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Inside Activities While Babysitting

Every good babysitter needs a few backup activities for when playing outside isn't an option. So whether the weather is bad, it's nighttime, or you just want to stay indoors for the day, here are a few fun indoor babysitting activities.

Indoor Games
- Teach the kids a game they might not know, like chess.
  
  Games can be just as fun inside as they are outdoors! You could play board games, card games, even charades. Teach them one of your favorite childhood games and take a walk down memory lane. The kids could even make up their own games; help them write down the rules so they can teach their parents and friends how to play.
Arts and Crafts
- Help the kids make a scrapbook with old magazines, pictures and other craft items.
  
  Arts and crafts keep kids busy while letting them express their creative nature. Tear a few sheets from a coloring book, grab a 64-pack of crayons and settle the kids down at the table for some coloring. You could even do some finger painting -- just make sure to cover your workspace and put smocks on the kids in case it gets messy.
Cooking
- Baking cookies is a great indoor activity.
  
  Instead of the kids just eating their snacks, why can't they help make them too? Some kid-friendly recipes are "ants on a log" (peanut butter-filled celery sticks with raisins on top) and Rice Krispy treats. Just make sure it's okay with parents for you to use the kitchen, check on any food allergies, and be careful if you use the stove!
Reading and Writing
- Even younger kids enjoy looking at books.
  
  Reading is a classic rainy day activity. Bring some classic kids' books over -- Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss books always make good choices. If the kids are old enough, do "popcorn reading": each person reads a paragraph, passing the book around until the story is over. For younger kids, have them make up their own stories and draw pictures to illustrate what happens.

Kids Games