stories and animating ideas. Playful and meaningful, this book is for young would-be photographers and anyone interested in expressing themselves creatively.

Photo of a black book cover that reads "How to Fool Your Parents" with illustrations of magic trick supplies such as a die, a golden key, playing cards, a red crayon and a fortune teller globe.
Courtesy of HarperCollins.

“How to Fool Your Parents: 25 Brain-Breaking Magic Tricks”
by David Kwong
Every kid can be a magician with these easy-to-learn top-secret tricks from celebrity magician David Kwong! This essential guide to the mysteries of magic includes illusions perfectly designed for young, aspiring tricksters using everyday household objects!

Photo of a book cover that reads "Scales & Tales" above an illustration of two people and two green-skinned creatures playing a board game on a small round table.
Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

“Scales & Tales: A Beginner’s Guide to Fantasy Role-Playing Games”
by Kevin Sherry
With a breakdown of different heroes and creatures, an easy adventure full of silly creatures and fun games and puzzles to play together, this book offers hours of fun without overwhelming young readers with game mechanics.

Middle Grade

Photo of a light blue book cover that reads "Maker Comics: Create a Costume!" above an illustration of superheroes.
Courtesy of First Second.

“Create a Costume!”
by Sarah Myer
The comic convention is just a few short weeks away. All Bea and Parker need now are great costumes … but won’t the supplies and materials cost a fortune? Not if Bea and Parker follow a few simple instructions from Costume Critter, the world’s cutest cosplayer!

Photo of a book cover that reads "Home Activity Lab."
Courtesy of DK Children.

“Home Activity Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists”
by Jack Challoner
This fun activity-filled book is brimming with home experiments to help budding scientists ages 8 to 14 explore different projects. Using household items, combine science with art and craft and make an erupting volcano, design rubber band planets, sail a soap-powered boat and race car balloons.

Photo of a book cover that reads "The Junior Birder's Handbook" in maroon text above illustrations of people peering into trees with binoculars and birds flying overhead.
Courtesy of Running Press Kids.

“The Junior Birder’s Handbook: A Kid’s Guide to Birdwatching”
by Danielle Belleny
This visual guide to birds and their different behaviors and habitats gives children the opportunity to connect with nature, whether they live in a city, suburb or rural area.

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