It has been a difficult few weeks as our country and indeed the world deals with the outbreak of Covid 19. It is about to get harder, as of yesterday the schools were closed for the foreseeable future. As some parents are out of work and some continue to work from home whilst all the family is stuck inside. It will be testing times for all of us.

However, it is also an opportunity to spend quality time as a family and get creative with some indoor games!‍

Here are my top 20 ways to entertain the kids indoors

1. Have a movie marathon. Thanks to streaming services, there are plenty of movies to choose from. Postpone your strict screentime rules and vege out in front of the TV.

2. Build a fort. How many hours did you burn growing up building the perfect hideaway? Depending on age, of course, I tried this with my 20-month-old the other week and my husband and I were more excited than he was!

3. Do an easy craft. No need to go over the top, just give your little ones some construction paper and crayons and let their imaginations go wild!

4.Baking and cooking. Providing there is ingredients left in the shops get creative in the kitchen under your supervision let them cook, bake and create!

5. Make an obstacle course. Use old pillows and toys to set up a quick-and-easy obstacle course. Or better still if you can get in the garden dress appropriately and get outside.

6. Write letters to relatives. Have your kids craft a letter to a grandparent or family member. It also helps them practice their penmanship, and is a wonderful surprise for the recipient.

7. Do a puzzle. Amazon is chock-full of puzzles for kids of all ages. Prime one to your house and get cracking.

8. Get building. Use Legos or building blocks to create a structural masterpiece. Go for a more complicated build, like a bridge, to give your kids the lowdown on basic physics.

9. Cuddle up with a few books. There's no such thing as too much reading, so carving out an hour to hunker down with your kids' favourite titles is a great way to spend time together.

10. Stage an impromptu concert. Ask your children to practice their favourite song or dance routine and have them perform it in front of the family in a post-dinner talent show like the good old days before TV.

11. Plan a treasure hunt. Layout clues to hidden treasures around the house or garden to keep the kids busy.

12. Have a games night. This is a firm family favourite in my house, nothing like a little bit of healthy mental competition with a good board game or deck of cards there are so many to choose there is something for everyone.

13. Play a round of indoor games. Have little ones burn off some energy by playing a few rounds of LeapFrog, Simon Says, or musical statues.

14. Dig up some of those activity books. Have a few puzzle or colouring books laying around you usually reserve for family road trips? Now's the time to get them out of the cupboard.

15. Have a pamper day. DIY your own bath bombs, let children apply face masks and give each other little back massages for the ultimate relaxing experience.

16. Decorate cardboard boxes. Let kids go to town colouring or painting any leftover boxes you have laying around for hours of fun.

17. Print out colouring pages. Low on crafting supplies? No problem. There are plenty of free printable colouring pages online.

18. Put on a play. Have your kids create and perform their own play. Dip into the costume box or your wardrobe to really get into character.

19. Get messy with Play-Doh. A family favourite for all ages, who doesn't love playing with play-doh. Encourage them to make a sculpture to get the creative juices flowing.

20. Water play. Fill up your sink with washing up liquid and plenty of toys to keep toddlers entertained long enough to make lunch or dinner.

I hope you have found this helpful, please feel free to comment and share any other ideas and photos of you doing the activities suggested.