How to Keep Your Children Active and Learning Indoors

By Carrie Spencer, Guest Blogger | Keeping children active and learning on a daily basis is essential to their development and well-being. This can be challenging to accomplish when cold and/or rainy weather has relegated them to the inside of their homes. However, you don’t have to settle for allowing your kids to lounge in front of the television all day when the weather is bad outside.

RAD Children’s Furniture is dedicated to early child development, and we want to help parents make healthy choices for their families. Here we offer are a few tips on how you can set your children up to learn and use up their energy when they’re stuck indoors.

Have a toy plan.

When everyone is stuck inside, interactive toys can be the ace up your sleeve. If your children have an abundance of toys, go ahead and pick out a handful you can put away for rainy days when they need something new or different. It’s also wise to invest in toys that hold their attention. Balance rocker beams, a climbing triangle or crawl furniture from RAD Children’s Furniture can provide hours of entertainment in the form of free play. In addition to building motor skills and physical strength, free play with these types of toys allows children to use their imagination to create their own fun, which expands little ones’ minds. Plus, it gives them the opportunity to interact with other kids (whether siblings or friends), which helps with learning socialization and cooperation.

Utilize online resources.

These days, there are a plethora of online resources available for children of all ages to benefit their learning at home. From Funbrain Jr. to Khan Academy, Varsity Tutors to Quaver Music Lessons — take advantage of all the ways your kids can supplement their education even when they’re away from school.

Make the most of screen time.

While you may not want to allow your kids unlimited screen time, watching shows and movies together can be a great way to keep them entertained. Look for educational television programming or find family-friendly movies that teach a lesson.

Find fun workouts.

Your kids have boundless energy. On days when the weather doesn’t allow them to play outside, it’s essential to have a gameplan for how they can get their energy out. Fortunately, there are many YouTube channels with free, fun workouts for children (and parents). Cosmic Kids Yoga, 20 Online, and Move to Learn are just a few examples to check out.

Have storytime.

One of the most practical ways for children to learn is by reading. Depending on each child’s age and reading level, there are many ways you can use reading to keep your kids educated and entertained. Whether you want to go with modern or classic, fiction or nonfiction — or are still working with your child on the fundamentals of comprehension — make time to read with your children at home.

Plan a game night.

On cold/rainy days, why not try impromptu gametime? Playing family games is a great way for kids to learn without realizing it. Plus, it provides an opportunity for the whole family to have a blast. From Twister Scrabble to Monopoly Speed to Left Center Right, look into all of the acclaimed games out there that can fill your evening with challenges, education, and laughter.

Keep yourself comfortable.

When the whole gang’s at home and can’t get outside, it’s possible you’ll be bouncing around the house from activity to activity all day. To ensure you stay comfortable throughout the day, and to avoid a weekday pajama day, rely on clothing and undergarments that don’t feel suffocating or confining. A great pair of leggings, an easy-wearing racerback bra, a soft t-shirt and a cozy cardigan can outfit you perfectly so you’re ready to tackle fort building, pillow fights and the ultimate dance party.  

Bad weather doesn’t take away the need for your kids to learn and tire out. Consider the advice provided above, and keep researching ways to make the most of cold and rainy days at home. You never know when a little preparation will come in handy!

Are you looking for high-quality handmade toys and furniture for your kiddos? Check out RAD Children’s Furniture to keep them engaged and to enhance their motor skills.

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The Spencers are a family with 2 moms, 3 kids, 2 dogs, 4 cats, 3 goats, 32 chickens, and a whole bunch of bees (with new animals being added all of the time!). They aim to live as self-sufficiently and environmentally consciously as possible and are happy to share the insights they have gained from family adventures on their mini-farm.