Lights, Camera, Action! Fun Kids Theatre Activities to Do at home

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids from getting bored? Theatre games and activities are a fantastic way to get them moving, using their imaginations, and connecting as a family. It’s also a wonderful way to bring in play-based learning—especially for the younger ones.

We all know that handing over a screen might buy you a few minutes, but it’s not always the answer. A little creative play can go a long way—and it’s way more fun! Plus you do not need to be an expert you play, in fact it is easier than you think and can be FUN.

I still remember being a kid and memorizing The Night Before Christmas. I convinced my brother and cousin to help me perform it for our family, and it turned into one of those memories I’ll never forget. It was probably the moment I knew not only performing was in my future, but also directing. Both my brother and cousin tried to back out of the performance and I had to encourage them "the show must go on".

Bringing a bit of theatre into your home could be just the right thing you need—and it might just become your new favourite family tradition.

2 Kids performing together

Here are some theatre-inspired ideas you can try right in your living room!

1. Create a Living Room Stage

Turn any space into a mini theatre! Hang up a blanket or curtain for a backdrop and let the kids decorate with paper stars, string lights, or anything they have on hand.

Old clothes, scarves, and hats make for perfect costumes—and it’s even more fun when they come up with their own skit, play, or dance routine.

When I was a kid, I’d always set up a little audience section and make sure there was a clear space for the performers. Your kids might want to go all out and create tickets or programs for their big show—those little details make it feel extra special.

Not sure where to start? The easiest way for young performers to create a show is to start with a story they already know and give it their own twist.

Fairy tales are perfect because most kids are familiar with them.

For example:

🎭 What if Little Red Riding Hood was heading to space instead of the forest?

🎭 Or what if the Three Little Pigs became Three Superheroes on a Mission?

When my boys were little one year we set up a band in our basement. There was drums and a microphone and they would "rock-out" for hours!

Pro tip: Use a flashlight as a spotlight! Turn the lights down low and let their imaginations take centre stage.

Family in our fun holiday sweaters

2. Host a Family Improv Night

Improv games are such a fun way to get everyone laughing, playing, and thinking on their feet—and the best part? No prep required! These are great for all ages and are an awesome way to connect as a family.

a) “Yes, And…

”This classic improv game is a favourite of mine! One person starts a story with, “Hey, remember the time we…” and makes something up—like, “Hey, remember the time we built a rollercoaster in our backyard out of pool noodles?”Then the next person jumps in with, “Yes, and…” and adds to the story—“Yes, and then the neighbour’s cat took the first ride!”

The story keeps going as long as you like—and the sillier, the better. This game is perfect for showing that there’s no right or wrong, and that everyone’s ideas are welcome.

b) “Props”

Grab a few random household items and challenge everyone to use them in a scene. A wooden spoon becomes a microphone, a sock turns into a puppet, a laundry basket becomes a rocket ship. Let the imagination take over!

c) Make Up Your Own Scenarios

If your kiddos are feeling creative, they can come up with their own scenes too! Try something like:

🎭 A pirate opens a smoothie shop

🎭 A detective interviews a talking sandwich

🎭 A robot learns to dance

🎭 A superhero forgets their powers

Let them create the characters, jump into the action, and just play. You never know where the story will go—and that’s part of the fun!

4. Musical Theatre Sing-Along

Why not turn your living room into your own personal stage? Pick your favourite musical numbers—maybe something classic like The Sound of Music or go for more modern hits like Encanto or Hamilton. Add some simple choreography and you've got an instant family performance!

This is such a fun way to get everyone singing, laughing, and moving together—and no one has to be a “perfect” singer. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the moment.

Want to add a twist? Try singing a familiar song in a totally different style or as a silly character.

🎤 Try it super slow like a lullaby

🎤 Sing it like you’re a grumpy old pirate

🎤 Turn it into a country ballad or a dramatic soap opera

You’ll be amazed at how creative (and hilarious) it can get!

5. Theatre Inspired Charades

This is such a fun way to get everyone moving and using their imaginations—no props needed!

Start by making a list of fun actions, places, or activities (think: riding a rollercoaster, walking a dog, baking a cake). Then take turns playing charades—no talking allowed! One person acts it out while everyone else tries to guess.

I love using actions and activities for kids instead of traditional charades with the names of movies, books and so on.

Want to level it up?

Add a theatrical twist by acting out characters or scenes from plays, movies, or books. You can write ideas on slips of paper or use a random generator online.

The sillier, the better! Bonus points for dramatic entrances, over-the-top reactions, or surprise endings.

This is a great game for all ages, and it’s a perfect way to build confidence, creativity, and connection—plus, lots of laughs!

Kids playing a theatre game

6. Pass the Story (Theatre edition)

Gather everyone in a circle and build a story together—one sentence at a time! One person starts with a line like, “It all began the day the toaster started talking…” and then the next person adds the next sentence. Keep going and see where the wild story leads!

Want more of a challenge? Try telling the story one word at a time. It gets chaotic in the best way and always ends in laughs.

To add some drama (the fun kind!), turn your story into a monologue! One person can perform it as if they’re in a big, emotional scene. Try using accents, over-the-top expressions, and dramatic pauses.

Or try this twist: instead of building a story, each person creates their own mini monologue. For example—what would a grumpy dragon say after losing a game? Or how would a robot feel if it learned to dance?

The goal? Get creative, get theatrical, and have fun together!

7. Record Your Own Radio Play

Grab a favourite story (or make up your own) and turn it into a script for a radio play! Perform it using just your voices and sound effects—no costumes or stage required.

Get creative with everyday objects for sound effects: crinkling foil for a crackling fire, tapping on glasses for magical sounds, or stomping on the floor for dramatic footsteps. Most phones have a recording option, so it's super easy to bring your story to life.

This is a great option for any performers who might not want to be in the spotlight but still love to act and create.

When you're done, share your recording with friends and family—they’ll love hearing your masterpiece!

Why Theatre Activities?

Theatre isn’t just fun — it’s an amazing way to boost creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Plus, it’s a fantastic screen-free activity that brings everyone together, from toddlers to grandparents. These kinds of games and activities turn any ordinary day into a memorable adventure. The best part? When everyone’s playing and creating together.

So, why not let your imagination take centre stage? Break a leg, and have a blast making your own at-home theatre magic!

P.S. Here’s a little holiday video of Miss Courtney leading you through a fun game about big emotions— get ready to move and laugh!

https://youtu.be/EmjND5u20sE

Or here is a great theatre game all about emotions that any age performer can play