Winter Indoor Play Ideas That Burn Energy
Keep the Wiggles Away Without Leaving the House
When the temperature drops and it’s just too cold to send the kids outside, the energy builds fast and if you’re a busy mom trying to juggle everything, you know exactly what I mean! That’s why I’ve pulled together some of our favorite winter indoor play ideas that help little ones burn energy, get creative, and stay happily busy (without wrecking the house… too much!).
Whether you have toddlers or tweens, these screen-free activities are fun, budget-friendly, and easy to set up, no fancy equipment or giant playrooms needed.
1. Obstacle Course with a Twist
Create a living room obstacle course using cushions, chairs, laundry baskets, and tape for balance lines. Add silly rules like hopping on one foot or doing a funny dance move at each checkpoint!
2. Balloon Volleyball
All you need is a balloon and a piece of string taped across two chairs for a “net.” This one’s a favorite in our home, it keeps kids laughing and moving while working on coordination.
3. Dance Party Freeze Game
Turn on their favorite playlist and dance like no one’s watching! Pause the music randomly and freeze, it’s fun, giggly, and gets their heart rate up fast.
Affiliate pick: I love using this portable Bluetooth speaker that’s super kid-friendly and easy to carry room to room.
4. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Write a simple list (or use our printable below!) of things to find around the house: something red, something soft, something round, etc. Bonus points if you add action prompts like “do 10 jumping jacks when you find the teddy bear.”
5. Yoga & Movement Videos for Kids
On days when you need a break too, turn on a fun kids’ yoga video like Cosmic Kids on YouTube, it’s a calm but still active way to move their bodies indoors.
Affiliate pick: A cute non-slip yoga mat for kids makes it feel like a special activity just for them.
6. Animal Races in the Hallway
Set up a mini raceway and have them hop like frogs, crawl like bears, or slither like snakes from one end to the other. It’s silly and perfect for younger kids!
7. Build-a-Fort Workout
Let them build a fort with pillows and blankets (a workout all on its own), and then set challenges like “do 5 jumps outside the fort, then dive in!”
8. Paper Plate Skating
Slip paper plates under their feet on carpeted floors and watch them “skate” around. It’s hilarious, safe, and definitely burns off that extra energy.
9. Stair Toss Game
If you have stairs, line up a few plastic cups on each step and toss beanbags or rolled-up socks to knock them down. A great indoor version of carnival games!
10. Mom’s Energy Buster Jar
Create an “Energy Jar” with folded slips of paper, each one has a silly physical challenge: “Hop like a kangaroo 20 times,” “Do a crab walk to the kitchen,” etc. Pull them out whenever things get rowdy!
Bonus: Free Printable!
Download my Indoor Energy Buster Checklist below, it’s a quick way to set up activities with minimal prep. Perfect for snow days, sick days, or “I’m bored” days!
Want even more mom-tested ideas for busy seasons? Don’t forget to subscribe or check out my Pinterest for fresh inspiration every week!
