Indoor Games and Toys to Keep You and Your Kids from Going Crazy
by Hilary Braaksma and Bethany Braun-Silva
Shop The Story
The best indoor games and toys for when you’re stuck inside.
We know you and your kids are not getting out much these days. This year has been a year like no other and families are spending more time inside than ever before. With at-home learning, and numerous park and playground closures across the country, finding an activity that’s engaging and physical is super important, but also easier said than done.
It’s natural to feel a bit stir crazy these days, kids are active creatures and if you want to save your furniture and a potential trip to the ER, check out one of the many indoor toys and games kids can play to help offset that feeling of being isolated and restless. We rounded up a list of 10 toys that will spark kids’ imaginations, encourage learning and, quite frankly, keep them busy while you get a break to do some work or relax.
For kids who love being active outdoors—and the parents of those kids—this time can feel long, boring, and restless. If you’re looking for great ways to keep your active little ones busy inside during chilly weather, check out these awesome indoor games and toys.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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UTEX 2-in-1 Kids Multi Activity Table and 2 Chairs Set
Crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained for hours, but cleanup is such a chore that some parents avoid it as much as they can. This craft table solves that problem with built-in compartments to contain spills and messes, a stain-resistant top and easy-to-clean surface. Plus, it flip over and turns into a Lego base board. Basically, it’s a magical, mess-free place for your little ones to paint, color, and create to their heart’s content all winter long.
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Hank’s Twisted Challenge Game
This hilarious game night challenge is fun for the whole family. Spend a chilly evening indoors taking turns trying to get the ball off your twisted stick—without using your hands—before the rest of the players. This is game is made for one to four players ages 6 and up.
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Slimy Sand
Why is it always the messiest activities that keep our kids quiet and engaged for an afternoon? If you’ve suffered through the slime trend, you surely understand. Enter Slimy Sand! This three pound bag of kinetic sand stretches like slime, molds like sand, and won’t leave the dining room table a sticky mess. Slimy Sand even comes in a reusable bag, so kids can play with it again and again.
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Throw Throw Burrito Board Game
In the middle of winter, on another endless day indoors, you might be tempted to just let your kids throw things at each other. Wait, what? Don’t worry—it’s all in good fun! Throw Throw Burrito is a silly card game that encourages players to throw soft, squishy burrito toys at each other periodically through the game.
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Toddler Trampoline With Handle
If you want to keep your little kid active through the winter, you could buy a mini indoor trampoline to help them get the wiggles out. This trampoline comes with a removable handle for added safety. Your child is guaranteed tons of fun with this toy!
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ThinkFun Escape the Room Stargazer's Manor
Older kids and adults will have a blast spending a day indoors trying to problem solve in this fun board game. Players have 90 minutes to crack the code and win the game, playing together as a team.
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Kiddie Play Basketball Arcade Game
You don’t have to hit the outdoors to shoot some hoops! This arcade-style basketball hoop is the perfect size for little kids and comes with two inflatable balls and a pump, and the hoop has a large mesh basket underneath to store the accessories in.
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Pirate Ship Play Tent
With this adorable play tent, every day indoors can feel like a day outside. The playhouse is designed for indoor use and features fun details like a roll down door and pirate-themed prints on the outside.
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Space Astronaut Kids Play Tent
Crawlers and toddlers will love heading through this tunnel into a fun play tent. Set this up to keep them entertained and active during cold days inside, and watch their imaginations run wild.
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Jasonwell Aqua Magic Doodle Mat
Let your kids do some mess-free doodling anywhere in the house—their bedroom, the living room, wherever. The Aqua Magic Doodle Mat is an awesome coloring mat that can be drawn on with a water-activated pen to create cool, colorful drawings. Just fill the pen with water and let your little ones scribble away!
