If you’re a parent, you already know the daily struggle: keeping kids entertained without relying on endless screen time (and while still trying to get a few things done yourself!). The good news? You don’t need fancy toys, constant outings, or hours of planning to keep little ones happy — sometimes the simplest activities are the ones they love the most.
That’s exactly why I put together this list of 20 simple activities you can do at home with your kids. These ideas are low-prep, budget-friendly, and perfect for sparking creativity and fun, whether it’s a rainy afternoon or just one of those “I’m bored!” days.
And if you’re looking for even more easy ways to keep your child engaged, don’t forget to grab my free Kids Mini Busy Book. It’s packed with printable games and activities designed to keep little hands and minds busy — perfect for quiet time, travel, or when you just need a moment of peace.
1. Dragonfly crafts
Let your kids’ creativity take flight by making sparkly dragonflies! Using gems, glitter, and simple craft supplies, they can design their own magical insects — perfect for a hands-on, colorful craft session.
2. Stone painting
Turn ordinary rocks into little works of art! Kids can use paints, markers, and even stickers to create colorful designs, animals, or fun patterns — a simple activity that sparks creativity and lasts long after the paint dries.
3. Bug leaves
Go on a mini nature adventure right in your backyard! Kids can collect leaves and use them to create cute bug designs with markers, googly eyes, or paint — a fun way to combine art and a little bit of outdoor exploration.
4. Pizza crafts
Who doesn’t love pizza? Kids can make their own pretend pies using paper, felt, or foam toppings — a creative, hands-on activity that lets them “cook” without the mess and sparks lots of imaginative play.
5. Bubble wrap bees
Create fun bee patterns using bubble wrap and paint! Kids can stamp and roll the bubble wrap to make cute, textured bee designs — a simple, hands-on craft that’s perfect for exploring shapes and colors.
6. Bug fossils
Kids can create their very own “fossils” by pressing toy bugs or leaves into clay or playdough. Once it hardens, they have cool, textured keepsakes — a hands-on way to explore science, nature, and art all at once.
7. Make an apple pie
Kids can “bake” their own pie using felt for the crust, pom-poms for the apple filling, and oats for a realistic touch. It’s a tactile, imaginative craft that combines creativity and pretend play — without any mess!
8. Junk painting
Turn everyday scraps into a masterpiece! Kids can use toilet rolls, foil, bubble wrap, and other odds and ends on a canvas to create unique textures and patterns — a messy-but-fun way to explore creativity and make art from “junk.”
9. Nature snakes
Kids can create slithery snakes using leaves, sunflower seeds, and other bits from nature. It’s a hands-on craft that sparks creativity, teaches about textures, and brings a little outdoor magic indoors!
10. Rainbow fish crafts
Kids can create slithery snakes using leaves, sunflower seeds, and other bits from nature. It’s a hands-on craft that sparks creativity, teaches about textures, and brings a little outdoor magic indoors!
11. Rainbow crafts
Brighten up your day with colorful rainbow crafts! Kids can use paper, paints, or recycled materials to create vibrant rainbows — a simple, cheerful activity that sparks creativity and teaches colors at the same time.
12. Toilet roll rockets
Blast off into fun with these DIY rockets! Kids can use toilet rolls, paint, and paper to build and decorate their own space rockets — perfect for imaginative play and little hands that love to create.
13. Rice ice cream
Kids can create colorful “sprinkles” using dyed rice to top pretend ice cream made from paper or playdough. It’s a simple, sensory craft that combines creativity, colors, and a little bit of messy fun!
14. Cotton wool painting
Kids can use cotton wool instead of brushes to dab, swirl, and create textured artwork with paint. It’s a fun, sensory way to explore colors and patterns while keeping little hands busy!
15. Tractor paint tracks
Kids can roll toy tractors through paint and onto paper to create colorful tracks and patterns. It’s a hands-on, playful way to combine vehicles, art, and creativity — perfect for little tractor fans!
16. Aquafaba frogs
Kids can make wiggly, bouncy “frogs” using aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) as a safe, gooey base for sensory play. It’s a messy, tactile activity that’s perfect for exploring textures and having fun with science at the same time! Simply drain a can of chickpeas and reserve the liquid, then whisk on a high speed and add green food dye to make your fluffy green aquafaba.
17. Paper leaf dolls
Kids can create cute little dolls using paper and leaves as clothing or accessories. It’s a creative, nature-inspired craft that combines art, imagination, and a bit of outdoor exploration!
18. Animal playdough footprints
Kids can press toy animals into playdough to make fun footprints and patterns. It’s a tactile, hands-on activity that combines sensory play with a little bit of learning about animals and shapes!
19. Wash the dirty animals
Kids can give their toy farm animals a bubbly bath using soapy water, sponges, or brushes. It’s a simple, hands-on activity that’s both playful and sensory — plus, it sneaks in some fine motor practice!
20. Unwrap and safe the animals
Kids can carefully untangle toy animals wrapped in string or yarn. It’s a simple, hands-on activity that builds patience, problem-solving skills, and fine motor coordination — all while having fun rescuing their little friends!
Keeping kids busy and happy at home doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With a little creativity and some simple activities, you can spark their imagination, encourage learning, and have a lot of fun along the way.
If you loved these ideas and want even more ways to keep your little ones entertained, don’t forget to grab my free Kids Mini Busy Book. It’s packed with easy, printable activities designed to keep kids engaged, inspired, and happily busy — perfect for quiet time, travel, or those “I’m bored” moments. Download your free copy today and make playtime fun and stress-free!
