Things to Do: Having Fun at Home

Sometimes, the best adventures happen right at home! Whether you’re stuck inside on a rainy day or just want to enjoy some low-key fun, these simple and engaging activities will keep little ones entertained (and maybe even give you a moment to enjoy your coffee while it’s hot!). Plus, many of these moments make for wonderful photo opportunities.

Bake Up Some Treats

Get the kids involved in the kitchen by baking some simple treats or making homemade pizzas. Let them help mix, pour, and decorate—bonus points for sneaking in some learning with measuring and counting. Plus, the reward is delicious! These are the kinds of moments I love capturing—flour-covered fingers and excited smiles make for the sweetest kitchen memories.

Backyard Water Play & Bubble Fun

If the sun is shining, set up some water play! Fill a tub with water and let them splash with cups and toys, or set up a sprinkler for a fun run-around. Blowing bubbles is another easy and magical way to delight toddlers and preschoolers.

Gardening & Sandpit Digging

Little hands love getting messy! Whether it’s planting flowers, picking herbs, or just digging in the dirt, gardening is a great sensory activity that also teaches patience and responsibility. No garden? A sandpit or a big tub of soil works just as well.

Build a Pillow Fort & Read Stories

Transform your living room into a cosy fort using blankets and pillows. Once it’s built, snuggle inside with some favourite books for a magical storytime experience. Add a few fairy lights for extra atmosphere! The warm glow and soft surroundings create the perfect atmosphere for me to capture those quiet, intimate moments in my photography.

Get Messy with Arts & Crafts

Pull out the paints, markers, and glue for some creative fun. Finger painting, cutting and gluing, or even making homemade playdough are all fantastic ways to keep kids engaged. Don’t worry about the mess—sometimes, creativity is worth a little chaos! I love documenting the concentration and pride on little faces as they create.

Dance Party in the Living Room

Put on your kids’ favourite tunes and have a dance-off! It’s a great way to burn off energy and get everyone moving. Add some scarves or ribbons for extra fun.

Indoor Obstacle Course

Use cushions, chairs, and tape on the floor to create an obstacle course. Kids can crawl, jump, and balance their way through—it’s great for their coordination and imagination.

DIY Science Experiments

Try simple, safe experiments like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes or making oobleck (a cornstarch and water mix). It’s a fun way to introduce science through hands-on play.

Treasure Hunt Around the House

Hide some small toys or treats and create a simple treasure hunt with clues. This is a great way to encourage problem-solving while having fun!

Teddy Bear Picnic

Set up a special picnic with your child’s favourite stuffed animals! Lay out a blanket in the backyard or living room, prepare some simple snacks, and let your little one serve their teddy bear friends. This is a wonderful way to encourage imaginative play and create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Staying at home doesn’t have to be boring—with a little creativity, your living room, backyard, or kitchen can become the best adventure zone ever. Plus, these activities aren’t just fun—they’re perfect for capturing beautiful, natural photos of childhood in action.

More Inspiration & Resources

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these great resources:

  • Playgroup Victoria – Ideas and activities for parents of young children.
  • The Imagination Tree – Creative play and learning activities for kids.
  • Messy Little Monster – Fun arts, crafts, and DIY ideas for young children.
  • Hands On As We Grow – Engaging, hands-on activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Science Sparks – Easy and fun science experiments for young kids.
  • TinkerLab – Encouraging creativity through art, science, and tinkering activities. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these great resources:

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