Indoor Play Ideas for Kids (From an Ex-Teacher Who Knows the “I’m Bored” Look)
By Louise, Co-Founder of Craft & Crumb
Before Craft & Crumb existed, I was a primary school teacher. Which means I’ve seen every version of boredom, wriggling, over-excitement, tired meltdowns, and “I don’t know what to do” faces you can imagine.
And one thing I learned very quickly?
Kids don’t need huge, complicated activities.
They just need something that feels purposeful, creative, and achievable.
So if you’re facing a long afternoon indoors, here are some of my favourite teacher-approved, parent-friendly indoor play ideas.
1. Baking Together (Still My Classroom Favourite)
Baking was always one of the most powerful activities in my classroom — and it still is at home.
It quietly teaches:
- Measuring and counting
- Following instructions
- Patience and focus
- Pride in a finished result
And best of all? Everyone feels successful.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This is one I used with children countless times because it’s simple, forgiving, and always works.
You’ll need:
- 125g soft butter
- 100g caster sugar
- 100g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 225g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 150g chocolate chips
How to make:
- Mix butter and sugars until creamy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and bicarbonate of soda.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Roll into balls, place on a tray and flatten slightly.
- Bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes.
Let them cool… then enjoy.
Or — the teacher shortcut
This is exactly why we created Craft & Crumb baking kits.
They give children:
- Clear instructions
- Pre-measured ingredients
- A creative activity alongside the bake
- A real sense of independence
And they give parents… less mess, less prep, and more calm.
It’s the classroom experience, without the classroom chaos.
2. Build a Living Room Den
In school, dens were always a winner — instant ownership, imagination and focus.
At home, try:
- Chairs + blankets
- Cushions
- Torch or fairy lights
- Books or teddies
Then let them decide what it becomes.
Ownership = engagement.
3. Craft With Purpose
Instead of “just colouring”, give it meaning:
- Make a card for someone
- Design a new animal
- Create a shop sign
- Build something from recycling
Purpose keeps children involved longer — something I saw daily in the classroom.
You can download free craft sheets from our site HERE
4. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Write or draw:
- Something soft
- Something blue
- Something round
- Something that smells nice
Perfect for movement without chaos.
5. Turn Baking Into Play
This is one of my favourite teacher tricks.
After baking:
- Set up a bakery
- Write menus
- Create price tags
- Role play selling to toys
One activity becomes two — without needing anything extra.
Why Baking + Craft Works So Well
This combination is exactly why Craft & Crumb exists.
As a teacher, I saw that children learn best when:
- Their hands are busy
- Their minds are engaged
- They feel proud of what they’ve made
Baking builds confidence.
Craft builds creativity.
Together, they create calm, meaningful play.
From my classroom to your kitchen
Craft & Crumb was born from everything I loved about teaching — and everything I wished parents had easier access to at home.
Simple. Creative. Confidence-building.
No pressure. No perfection. Just joyful making.
You don’t need Pinterest-perfect activities.
You just need something that makes your child say:
“I made this.”
And sometimes… that’s just a cookie 🍪