As we continue to spend much of our time indoors, it can be difficult to keep the kiddos entertained. The next time they lament missing out on summer fun, try whipping out the materials and equipment for these fun indoor camp games.
Not only will these activities ensure your children’s safety, but you can bet they’ll stay cool in the living room. And lucky for you, the equipment includes makeshift items you likely already have in your household.
Here are some of our favorites:
1. Indoor Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts mark the spot for kids of all ages (including the young at heart). It’s a fun indoor camp game that leaves the details up to you, so make it personal and fun!
We recommend fusing elements of a scavenger hunt, planting whimsical clues and riddles in drawers, on shelves, in storage compartments—each one leading to the next, until, finally, treasure ahoy!
If you’ve got a bit of an older crowd, sweeten the deal with some friendly competition: The first to the finish line wins the treasure. For this variation, give the players the same set of clues in individual envelopes, and hide items in places with varying degrees of difficulty for being found.
2. Bowling at Home
Admittedly, bowling is already an indoor activity, but wouldn’t it be nice to play the game at home with just a couple of makeshift items? As added perks, you wouldn’t have to pay the high price of renting bowling shoes nor deal with gutter balls.
Bowling at home is more achievable than you may think. You can fashion bowling pins out of toilet paper rolls or empty plastic bottles, and we’re sure you have a small-to-medium-sized ball in your house somewhere. The most fun is had when you play up the theatrics. Whether you cheer on your little one or put on a devastated reaction when they knock down more pins than you, we guarantee your enthusiasm will prompt your little one to giggle.
For older kiddos, raise the stakes by keeping score. Consider incorporating tricky rolling techniques and a blindfold into the mix.
3. Paper-Airplane Launching Contest
Take your indoor summer to new heights with a good old-fashioned paper-airplane launching contest. This game could inspire ingenuity through artful paper-folding, and it can bring out a competitive streak among the entire family.
The rules for this fun indoor camp game are simple. Each person gets to throw their paper airplane five times, and their furthest throw is the one that gets tallied. Make sure you use some sort of placeholder to mark each player’s best throw—the owner of the paper airplane that traveled the farthest distance wins!
Pro tip: You can also use a chair, an elastic band, and a paper clip to launch the planes.
4. Balloon Badminton
If you’re concerned for the state of your living-room furniture, we’ve got a fun indoor camp game you’ll surely approve. All you need is one (or a few) balloon(s) and a couple of tennis rackets. The only rule? Don’t let the balloon touch any surface, including the rug, coffee table, entertainment center, or couch.
You can level up this game with more balloons or by providing more structure—you can play a suspenseful, slow-paced version of badminton with a couple of players or teams. If you’re playing with teams, the losing side must perform an improvised dance routine for the duration of one song.
5. (Team)Building Blocks
Not everything has to be a competition. In summer camps, group activities usually revolve around teambuilding. In the same spirit, why not dole out the ol’ bin of toy building blocks?
Depending on the age of your child, you can purchase preschool-friendly LEGOs with cartoon characters or elaborate sets with 1,000+ pieces that may take you some time to build. You can each divide and conquer—Dad builds the Batmobile; Mommy gets the Bat Signal; and the kid’s got the Gotham police station.
The prize at the end is the quality time you’ve spent together.
Bonus: Make-Believe!
If you’re looking to get more creative, replicate the experience of outdoor camping right in your living room!
A fireplace can become a bonfire ready for roasting marshmallows. Couch cushions and bedsheets can be turned into a camping tent. String lights can simulate constellations. You can even connect your Bluetooth speaker to play sounds of chirping crickets and a crackling fire.
Let your imagination roam as you regale your kids with your own childhood memories of camping with your family. And make it an educational experience! Encourage questions about nature and basic survival skills, including first aid, navigating a compass, fishing, and more.
As you make the most of your living room this summer, remember to keep us in mind for your furnishing needs. Check out our impressive catalog of home décor and furniture, and if you have any questions, contact our experts! We are always happy to help.