Sometimes it's just nice to stay inside -- even in the summertime. Whether it's due to excess heat, too much sun, or you're having a rainy day, look at it as a change of pace -- a chance to do something different.

Instead of letting your kids plop in front of the video games or TV, try a few of these ideas for fun with your kids.

Dress Up

I keep a costume box in my closet that I get out only for days that we can't go anywhere else. Because they don't get to play with the stuff in this box very often, it is always a thrill for them. I keep old shoes, jewelry, and dressy clothes that I got at the thrift store for $1.00 a bag. This box doesn't have to be expensive kits you buy at the store for playing princess. Fill it with an odd assortment of things and let your kids use their imaginations.

Makeovers

If you have girls, this is sure to be a hit. Keep a box with your old makeup, curlers, hair accessories etc. When the time is right, take turns giving each other a beauty treatment.

Coloring

Print free pages off of websites and have a good old coloring time together. Coloring can be a great stress reliever. It's relaxing and a good time to talk to your kids and see what's on their minds.

Dance

My kids always love to dance. If you do this at night and cut all the lights off in the house and turn the music up until it's blaring, they will think it's the absolute greatest. Trust me.

Tents

Remember those tents you used to build as a kids? Go wild. Turn your whole living room into a tent city. Break out every extra blanket you have and using clothespins and rubber bands (really cheap at the discount store) you can build one fantastic tent city.

Crafts

This is another thing you should always have supplies on hand for. Some cheap fun indoor games are:

Macaroni Beads -- Color them and make all kinds of jewelry or use glue and make pictures with it.

Pay Dough

No. Not the kind you buy at the store. Make the homemade kind. It's soft and easy for the kids to work with -- none of that stiff, expensive stuff. Here's a recipe for great play dough:

1 C Flour

1 T. Oil

1 C Water

2 T. Cream of tartar

½ C Salt

Food Coloring

Mix everything together in a medium size pot -- except for the food coloring.

Stir over medium heat until the mixture forms a ball.

Plop it out onto a piece of waxed paper that is spread on your counter.

Let it cool and then divide so you can make different colors by adding drops of food coloring.

Salt Dough

You can make all kinds of permanent sculptures with salt dough. The kids love helping to add the color and then making creations.

Baking Soda Volcanoes

I don't know how many of these we have done over the years. Kids love to see these fizz and foam and never tire of doing this.

Fingerpaint

A little messy -- but fun. Go to your local newspaper and get an "end roll" from them. This is the last bit of newsprint that they can't use so they will usually give it away for free or for $1.00 a roll.

These rolls will last you literally for years. I tear off a sheet the size of my kitchen countertop. Sit the kids on the bar stools and let them paint all over it. Of course, you could easily make this an outdoor activity.

Cook

The internet is full of websites dedicated to teaching kids to cook. These sites have fun ideas with easy recipes for your kids to make. Not only will your kids be having fun, they will be learning useful skills.

What are you waiting for? Go have fun with your kids! :)

Javier Hernandez

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