Indoor Activities for Preschoolers
I, like many of you, have been trying to find indoor activities for preschoolers to keep my daughter busy. There are so many things that we can do on days when we have to stay indoors to keep our preschool children engaged and active. Though social distancing is not ideal, we are finding ways to make the best of this situation. I am working hard to make sure that I am creating opportunities for my children to hone and develop their skills in this unprecedented time. Please see a list of my recommended indoor activities for preschoolers to keep your children happy, engaged and active below (There are no books listed below. Click this link to see some of the books we’ve been reading over this break):
List of Indoor Activities for Preschoolers
Academic Workbooks
Though we are in this period of social distancing, it is important to me that we do not lose the academic momentum we have gained this school year. Every morning before we start the fun stuff, I am having my daughter complete a page or two in her math and reading workbooks. When she returns to school, she will either be on par with where she was or beyond because of the work that we are doing.
Academic Workbooks for Preschoolers
Apps
I am typically not a huge fan of screens, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I am okay with screens as long as they are used in moderation. I am also a big fan of apps that have an academic component to them. My daughter really gravitates to those types of apps, so it is a win/win.
Apps for Preschoolers
All of these apps are FREE! My favorite is the PBS App.
Board Games
I loved board games as a kid, and my daughter does as well. I like board games because they can be used to strengthen other skills, while your children are not even aware that they are doing work. You can use board games to reinforce academic skills such as reading and math (i.e., Candy Land, Connect 4). They can also be used to enhance gross motor skills (i.e., Twister, Crocodile Hop). They can also help children strengthen their fine motor skills (i.e., Perfection, Don’t Break the Ice).
Board Games for Preschoolers
Art Projects
Is your child a budding artist? Mine sure is. Art is a perfect indoor activity for preschoolers. There are so many directions you can go in with art. If you’re like me, I am not big on mess. I limit my daughter to crayons and markers when she is working independently. When we are working together, I will let her explore mediums like clay and paint. Art is a great way to bond with your children and make awesome memories at the same time.
Art Supplies for Preschoolers
Puzzles
Puzzles are an excellent indoor activity for preschoolers. Puzzles help children to think logically and outside the box at the same time. I like puzzles because they can be a solitary activity, or they can be done in a larger group. There are puzzles for every ability level. It’s about finding their Goldilocks level puzzle. Find a puzzle that is not too easy or too hard. Find one that is just right
Puzzles for Preschoolers
Building Toys
If there was ever a time to break out a lego set, the time is certainly now. This is another example of a project that children can work on independently, or it can be a project that you work on as a pair or group. Once you finish building something great, take a picture of it.
Building Toys for Preschoolers
Backyard fun
I know the backyard is not a place that comes to mind when we think about “indoor activities for preschoolers.” However, the backyard is a space that we can spend time in during this time of social distancing. It is because of this that I decided to include it on the list.
Backyard Activities for Preschoolers
These are some of the indoor activities for preschoolers that we are using in my house. What are you using to pass the time at yours? Comment below.
Such a helpful post and extremely topical. Great that you’ve linked so many resources. Thanks for sharing this!
No problem. I am happy to help.
Today, we’re making paper flowers for our first day of spring celebration tomorrow. We’re also planting our seeds to transplant into the garden later in the season.
That sounds like fun. We actually made some flowers to hang on our fridge today.
Hi Tiffany,
Great activity ideas for kids! I am always looking for new ideas of things to do with my kids. These are great for when we are stuck at home now and also for rainy days. I agree the PBS app is awesome! My kids love the games on there. I’ve been reading a lot with my kids and practicing letters and sight words with my preschooler. I will have to check out those workbooks, they look like a great addition to things she is already doing. Thank you!
Heather
Thanks, Heather! I absolutely love the PBS app. My daughter loves it too. It helps me not to feel bad about screen time. She is definitely learning with that app.
This is a very helpful blog post. Especially for now! My kids are older though, but some of these ideas I can find the older version for! Look forward to your next posts!
Thank you! I’m glad I could help.
This is a great list! Thanks so much for pulling this all together!
No problem. I was pulling these things together for myself, then I figure I might as well post it.
We have been searching for our fair share of indoor activities too! I didn’t even consider academic workbooks, but just put it on my list to order some. Thank you for the suggestion!
No problem. We have ordered these and few others. They have been great.
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