If your kids are bored, you’re tired, and “go play” lasts about 90 seconds — this list is for you. These are simple, mostly-at-home activities that actually hold a kid’s attention, without a trip to the store or a 47-step Pinterest craft.
Below are five low-prep ideas that work anytime kids are stuck inside — snow days, sick days, rainy weekends, or those long afternoons when everyone needs a reset. Most use basic household supplies, and one includes a quick LEGO bonus challenge for extra buy-in.
From the Editor: This is a roundup of some of our more popular craft/STEAM projects using materials you probably already have at home. This is one of those “save it now, thank yourself later” lists. It's great to bookmark and come back to whenever you’re out of ideas.
Last updated: February 2026
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Photos by Getty Images Signature | Canva
1. DIY Snow Globe
The “Wow” Craft That’s Shockingly Easy
Kids love snow globes. Making their own turns it into a project they’ll actually keep playing with.
What you need
- Clean wide-mouth jar with lid
- Small figurine (water-safe)
- Glitter
- Water
- Strong glue (adult help)
How to do it
- Glue the figurine to the inside of the lid. Let it dry completely.
- Fill the jar with water and sprinkle in glitter.
- Screw the lid on tightly. Flip, shake, and watch the “snow.”
Parent tip: Put the jar on a paper towel while working because ... glitter finds a way.
 Laura Miller | Macaroni KID Appleton, Wisc. |
2. DIY Indoor “Snow”
No Weather Required
This is the quickest way to reset the mood in your house — especially for kids who love sensory play.
What you need
- 2 1/2 cups baking soda
- 1/2 cup white hair conditioner
- Bowl and spoon
How to do it
- Mix baking soda and conditioner until it looks like soft, packable snow.
- Turn it into a sensory bin by adding cups, spoons, or mini figures for scooping and pretend play.
Optional upgrade: Give kids cookie cutters and let them “make snow shapes.”
 Photo courtesy of LEGO |
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3. LEGO Challenge
The 10-Minute Build Battle
If your kids love LEGO, this is the easiest way to turn “I’m bored” into focused, independent play.
The challenge (pick one)
- Family portrait: Build a LEGO version of your whole family. Don't forget the pets!
- Make a rainbow: Create a rainbow with as many colors as you want.
- 30-Brick Speed Build: Grab 30 random bricks and build the best creature or vehicle you can in 5 minutes.
➡️ See more LEGO challenge ideas.
How to run it
- Set a timer.
- Everyone builds.
- Do a quick show-and-tell (30 seconds each).
Note: LEGO is a Macaroni KID ad partner. We included this because we find LEGOs one of the most reliable ways to get our kids playing independently — and give us a breather.
Keep the momentum going
Need more stay-home ideas?
Bookmark This: 55 Indoor Activities for Bored Kids
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Clean Jokes for Kids That’ll Make the Whole Family Laugh
 Lacie Dooley |
4. Grow Crystals
The “Elsa-Style” Science Activity
This one feels like magic and sneaks in real science.
What you need
- 6 Tbsp borax powder
- 2 cups water
- Glass jar
- Pipe cleaners
- Clothespin
- Adult help (boiling water)
How to do it
- Boil water.
- Shape pipe cleaners into a snowflake, star, or any design. Leave one end long.
- Pour borax into the jar, then add boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- Lower the pipe-cleaner shape into the jar using the clothespin to suspend it.
- Check progress every few hours. It’s usually done in about 6 hours.
Fun idea: Make a time-lapse video so kids can see the change faster.
 Iullia Tarabanova | Canva |
5. Fluffy “Snowfall” Slime
Because nothing is ever more fun than slime.
There is, apparently, no season where slime is unwelcome. This version is fluffy, calming, and easy to make — no special weather required.
What you need
- 1/2 cup white glue
- 3–4 cups unscented shaving cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp saline contact solution
- Optional add-ins: glitter, beads, confetti
How to do it
- Mix glue and shaving cream in a bowl.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Stir in baking soda.
- Add contact solution a little at a time until a less-sticky ball forms.
- Mix in add-ins.
Get new ideas before the boredom hits.
Subscribe to Macaroni KID Daytona Beach and we’ll send you simple, kid-approved things to do — no overthinking required.
