Our Favorite Indoor Activities

Back during the winter, I longed for summer.  Thoughts of picnics outdoors, Bella crawling around on a blanket, and Bryson playing in his kiddie pool made me giddy.  Then, summer happened.  It’s too hot to do any of those things during the day.  We are lucky to go outside for a couple hours each evening as the sun is setting.  Oh well, there is always fall!  Right?  I hope so.

This was his “water tower” made out of M&D Alphabet Blocks and he was so proud of it that he asked me to take a photo. 

The heat forced me to rearrange my plans for the summer and I’ve found several activities to keep Bryson occupied and happy.

Reading

I read to Bryson daily and always while tucking him in at  night.  We have hundreds of books, because I can’t pass up a cute children’s book.  Even so, he has his favorites that he likes to read regularly.  I try to sneak new ones in and then he gets attached to them.  He likes to read about characters he sees on TV (Cars, Nemo, etc.) but I also read children’s Bible stories to him. 

Puzzles

My mom bought a bag of 4 wooden puzzles and all of the pieces for around $2 at the thrift store.  I had no idea Bryson would take such an interest in them.  I pull all 4 of them out, line them up across our kitchen table, then I dump all of the pieces out.  We chat about each piece while he puts them in the correct places. 

We also have the Melissa & Doug Giant Fire Truck Floor Puzzle.  It’s over 3 feet long when finished!  I help Bryson with it, showing him where the pieces go, but letting him fit them in their place.  I bought the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards too, but he hasn’t taken much interest in it yet.

Coloring

Bryson becomes easily bored with coloring, so I have to switch it up often.  One day, I’ll give him crayons and coloring book with stickers.  The next, I might give him a Crayola Color Wonder set to use.  Some days, I’ll open our front door and let him use dry erase markers to draw on our glass storm door.  He loves this!  On other day, I’ll make a batch of finger paint and let him go to town with it.  There are endless possibilities when it comes to coloring.

Cooking

With almost anything I make in the kitchen, there is at least one step that Bryson can help with.  There’s always stirring or pouring that needs done.  It might take a little longer to whip up a recipe, but it’s worth it.  In the past, he’s helped with our rainbow cupcakes and frozen pudding pops.  One thing I love about the Stokke Tripp Trapp® Highchairis that he can turn it around and push it up to the counter to use as a step stool and kitchen learning bench.  I’m sure it isn’t meant to be used like that, but it works perfectly!

Music

We have several musical instruments that I bring out during the week.  The Melissa & Doug Band in a Boxis a fantastic kit with 10 pieces.  They make several other sets too, but this is the only one we own and that I can comment on.  In addition to that, we also have a harmonica and a little flute that Bryson enjoys.  This is fun for the entire family because we dance around while playing music.  Good exercise too and it gets the kids moving!

How do you keep the kids occupied inside?

By the way, this post was not sponsored by Melissa & Doug.  I just really LOVE their toys.