When it’s raining, or hot weather compels your family to retreat indoors, you can make indoor activities a bonding experience for the family, with a little creativity and planning. Here are some ideas.

Share experiences, be imaginative.

  • Break out the board games and cards, or even play a video game tournament. It’s a great way to engage with each other.
  • Looking for something a little more relaxed? Show your kids your favorite movies from when you were their age, or discover some new ones together.
  • Spend time crafting and making art projects.
  • Make up stories.
  • Invent games, like “The Floor Is Hot Lava.”

Keep it in the family.

  • Teach your kids the skills and hobbies you want to pass along to them, like making classic family recipes, woodworking, or knitting. If they pick up one of your passions, it’s something you can share together for many years to come. Plus, it’s a great way to knock some things off of your to-do list.
  • Teach your kids about the family history with old photos and home movies, by telling stories, or just answering their questions.
  • Why not connect with the extended family by calling or video chatting with out-of-town relatives?

Don’t just sit there—stay active.

  • Find some indoor exercises your kids can do, and have a light workout. There’s a wide variety of family-friendly videos to follow online, or access on-demand.
  • Visit kid-friendly gyms.
  • Have a dance party with the kids. It could be as simple as creating a playlist and letting the good times roll. With so many ways to access music, you can also expose your little ones to some of your favorite all-time greats.
  • Partake in games that don’t require a lot of space, but still get everyone’s blood pumping—like follow the leader.
  • Visit a local ice rink or bowling alley for some family fun.
  • Go to indoor facilities where you can enjoy indoor sports like soccer and tennis.
  • Activity centers catering to families have popped up all over, such as trampoline parks and large inflatable playgrounds.
  • Indoor malls are a great place to walk for hours and knock some things off of your to-do list.