Summer’s here, and while we love playing outdoors, there are times when we need to be inside to beat the brutal summers in the south.  But when they are inside we both know how tricky it can be to keep our little ones entertained.

Between trying to get a moment of peace and making sure they’re not glued to their devices, it can be a real balancing act. But don’t we got you. Here are five fun activities that’ll keep your kids engaged, spark their imagination, and maybe even give you a chance to sip your iced coffee before the ice melts!

1. Set Up a Play Shop

Ever notice how kids love playing pretend store? Turn a doorway into a mini-market! Use items from your pantry, some play money, and a cash register if you have one. Let your child be the shopkeeper while you and maybe a few stuffed animals are the customers. The Swingly play shops like the Farmer's Market & Bakery are perfect for imaginative play, and it helps them with counting and basic math skills. 

2. DIY Craft Station & Art Gallery

Transform a section of your home into a craft station. Gather paper, crayons, markers, stickers, and dry noodles. After they are done creating, encourage the kids to put on an art gallery showing.  They will need to walk visitors through and explain their artwork.  This kind of creative play activity is fantastic for developing fine motor skills and allowing them to work on their social skills.  They'll also develop a sense of pride when showing off their work.

3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for your kids to find around the house – a red toy, a book with a cat on the cover, something that makes noise, etc. Give them a small basket to collect their treasures. This activity promotes imagination and play as they think about where to find the items, and it’s a great way to keep them moving and engaged. 

4. Kitchen Science Experiments

Simple activities like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, or mixing cornflour and water to make oobleck, are sure to fascinate your little ones. These experiments are a perfect blend of creative play and education, teaching them basic science concepts in a hands-on way. 

5. Open-Ended Playtime with Blocks

Sometimes the simplest toys provide the most fun. Pull out a set of building blocks - we especially love these wooded ones from HABA. They can build towers, castles, houses, or whatever their hearts desire. Open ended play like this encourages problem-solving and creativity. It’s amazing to see what they come up with when they have the freedom to create without specific instructions.

So there you have it! Five super fun, creative activities that will keep your kiddos entertained this summer. Here’s to a summer full of laughter, creativity, and lots of fun!