Oh, how we will all love to take the family out for some fun outdoor activities. But, sometimes we are stuck indoors with nothing to do.

As many families are not used to being cooped up together, this situation can easily cause people to feel like they’re about to lose their minds. But that shouldn’t be the case. With a bit of engaging indoor activities, we can turn this not so comfortable situation into an exciting, fun-filled family affair. So, without much ado, let’s take a look at some ways to keep the family entertained while indoors.

1. Video Games

Gaming usage is up by 75% since countries around the world started encouraging families to remain indoors – and there’s a very good reason for this. Video games are an excellent way to keep the whole family entertained during this period. This is the best time to bring out those old video game cassettes and consoles. If you’ve never owned any kind of video game, don’t worry. As long as you own a smartphone, there are thousands of games to choose from and enjoy. 

With the benefit of the internet, you can play against each member of your family and enjoy the sheer joy such moments bring. Be careful, though, video games have a way of completely grabbing your attention – you may even lose track of time. So, while making the experience fun, try to establish some rules concerning when the video games period should begin and for how long it should last. Be a little flexible with the rules, though as these are not ordinary times.

2. Puzzle Games and Legos

The fun does not need to stop when you drop the game consoles. Kids love legos (and why wouldn’t they?). It gives them the chance to test their creativity and allow their imaginations to run wild. A simple but fun puzzle and scavenger hunt game can be quite addictive for adults too.  Bring the two together, and the whole family can spend some quality time together without worrying about what’s going on in the outside world. As parents, you can join your kids to build action figures or castles, while building long-lasting memories together. 

There are also lots of great children’s puzzles. You can guide your little ones to solve these puzzles while helping to train their minds at the same time. And if your kids are old enough to join the grown-ups, the whole family can gather around the dining table to enjoy some puzzle games. Remember, legos and puzzles are not only meant for fun, but they also play a huge role in developing a child’s mind and boosting problem-solving skills.

3. Movies

With over 13 major streaming services available, streaming platforms have ensured that you won’t miss the cinemas too much. All you need is a reliable satellite internet service provider, and you’re good to go. The amount of entertainment content (movies, documentaries, kids shows) available across the major streaming platforms should be more than enough for any family. To add to that, streaming service providers such as Netflix, CBS, Youtube, and Hulu are offering free trial periods for a month for new subscribers. The contents across all the streaming platforms are constantly updated, with fresh content being introduced on a daily basis. 

Aside from the streaming service providers, you can also dust off your CD collections and relive some of your old movie collections with your family. Movie time, aside from the entertainment it offers, is also a great time to bond with your family. Only ensure that you have your parental controls activated if there are some contents you don’t want your kids viewing. Incorporating movie time into your quarantine life is one of the best ways to keep your family entertained.

4. Card Games

And who says a game of cards cannot be enjoyed by the whole family? Imagine a card game as the whole family gathers around the dining table after tea time. A good old-fashioned game of cards is still an excellent way of bonding with the family while having fun. And to spice things up a little, you can introduce some rewards to the game and watch your family have a go against each other. 

You can also make it even more exciting by, say, playing in teams. The parents can team up against the kids, or you can create your teams. The losers can be made to do the chores for the rest of the day while the winners get to choose and watch their favorite movie or get their favorite treat. You can come up with your own rewards. The big idea behind this is to help keep the game interesting.

5. Exercise And Hobbies

Being stuck at home should not mean that you cannot get all the exercise you need. But, instead of working out alone, turn it into a family work out session. Plus, isn’t it more boring and less challenging when exercising by yourself? You can agree with the whole family about what the best work out time is and for how long, then you’re good to go. 

If you’re not sure what to do during indoor work out sessions, you can watch and follow some of the several tutorial videos available on the internet. Aside from working out, you can try your hands on news family hobbies. There are several options to choose from, ranging from art to gardening. You can even turn cooking time into a family affair by getting everyone involved and assigning duties. To make it even more fun, each member of the family can take turns telling a joke while you fix your meal. 

Other hobbies you can add to offer variety include family reading time or even karaoke time. There are several benefits that come with exercising as a family and finding new hobbies. For the former, you’ll be raising a healthier family. For the latter, you will be able to pick up one or two new skills by the time the quarantine is over. But most importantly, you will be bonding as a family.

6. Bring Your Favorite TV Game Shows Into Your Home

Is there any game show you love? You can do your best to copy the show and create your own version at home. Again, you can set chores for the losers and treats for the winners. Do you lack ideas as to what kind of games to try? From Family Feud to Jeopardy, there are several options to choose from. 

You can also get creative and design your own game for your family. To make it both fun and educational for the kids, be sure to throw in some quiz questions. With enough planning time, you will realize that creating a family game by yourself isn’t a difficult thing to do. You can also get the whole family involved in the developmental stages to make it even more fun. 

Another game (sort of) you can play as a family, is dress-ups. Pick different themes for different days and design costumes to wear in line with the themes. At the end of each themed day, you can have a catwalk ‘fashion’ contest to select the best costume for the day. Again, the whole idea is to create a fun environment for you and your family while waiting for the nightmare the world is currently having to be over.