Shopping·7 min read

10 (Actually Fun) Indoor Activities for When It's Just Too Hot Outside

10 (Actually Fun) Indoor Activities for When It's Just Too Hot Outside
Design: theSkimm | Image: Amazon
July 8, 2022

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We’re all for some fun in the sun and relaxing beach days, but let’s face it: Sometimes it's just too hot to go outside. For those days when lounging around in the AC seems like the only option, we’ve rounded up some of our fave indoor activities for the whole fam. From an indoor jungle gym for the kids to a Lego movie-making kit for the kid at heart, get ready to enjoy your summer days minus the sweaty mess. 

Pssst…check out more ideas for activities that’ll spark your productivity, and outdoor fun for when it cools down a bit.  

Amazon indoor activities basketball
Amazon

A game that’s a throwback to your arcade days…

Hoop it up at home with this OG arcade basketball game. It’s foldable for easy storage and has two hoops for two-on-two challenges. The remote controller operates the scoreboard and the eight pre-programmed game options. It already comes with four balls, but you can snag a few more for a faster-paced game for two. ($169.99, Amazon)

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Indoor activities checkers
Amazon

A three-in-one game of checkers and tic-tac-toe…

There are two different tic-tac-toe games on the back — your standard one, and one with four across and four down. Plus, the checkers side comes with extra-large 3-inch pieces to move around. As a bonus, the board isn't actually a board at all: It’s a foldable rug you can take on the go or move around the house wherever you wanna set up. Fun with the fam either indoors or outside? Check and check…ers.  ($17.95, Amazon)

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indoor activities candle making
Paper Source

A candle-making kit with all the essentials…

Like natural soy wax, two different kinds of scented oils, two amber glass jars, three wicks, labels, gift tags, and step-by-step guides. It’s a quick and fun way to explore your creative side. Pro tip: Snag an essential oil set to create your own unique scents. ($24.97, Paper Source)

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Indoor activities jungle gym
Amazon

An indoor jungle gym for the kids…

Your little ones can climb, slide, swing, and hang in the comfort of their own playroom and you can keep an eye on ‘em without breaking a sweat. This jungle gym comes in two different sizes — a medium and a large — and four different colorways. We’re fans of the wood base with colored bars that’ll blend in with any home interior. And if you don’t already have one, we’d rec a soft cushioned mat to place underneath in case of any accidents. ($499+, Amazon)

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Amazon puzzle indoor activities
Amazon

A jigsaw puzzle for the plant lover…

This 1,000-piece puzzle features a design with over 50 plants, with the finished product measuring 20 by 27 inches. It’ll provide around three to four hours of entertainment for two people looking to complete it in one go. (If you’re not ready to commit to solving it in one stretch, grab a puzzle mat to preserve whatever you get through.) And after it’s finished and framed, check out this list out for even more puzzles and board game ideas. ($16.99, Amazon)

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Paper source lego indoor activities
Paper Source

A beginner’s kit to making your own Lego movie…

It’s time to hone those stop-motion skills. Use your phone, camera, tablet, or computer to capture your Lego creations using the kit’s 36 Lego pieces. There are fun backgrounds, props, scenery, minifigs, and faces to mix and match. Try your hand at a time-lapse build, and move on to even more intricate skills like lighting, sound effects, and camera angles. Annnnnd…action. ($24.99, Paper Source)

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Nail kit indoor activities
Amazon

A nail kit for at-home manis and pedis…

Complete with six attachment heads for filing, smoothing, shining, polish prepping, and cuticle care. This electronic nail file comes equipped with an LED light and easy-to-use precision control with two speeds and two directions. We love its cordless design, perfect for hitting all the nail angles without getting tangled up. Oh, and if you’re looking for a little more to spice up your mani and pedi game, check out our recs for affordable DIY nail accessories. Claws up. ($19.88, Amazon)

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Lettering book amazon
Amazon

A book to kick your calligraphy skills up a notch…

It’s full of tips and tricks — from lessons on lettering terminology to 15 projects at the back of the book to put your new expertise to work. Try your hand at sans serif, script, brush lettering, and so much more. Pssst…the right pens for this art form are essential, so snag this pack of three different calligraphy brush pens perfect for beginners. ($6.99, Amazon)

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Cricut indoor activities
Amazon

The ultimate crafting device and bundle…

It can handle over 300 different materials, from the thinnest paper to sturdier materials like leather and balsa wood. This bundle includes four pro-level vinyl rolls and one roll of transfer tape, plus a basic tool set to get you started. We love the built-in bluetooth for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring — and the smart set that works with uploaded designs. Want more crafting inspo? Take a look at Cricut’s full line of products here. ($579.99+, Amazon)

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Experiences
Uncommon Goods

A one-stop shop for new, at-home experiences…

Check out Uncommon Experiences from Uncommon Goods for activities that’ll appeal to every interest, across a range of price points. The smoky cocktails class will have you creating your own tasty, touched-by-fire drinks with a smoked cocktail kit that’ll be shipped to your door. If you’re a fan of at-home spa days, this DIY bath bomb workshop might be more up your alley. Or try your hand at this intro to basic tarot-card reading. The options — and the fun — are nearly endless. (Prices vary, Uncommon Goods)

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