45 Indoor Activities for Kids Aged 8 that take 15-30 mins
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Spooky Mystery Box
A fun sensory guessing game where children reach into mystery boxes to identify “gross” items by touch alone.
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Toilet Roll Mummy Wrap
A hilarious Halloween game where children turn each other into mummies using toilet paper.
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Pumpkin hunt
Head outside at dusk for a slightly spooky pumpkin hunt! Hide mini pumpkins, hand out torches, and let children search within set boundaries. It’s a safe, confidence-boosting autumn adventure that builds teamwork, problem-solving, and big smiles.
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Morse Code Messaging
A playful way to send secret messages with light or taps, building rhythm, spelling, and patient turn-taking.
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Knots
A hands-on way to learn useful knots through simple challenges, building confidence for shoelaces, den-building, and everyday problem-solving.
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Magic Potion Mixing
Create fizzing, glittering “potions” using safe household ingredients and a big dose of imagination.
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Make a DIY Compass
Learn how to find North by making a simple compass from household items — a fun and hands-on introduction to magnetism and navigation.
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Tray Memory Game
Children love studying a tray of curious objects and seeing how many they can remember once it’s been whisked away. It’s a calm, engaging game that encourages focus and memory skills — perfect for a quiet moment at home.
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Dots and Boxes
A simple pencil-and-paper game where players take turns joining dots to complete boxes. Great for quiet moments and early strategy skills.
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Journalling
A simple way for kids to reflect, express themselves, and build writing confidence. Perfect for quiet time or as part of a calming daily routine.
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Emotion Cards
Create simple cards with different emotions and use them to spark gentle conversations about feelings. A great way to build emotional confidence and connection.
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Indoor Bowling
Create a mini bowling alley at home using plastic bottles and a soft ball. It’s a fun, active way to build coordination and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
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Duck Duck Goose
Simple, energetic and full of laughter, Duck Duck Goose is a brilliant game for groups of children. Great for burning off energy indoors or out.
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Chinnies
Draw a face on your chin, flip the camera, and give your chin a starring role! Chinnies are a hilarious way to get the whole family giggling.
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Anything Boules
Play a fun, unpredictable game of pétanque using everyday items like socks, toy bricks, or crumpled paper! A great way to get kids laughing and aiming indoors or out.
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Charades
A brilliant game for all ages, charades gets everyone moving, thinking, and laughing. No equipment needed—just imagination and a bit of silliness.
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Play House
Whether it’s pretending to be parents, pets, or superheroes doing the washing up, playing house encourages role-play, empathy, and storytelling.
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Draw a map
Encourage creativity and spatial thinking by helping your child draw a map—of a real place, a fantasy land, or even your own house.
