Are their any fun indoor activities for children between the ages of 4 and 13?

My kids are 20, 16, & 10. They play this game that they made up. They each write down on a small piece of paper what they want someone to do. (Kiss their brother on the big toe, sing a country song, tell what their most embarassing moment was...) They do this for hours. They even get their Dad and I envolved sometimes.

Reading. Read something to her you find interesting, and let her tell you some of the story, give her some time with it and choose short stories. Let her color something from the story. Teach her a nursery rhyme, although a complicated one, like the Owl and the Pussycat. She should be able to read some, and to point out the characters as you say the words. Ask her for ideas. Madonna writes books, there are a lot of good childrens books, get some from the library. Get some DVD's and tapes.

Get pop=beads, and make jewelry. Dress up as queen and princess, with the beads, make crowns, and make=up.

Organize the room, so the activities will make sense, and give it a sense of accomplishment. Try to get a bookshelf with doors. One shelf for reading, your choice. One section for reading, her choice. One shelf for coloring paper, crayons, etc. One shelf for boardgames, Candyland, Monopoly, Connect Four. Try a dollhouse, if you can get one. And have tea parties, with her dolls and stuffed animals. Make sure she helps you put the games and books away, and understands you each have responsibilities to keep things neat and take care of things.

Have a child size table, Sesame Street has small green and white tables her size and use this. It will focus her activities to her own place. With this and the bookcase, you should be able to make this work.

Organize snacks, you will need your mom's help. Make sure there are plastic cups and plates with available snacks, ready to eat, with napkins. Let her help sweep up. It's all part of the day. Sort her laundry, or at least let her know where the laundry is.

How about some fun crafts? Ask Mom to take you to a local craft store (ie. Michaels) and buy a bunch of hodgepodge stuff like pipe cleaners, styrofoam balls, beads, construction paper, glue, scissors, foam pieces and fingerpaints. Then, go on line and get several craft projects. Get some that can be modified so your sister can do the easy version and you can do the older more complicated version. Another idea is to make a scrap book together of things the two of you like to do together. I guarantee you will love it when you are both older.

I grew up with 2 older sisters, I can still remember how much I loved it when we would play together. Sometimes we would pretend like we were in a beauty shop and do each others hair and makeup. Sometimes we would pretend like we were cashiers at a store and one person was the customer. Even though you are a good bit older than her you can still have fun doing these things. If you like to draw or color pictures that is also a good idea. ( I am 30 now and I still have coloring books that I use with my son and I love it!) Just remember that even though your sister is younger she still "feels big" when she plays with you and I am sure she admires you. Just be patient with her. Also, I would like to say you are a wonderful big sister for taking the time you do for your little sister. She will never forget what you do for her.

well your mom needs to let you guys outside to get exercise but since she doesn't be the bigger sister and play barbies be the responsible one and give her her barbie play time also if you want to play a game help her teach her you be surprised what a 5 year old can learn, you can also start a story and let her add some stuff in and then you and so on

( no getting mad)

What about reading - you can read to your sister. Or perhaps drawing and colouring together. Your art skills will be above hers, but I'm sure that you both can learn from each other (4 year olds have amazing imaginations which we can all learn to use from time to time!).

I like someone's idea of baking. If you aren't allowed to use the stove, try making jello or no-bake cookies. And if you are allowed to use the kitchen, why not get dinner ready for your mom? It never hurts to develop cooking skills, and I bet your mom will appreciate it!

1.color

2.draw

3.make forts with blankets and sheets

4.dance to music, freeze dance

5.play barbies anyway

6.let her play video games with you, who cares if she doesn't know how,when it's her turn, let her mess up and don't get mad

7.puzzles

8.make up a story

9.read

10.make up a play

11.hide and seek

12.play dress up

13.play-doh

14.watch a movie

Just remeber sweetie that you are older and you will have to be the one to give into her more. It's not worth getting mad at her when she messes up, don't forget that you were 4 once too and you messed up a lot too. Have fun with your sister she will always be there for you when you are both older.

My kids love crafts. I usually watch for sales at Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics and buy those foam stickers that come in large buckets. They also love beads, and its great for the younger ones to practice stringing beads, patterns, etc... Sometimes I make a scavenger hunt for them inside when its bad weather outside. They love making collages using old magazines. Then I get clear contact paper and cover them, and we have instant placemats! They are especially nice for holidays, etc...

Hide & seek, sing alongs, coloring, paints, finger paints, play dough, tea parties, play school, play house, play restaurant, board games - candyland & chutes & ladders for little ones, monopoly & scrabble - junior & regular editions, play marching band, play cards, duck duck goose, charades, -

there are many indoor activities!

Give eachother makeovers.

Or grab a Cd player and make up a dance.

Try hide-and-go-seek.

Or draw or do crafts.