In recent weeks, Way to Grow has seen families staying home during uncertain times when leaving feels unsafe. Given the combination of external events and winter temperatures, families are spending more time at home. Whether children are learning online or simply need a break from screens, moments of connection matter. The following two easy indoor activities require no special supplies and can be led by older siblings, providing parents a chance to recharge while children learn together through play.
Why Play-Based Learning Matters
Research shows that play is not just fun – it builds essential skills. A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that guided play can be more effective than direct instruction for developing early math, problem-solving, and social skills. When children explore through play, they practice creativity, negotiation, and critical thinking in ways that feel natural and joyful.
During times when families need to stay close to home, play-based learning offers structure without stress. Older children gain confidence as they lead activities, and parents can step back knowing their children are learning, not just passing time.
Activity 1: Story Building with Household Items
This activity turns everyday objects into storytelling tools.
What you need:
- 5-10 safe household items (wooden spoon, soft toy, sock, cup, small book, etc.)
- A comfortable spot to sit together
How it works:
- Gather items and place them in the center of the group
- Take turns choosing one item
- The person who chose the item adds it to a story: “Once there was a friendly sock who loved to dance…”
- Invite each participant to help act out the story with their objects. Don’t be afraid to add goofy sound effects or creature noises, music, character voices, and other fun story elements!
- The next person picks another item and continues: “One day, the sock met a wooden spoon who played beautiful music…”
- Keep going until everyone has added to the story
- To keep things moving forward, use the simple prompt: “And then what happened?” Everyone will be surprised and delighted by the silliness that takes shape.
Why it works:
Story building develops language skills, creativity, and turn-taking. Children practice listening to each other, building on ideas, and creating narrative structures. Younger children hear rich vocabulary and sentence patterns, while older children practice leadership, organizing thoughts, and making connections between ideas.
For different ages:
- Toddlers (2–3): Let them hold and move objects, make noises, and say a word or simple phrase
- Preschoolers (3–5): Encourage short sentences and creative additions
- Elementary (K–3): Challenge them to include a beginning, middle, and end
- Challenge Round: Is there a moral or lesson to this story?
Activity 2: Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts get children moving, thinking, and exploring their home in new ways. This activity can be especially fun for older siblings because they can get creative and organize the hunts for their younger siblings.
What you need:
- Nothing! Just your home and imagination
How it works:
- Create simple prompts based on your child’s age and skills
- Call out one prompt at a time
- Children search and bring back what they find
- Celebrate each discovery and talk about it together
Prompt ideas by age:
- Toddlers: “Find something soft,” “Find something red,” “Find something that makes noise”
- Preschoolers: “Find something that starts with the letter ‘B,'” “Find something round,” “Find something you can wear”
- Elementary: “Find something that reminds you of summer,” “Find the oldest thing in the house,” “Find something used for writing”
Why it works:
Scavenger hunts build observation skills, categorization, and problem-solving. Children practice following directions, making decisions, and moving their bodies. For older children leading the activity, creating prompts develops planning skills and empathy as they consider what their younger siblings can accomplish.
Tips for success:
- Keep each round short (5-10 minutes) to maintain interest
- Let children take turns creating prompts
- Celebrate creative answers – there’s often more than one right response
- Use it as a focusing activity when energy is high
When Siblings Lead
Letting older children lead these activities provides benefits for everyone. Older siblings practice patience, communication, and problem-solving. Younger siblings gain confidence from learning with someone they trust. Parents get precious moments to rest, knowing their children are engaged in meaningful play.
According to research from the Institute of Education Sciences, play-based learning supports not just academic skills, but social-emotional development and self-regulation. When children play together, they practice negotiating, taking turns, and managing feelings – skills that serve them throughout life.
Finding Joy in Small Moments
When leaving home feels difficult, these activities create space for connection and fun. Learning happens in everyday moments – in the stories children tell, looking at the world around us in different ways, and the laughter that comes from playing together.
Way to Grow knows that families are doing their best during these uncertain times. Sometimes the most important thing we can offer children is our presence, our patience, and the chance to spend time together.
For more support and resources during challenging times, visit our resource page for families.
