Dubai Days Indoors: 10 Exciting Ways to Entertain Kids at Home

Published 09 April 2026 at 10:49

Tickikids Blog Dubai >  Parenting >  Dubai Days Indoors: 10 Exciting Ways to Entertain Kids at Home

Dubai isn’t only about sunny skies and outdoor adventures — there are also those moments when staying at home feels like the best option. During such times, it’s important not only to create a comfortable environment, but also to know how to keep children of different ages engaged, calm, and happy! When plans suddenly change or the day doesn’t quite go as expected, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If you’re still searching for the perfect boredom-busting ideas, you’re not alone. TickiKids offers a reliable “Plan B”, sharing plenty of creative and enjoyable activities for children. We’ve gathered ten of our favourite video tutorials that are simple, fun, and require only easily available materials. This collection is a true lifesaver for parents looking to turn an ordinary day in Dubai at home into meaningful, joyful family time.

Tiny Hands, Big Fun: DIY Toddler Activities 

Video Credit: The Montessori Twin Mama

Entertaining a toddler at home while keeping them safe can feel like one of the trickiest parenting challenges — kind of like trying to juggle spaghetti while riding a unicycle! But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Try these DIY Montessori-inspired activities, created by a Montessori-trained mom and experienced parent of tweens. They’re hands-on, educational, and designed with safety in mind, so your little explorer can play, learn, and get a bit messy while you secretly breathe a sigh of relief. It’s fun, safe, and maybe even a little sanity-saving for parents too!

Try Salt Dough Crafts 

Video Credit: Red Ted Art (Maggy Woodley)

Salt dough crafts are a wonderful way to spend creative, hands-on time with your child while using simple ingredients you already have at home. Mixing flour, salt, and water together becomes part of the fun, as little ones love getting involved from the very start: measuring, stirring, and kneading the dough. Once it’s ready, the possibilities are endless: children can shape animals, ornaments, handprints, or their own imaginative creations. After baking and decorating, these crafts turn into lovely keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for family members. It’s not just about making something beautiful — it’s about encouraging creativity, developing fine motor skills, and sharing warm, memorable moments together!

Make your own Bath Paints

Video Credit: Happy Toy Time

Bath time just got a whole lot more exciting! Even in the middle of the day! Bath paints for kids are a simple, creative way to turn an everyday routine into playful, colourful fun. They’re incredibly easy to make at home and safe to use, so little ones can enjoy painting on tiles, the tub, or even their own hands while splashing around.

Children love the freedom to mix colours, draw pictures, and let their imagination run wild, and all while getting clean at the same time! It’s a perfect mix of creativity and sensory play, making bath time something they’ll truly look forward to. Simple, mess-friendly, and full of giggles — this is one activity that brings smiles all around.

Make an Indoor Obstacle Course

Video Credit: Easy Play Ideas for Kids

Keeping little ones entertained indoors can sometimes feel like a challenge — but it can also turn into a wonderful opportunity for family fun. Why not try creating an exciting obstacle course together? Using simple things like cushions, chairs, and blankets, you can build your very own mini adventure at home. The best part isn’t just completing the course, but designing it as a team: coming up with ideas, testing them out, and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. It’s an easy, playful way to keep children active, engaged, and happily busy without ever leaving the house.

Make Your Own Lava Lamp

Video Credit: Da Vinci Kids

There’s something uniquely soothing about the gentle glow of a lamp, especially when it comes to creating a calm and comforting atmosphere at home. Soft lighting can help children feel safe and relaxed, turning any space into a cozy little retreat after a busy or overwhelming day. A lava lamp, in particular, adds a touch of quiet magic — its slow, flowing shapes and warm light can capture a child’s attention in a peaceful way, helping them unwind, settle their thoughts, and even transition more easily into rest or bedtime.

And it’s always a great idea to spark a child’s curiosity with a little science. Make the most of your time at home by trying a fun and simple experiment together — make a lava lamp together, just like real scientists! It’s a simple yet effective way to bring a sense of calm, comfort, and a little wonder into everyday family life.

Detective Case. Spy Hacks 

Video Credit: Crafts That Slap

If your child loves mysteries and adventures, turning your home into a mini detective agency can be an incredibly fun and engaging activity! Start with a simple treasure mystery: hide a small “stolen” object somewhere in the house and leave behind a series of clues. These can be drawings, riddles, or even picture hints for younger children. Let them follow the trail step by step until they solve the case and recover the item.

You can also set up a spy training course, where children complete challenges to become official detectives. Tasks might include crawling under “laser beams” (strings), decoding a simple message, or finding hidden objects using a checklist. It’s active, exciting, and perfect for burning off energy indoors. For a quieter activity, try a secret message mission. Write clues using lemon juice (invisible ink), and let children reveal them with gentle heat (with adult help). They’ll feel like real secret agents uncovering hidden information!

Make a Dollhouse in a Shoe Box

Video Credit: MyFroggyStuff

This DIY dollhouse tutorial is a wonderful find for parents looking to keep their children creatively engaged. It’s a fantastic way to spark imagination, as kids will love designing and decorating their own miniature rooms with unique, handcrafted details. Even better, it’s the kind of activity that can keep them happily occupied for hours, combining creativity, play, and a real sense of accomplishment.

• Handmade Furniture: Use matchboxes for drawers, bottle caps for stools, and small boxes for beds or sofas. Add fabric scraps for blankets and cushions to make everything feel extra special.
• Mini Wall Art & Decor: Draw or print tiny pictures to hang on the walls, create little mirrors from foil, or make curtains from ribbons and fabric pieces. These details bring the dollhouse to life.
• Realistic Mini Wallpapers: For an extra special touch, you can print real miniature wallpapers! Simply find patterns online, print them out, and let your child choose their favourite designs. It’s an easy way to make each room look beautifully detailed and unique.
• Nature-Inspired Accessories: Go on a small “treasure hunt” outside and collect twigs, leaves, or pebbles. These can become tables, decorations, or even a tiny garden for the dolls.
• Lighting Magic: Add a cozy touch by placing a small, safe LED light or fairy lights nearby to create a warm glow—perfect for evening playtime stories.

Cooking Pizza following a recipe by Jamie Oliver

Video Credit: Jamie Oliver

This video takes you back to the good old days, featuring Jamie Oliver cooking alongside his young kids — a heartwarming glimpse of family life in the kitchen! It’s the kind of cozy, joyful home moment that feels just as inspiring today in a modern Dubai setting! Watch this fun tutorial and enjoy a magical time with the legendary English chef and his little helpers as they whip up a simple “cheat’s pizza” your kids will absolutely love making and eating with you. Bon appétit!

It’s Always a Great Time for Indoor Gardening

Video Credit: Crafts That Slap

Creating a little indoor garden with your child is a simple and rewarding way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Whether you plant herbs, flowers, or easy-to-grow greens, children will love getting their hands in the soil, watering their plants, and watching them grow day by day. It’s a gentle, calming activity that teaches patience, responsibility, and curiosity about the natural world. Even a small windowsill can turn into a mini green oasis, perfect for meaningful moments together and a daily dose of quiet joy!

Easy Magic Tricks for Kids 

Video Credit: AboutMagic

Bring a little wonder and excitement into your home with easy magic tricks that kids can learn and perform! Our simple, step-by-step tutorials make it fun for beginners to master impressive tricks using everyday household items. Not only do these activities spark creativity and imagination, but they also boost confidence as children practice, perform, and amaze family and friends with their magical skills. It’s a playful way to spend quality time together while discovering the joy of magic.