The Christmas and New Year holidays bring excitement and plenty of free time for kids. But when the weather turns cold and rainy, keeping children entertained indoors becomes a challenge. Parents across the UK search for engaging indoor activities that keep kids active, happy, and away from screens.

This guide covers 20 fantastic indoor activities for kids during the festive season. From adventure parks to creative projects at home, you'll find options that suit different ages, budgets, and energy levels.

1. Visit Jungle World Park for Ultimate Indoor Adventure

Jungle World Park stands at the top of our list for good reason. With locations in Leyland and Blackpool, this indoor adventure centre offers everything kids need for an unforgettable day out during the holidays.

The park features soft play areas, climbing frames, ball pits, and dedicated zones for different age groups. Toddlers can explore safely in designated areas while older children tackle challenging obstacle courses and slides. Parents appreciate the on-site cafes where they can relax with a coffee while keeping an eye on their little explorers.

What makes Jungle World Park special is its commitment to creating a genuine jungle atmosphere indoors. The themed environment sparks imagination and encourages active play, making it perfect for burning off that festive energy when outdoor options aren't available.

The park maintains high safety standards and cleanliness, which parents value especially during the busy holiday season. Booking ahead is recommended during Christmas and New Year periods as spots fill up quickly.

2. Host a Baking Marathon

Kids love getting messy in the kitchen, and the holidays provide the perfect excuse. Set up a baking station and let children help make Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, or festive cupcakes.

Start with simple recipes that allow kids to measure, mix, and decorate. Sugar cookies work brilliantly because children can use cookie cutters in holiday shapes and then unleash their creativity with icing and sprinkles.

The activity teaches basic maths through measuring ingredients, develops fine motor skills during decorating, and creates treats everyone can enjoy.

3. Create a Living Room Fort

Never underestimate the power of blankets, cushions, and imagination. Building forts turns your living space into an adventure zone.

Provide sheets, chairs, and clips, then let kids design their own hideaway. Once built, the fort becomes a reading nook, puppet theatre, or secret headquarters for imaginative play.

This activity costs nothing but delivers hours of entertainment. Kids develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills while constructing their masterpiece.

4. Set Up Indoor Camping

Bring the camping experience inside by pitching a tent in your living room or playroom. Add sleeping bags, torches, and camping snacks.

Tell stories, play shadow puppets on the tent walls, or watch a nature documentary. Some families even cook marshmallows over a safe indoor alternative like an electric s'mores maker.

Indoor camping creates memorable moments without dealing with cold weather or unpredictable conditions outside.

5. Organise an Arts and Crafts Station

Stock up on supplies like paper, markers, glue, glitter, and child-safe scissors. Let kids create holiday cards, decorations, or gifts for family members.

Project ideas include paper snowflakes, salt dough ornaments, painted pine cones, or homemade wrapping paper using potato stamps.

Arts and crafts develop creativity, concentration, and fine motor skills. The finished projects give children a sense of achievement and create keepsakes for years to come.

6. Host a Movie Marathon

Create a cinema experience at home with a selection of holiday films. Set up comfortable seating with blankets and pillows.

Prepare popcorn, hot chocolate, and snacks. Let kids vote on which films to watch and create a schedule for the day.

Choose a mix of classics and new releases to keep everyone engaged. This low-energy activity works brilliantly for recovery days between more active adventures.

7. Try Science Experiments

Turn your kitchen into a laboratory with simple science experiments. Create volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar, make slime, or grow crystals.

These activities combine fun with learning. Kids discover basic scientific principles through hands-on experience.

Many experiments use household items you already own. Search online for age-appropriate experiments that match your children's interests and your comfort level with mess.

8. Dance Party and Freeze Dance

Clear space in your largest room and create a playlist of favourite songs. Let kids dance freely or organise games like freeze dance and musical statues.

Physical activity releases energy and improves mood. Dancing also helps children develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence.

This activity requires no special equipment and works for all ages. Even toddlers enjoy bouncing to music while older children can choreograph routines.

9. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Design a treasure hunt with clues hidden around your home. Tailor the difficulty to your children's ages and reading abilities.

The treasure might be a small toy, festive treats, or coupons for special privileges. Create riddles, picture clues, or maps depending on what your kids enjoy.

Treasure hunts encourage problem-solving, reading comprehension, and physical movement as children search from room to room.

10. Board Games and Puzzles

Break out age-appropriate board games and puzzles. The holidays offer rare opportunities for extended family game sessions.

Games teach turn-taking, strategy, and good sportsmanship. Puzzles develop spatial awareness and patience.

Choose cooperative games where players work together rather than compete. This approach reduces arguments and helps younger children participate successfully.

11. Build with Blocks and Construction Toys

Construction toys like LEGO, magnetic tiles, or wooden blocks provide open-ended play opportunities.

Set challenges like building the tallest tower, creating a vehicle, or constructing a holiday scene. Alternatively, let children build freely following their imagination.

Building activities develop spatial reasoning, creativity, and persistence. Many children spend hours absorbed in construction play.

12. Indoor Obstacle Course

Use household items to create an obstacle course. Cushions become stepping stones, chairs create tunnels to crawl under, and tape lines mark balance beams on the floor.

Time each attempt and encourage kids to beat their own records. Change the course layout to maintain interest.

This activity burns energy while developing gross motor skills, coordination, and body awareness.

13. Puppet Show Theatre

Help kids create puppets from socks, paper bags, or craft sticks. Set up a theatre using a sheet draped over furniture.

Children can write their own stories or perform favourite tales. This activity combines crafting, storytelling, and performance.

Younger children enjoy the puppets themselves while older kids appreciate the creative challenge of developing stories and characters.

14. Cooking Together

Beyond baking, involve kids in preparing meals. Age-appropriate tasks include washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or arranging food on plates.

Cooking teaches life skills, maths, and nutrition. Children feel proud contributing to family meals and often try foods they helped prepare.

Choose simple recipes where kids can handle most tasks with supervision. Holiday-themed dishes make the activity feel special.

15. Reading Marathon

Create a cosy reading corner with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a selection of books.

Take turns reading aloud or let children read independently. Libraries often offer holiday-themed books perfect for the season.

Reading develops literacy, vocabulary, and imagination. Quiet reading time provides a calm break between more energetic activities.

16. Indoor Bowling

Set up bowling pins using plastic bottles or toilet paper tubes. Use a soft ball to knock them down.

Create score sheets and take turns bowling. This simple game works for various ages and requires minimal space.

Kids practice counting, coordination, and taking turns. The activity adapts easily for different skill levels.

17. Music and Instrument Exploration

Gather musical instruments or create simple ones from household items. Rice in containers becomes shakers, pots become drums.

Let children experiment with different sounds and rhythms. Older kids might enjoy learning simple songs or creating their own compositions.

Music activities support auditory development, creativity, and self-expression.

18. Dress Up and Role Play

Provide costumes, old clothes, and props for imaginative play. Kids might pretend to run a shop, perform as doctors, or become superheroes.

Role play helps children process experiences, develop empathy, and practice social skills.

This activity requires little preparation but delivers extensive playtime. Many children return to dress-up play repeatedly throughout the holidays.

19. Indoor Gardening

Start herb gardens or plant bulbs indoors. Kids can decorate pots and watch plants grow over the coming weeks.

Gardening teaches responsibility, patience, and basic biology. The herbs grown can be used in cooking, connecting multiple activities.

This project provides ongoing engagement as children water and observe their plants throughout the holiday period.

20. Visit Other Indoor Play Centres

While Jungle World Park offers exceptional facilities, exploring other indoor play centres adds variety to holiday activities.

Many towns feature soft play areas, trampoline parks, or climbing centres. Research options in your area and plan visits to different venues throughout the break.

Indoor play centres provide professional equipment and supervised environments where children can play safely regardless of weather conditions.

Making the Most of Indoor Time

The key to successful indoor activities for kids lies in variety. Mix high-energy options like visiting Jungle World Park with calmer pursuits like reading or crafts.

Plan ahead but stay flexible. Some activities will captivate your children for hours while others might hold interest briefly. Keep a list of backup ideas for moments when energy levels change or weather prevents outdoor plans.

Remember that screens don't need to dominate holiday time. These 20 activities prove that indoor fun comes in many forms, from physical adventure to creative expression.

FAQs About Indoor Activities for Kids During the Holidays

What are the best indoor activities for high-energy kids during Christmas holidays?

Active options work best for energetic children. Indoor play centres like Jungle World Park provide climbing, sliding, and running opportunities. At home, try indoor obstacle courses, dance parties, or building activities that encourage movement. Combining physical activities with creative breaks helps maintain engagement throughout long holiday days.

How can I keep kids entertained indoors without spending much money?

Many excellent indoor activities cost nothing. Build forts with household items, host baking sessions using ingredients you already own, create arts and crafts from recycled materials, or organise treasure hunts around your home. Libraries offer free books and often host holiday programmes. Mix these budget-friendly options with occasional paid outings for variety.

What indoor activities work for mixed age groups during family gatherings?

Choose activities that adapt to different skill levels. Board games with simple rules, movie marathons, baking projects, and arts and crafts stations work across age ranges. Older children can help younger ones, creating bonding opportunities. Visiting venues with age-specific zones like those at Jungle World Park allows everyone to participate at appropriate levels.

How long should indoor play sessions last for young children?

Attention spans vary by age, but most young children engage best with activities lasting 30 to 60 minutes before needing a change. Rotate between active play, creative projects, and quiet time. Watch for signs of restlessness or frustration and switch activities before children lose interest completely. Flexibility matters more than strict schedules.

Are indoor play centres worth visiting during peak holiday times?

Yes, despite crowds, indoor play centres provide valuable benefits during holidays. Professional equipment offers play opportunities impossible to recreate at home. Children socialise with peers while parents can relax in a safe, supervised environment. Book early morning or late afternoon slots to avoid peak times. Advance booking ensures entry during busy periods.