Baking
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Baking with kids is a great way to get them involved in the kitchen, as they’ll be excited to eat the end result.
Simple biscuits are easy to make with young children – just measure out the ingredients for them, and let them do the mixing themselves. They’ll love decorating them at the end as well; make up some coloured icing, and get everyone to decorate their own biscuits.
For more of a challenge, make a classic cake like a Victoria sponge, or an indulgent chocolate fudge cake.
Treasure hunt
An indoor treasure hunt is a fun activity for when you’re stuck at home. Write a clue to a location in the house, then have another clue waiting there for them. The next clue leads to another location, and so on. You could hide a little chocolate or treat with each clue for every child, or give them all one big prize at the end.
Get creative with your clues – don’t make them too easy, but make sure you’re around to give the kids a hint if they need it.
Set some rules before you start; no running, you have to work as a team, and everyone gets a prize at the end! If there is anywhere you don’t want the kids rummaging around, make sure you tell them there are no clues there!
Movie night
Draw the curtains, turn out the lights, and settle in for a movie. You could go for an old family favourite, or choose something new that you’ve been waiting to see.
Of course, it’s not the same without the cinema snacks! A big bowl of popcorn, some sugar-free fizzy drinks, and a bag a your favourite sweets will make it feel like the real deal.
Make sure you’re free from distractions before you start the film – that means turning off your phones, putting away the kids’ toys, and making sure you’ve got all your snacks and drinks ready.
Spa Day
If you’ve got teenage girls at home, this a really fun way to spend some time together. Give each other a manicure, with your favourite colour of nail polish. You can make a soothing homemade facemask from a scoop of Greek yoghurt, and a spoonful of honey – and don’t forget the cucumber slices for your eyes!
Dim the lights, light a scented candle and play some calming music for the full spa experience.
Have an indoor picnic
Just because you’re inside, doesn’t mean you can't enjoy a picnic! Get a selection of your favourite picnic snacks, like mini sandwiches, scotch eggs, or veggie batons. Then lay out a blanket on the floor, and dig in!
Embrace the rain!
Make the most of the bad weather, and just get wet! The kids will love jumping in puddles, and making mud pies. Just put on some old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy, dig out the welly boots, and make a splash!