Top 17 Indoor Activities to do in Quarantine

On the lookout for fun indoor activities or things to do in isolation? Have a go at these online classes and pick up a set of new skills – as well as the confidence to create something amazing! With so many DIY art, craft and cooking classes to choose from around the country, you’ll always know what to do when bored at home! What's more, you can have everything you need dropped off at your door in the form of a craft kit, so all you have to do is jump online and learn from local artisans all around Australia. 

Trying to find entertaining things to do during quarantine isn’t easy, but regardless, it’s so important that we focus on keeping our minds and bodies moving and try new activities that will keep our spirits high. With so many exciting things to do at home, you and your family will be able to stay entertained throughout Australia's shadow lockdown and shake off any iso blues, whether you’re after online classes for kids or even the best Zoom date ideas. Check out our top seventeen indoor activities to get you through 2024 and say hello to your new DIY hobby. See more of our live online classes here!

 

 1. Learn cocktail making at home

Let’s be honest, when you heard you were a close contact, you probably needed a stiff drink (or four!) to get you through it all. Thankfully, with the help of mixologists from Kubarz Cocktail Club, Pineapple Jam and Mofo Lounge, you can learn cocktail making from the comfort of your own lounge room, snuggled up in your PJs! With all the equipment and ingredients you’ll need sent to your door, all that’s required for you to do is flex those cocktail-shaking muscles and enjoy your delicious, Instagram-worthy creations at the end of the class!

2. Play with pottery

From hand building ceramics to the art of Kintsugi, there are so many pottery possibilities out there when it comes to online pottery classes! Use air drying clay to shape your own unique mugs with imakesculptures or try Japanese gold repair with Art Kintsugi Sydney or Kintsugi Australia. The best part about these indoor activities is that you’ll have something practical or decorative to display in your home and admire while you’re stuck inside. Pottery and ceramics classes are also a wonderful way to practice mindfulness, let go of your worries and simply sink your hands into some squishy clay.

3. Cook something amazing from the comfort of your own kitchen

If there’s one thing Australia's shadow lockdown promises, it’s an increase in appetite. Instead of whipping up the same old meals, why not learn how to cook something new and refreshing to get you feeling more upbeat and energised! Try a pasta making class with Marina Totta, learn how to make dumplings with OTAO Kitchen, experiment with Greek flavours thanks to the Hellenic Odyssey, or even take up baking and cake decorating with Anna Marie Roche. Online cooking classes are some of the most fun things to do at home and are sure to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas from all over the world. Discover more fun things to do in lockdown by clicking here!

4. Brush up on your lettering

At first, the notion of practising handwriting can conjure up memories of writing lines in a classroom for hours on end. But learning calligraphy via a virtual experience is fun, easy and makes you feel just as accomplished as when you got your first pen license in primary school! It also doesn’t require much equipment, making it a great crafting option when looking for things to do at home, and it's one of the most meditative creative hobbies you can try. With all of the instructions and demonstrations to help you practice your strokes, you’ll be able to craft the day away, whilst creating something to beautify your invites when group events and special celebrations become more frequent again! Try out brush lettering with Vanessa Opazo or learn modern calligraphy with Icy Icaro and brush up on your penmanship.

5. Create your own fragrant soy candles

When you’re thinking of things to do on a rainy day (which during quarantine feels like every day), candle making classes probably aren’t the first things to spring to mind. But with these workshops, you’ll be easing boredom in no time! Craft beautifully scented candles out of soy wax with Handmakers Factory or Michelle See, all from your own home. If you’re stuck at home, candle making is a wonderful way to lift your house vibes and give the room a little extra love.

6. Bind your own Kokedama or build a terrarium

When you’re stuck inside there’s nothing better than having a little greenery to liven up your space. Practice ancient botanical techniques in a Kokedama workshop with Merchant & Green and make an adorable Japanese moss ball from scratch. Or, get your hands dirty at an online DIY terrarium class with The Plant Whisperer and play with sweet succulents. These online classes are perfect for anyone missing their daily nature fix, or if you’re looking for indoor activities that can double as decorations. And of course, if you’ve been desperately asking Google ‘what to do when bored’ during quarantine, you’ll be entertained for hours thanks to our hands-on craft kits.

7. Learn how to paint with watercolours

When it comes to relieving stress during quarantine, we can’t think of anything better than trying watercolour classes for the first time. Paint with this delicate medium and feel instantly relaxed as you let go of any tension in your upper body and focus on each calming brushstroke. You may think that watercolour paintings always have to have a muted, watery look, but you can actually achieve some really bold and vibrant artworks with the right teacher! Try an online class with Earthdrawn Studio and learn how to paint fabulous, rainbow marine animals and insects.

 8. Boost your mood with beautiful blooms

Looking for indoor activities that will allow you to feel more light and positive? Fill your home with fragrant flowers and give a floristry course a go! Plus, who doesn’t love getting flowers delivered? Send yourself a curated, preserved flower arranging kit from The Flower School or Bloomin’ Marvellous and brighten up your day or even have the flowers delivered to someone special as a DIY gift. These floral arrangements are perfect for those times where you want to treat yourself or even cheer up a friend who is dealing with lockdown blues.

9. Practice mindfulness

Now more than ever, it’s important to focus on mindfulness and engage in activities that will make you feel more at peace with being cooped up inside. Luckily, there are so many live online learning options out there with an emphasis on being more mindful. Learn how to draw a mandala with ARTea Art School, meditate at home with Mind Body Energy, start art journaling with Risso Creative, or try out a yoga class. With these incredible online experiences, you’ll be feeling rejuvenated and connected to your inner self in no time!

10. Twist and wrap macrame knots

Chasing fun things to do in isolation that are a little out of the box? Learning macrame online is a great way to redecorate your living space, old-school style. With Australia in some form of shadow lockdown, mastering the macrame cord is one craft workshop you probably didn’t expect to indulge in. But cast your aspersions aside; this is one of the most traditional forms of textile work available. Learn how to make a macrame wall hanging with Made By Me Workshop, or, if you’re looking for something even more unique discover how to make colourful macrame rainbows with Kristyn Begnell.

11. Punch needle the night away in a live streaming class

Punch needle embroidery is one of the most expressive forms of stitching and embroidery and allows you to be truly colourful and creative! Different to standard stitching, it’s often described as “painting with thread” because of how limitless your creative options can be! These live classes online - complete with your own home-delivered kit  - is not just a fun way to spend a few hours, but gives you the tools and training to continue your punch needle journey long after the class is finished. Punch needle embroidery can be used to decorate pillows, quilts, lampshades and even clothing, which makes these DIY kits some of the most versatile things to do at home.

12. Make your own sustainable, beeswax wraps 

Indoor activities don’t get much more eco-friendly than making beeswax wraps! If you’ve never used them before, they’re a fantastic way to preserve and wrap food without glad-wrap. These live classes online aren’t just a great thing to do when you're bored, but a great step in moving towards a more sustainable household. Fun to make and exciting to decorate, this is one of the many things to do at home that will also save you money in the long term. 

13. Paint and sip your way through isolation

Get creative with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand and paint your way through quarantine with an online paint and sip class! Wine and paint nights are a great way to socialise and stay connected as you try something new. Learn how to paint like Banksy or Monet with Paint For Fun Melbourne and discover your own inner artist. Guided by friendly, patient artists, these painting for beginners classes are easy to follow, and will get you excited to start on your own painting projects.

14. Get a good massage

Looking for romantic date ideas to try during isolation with your partner? A massage kit from Mandara Massage is one of the best craft boxes available if you’re hoping to get a little more intimate with your special someone during quarantine. The perfect experience gifts for couples, these DIY kits can show you how to master the massage arts with pre-recorded videos, and a set of luscious essential oils and candles for you to really set the mood while suffering through Australia's shadow lockdown together. Let’s be clear – just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on a good massage! 

15. Get to know your sewing machine 

Have a sewing machine at home gathering dust and in need of some love? This sewing class with Sydney Creative will re-introduce you to your sewing machine whilst showing you how to create a cushion cover! You’ll cover all the sewing basics, and get reacquainted with the art of sewing via our live stream class. On top of this, when you book this class you’ll be able to choose what style of fabric and what colour thread you’d like your cushion cover to be. Just make sure you have your own sewing machine ready to go!

16. Discover how to make your own natural skincare

Looking for fun things to do in quarantine doesn’t come much more invigorating than making your own bath products and skincare! Practising self-care is crucial when eyeing up indoor activities during self-isolation, and learning how to craft natural scrubs, butters and essential oil blends is a great way to keep your skin feeling healthy and fresh. Not only will these live-streaming classes demonstrate how to make organic skincare items, but you’ll also learn tips and tricks to continue crafting with everyday household ingredients, so you can keep making your skin shine!

17. Looking for family-friendly online classes during the school holidays? Try these art classes for kids!

So you’ve read all about fun activities to do at home for adults, but how about the kids? Well, there are plenty of indoor activities for kids available too! Whether it’s kids pottery classes with Maker’s Loft, painting classes with Kylie Johnson, bath bomb making with Michelle See, or origami workshops with Kami Paper, with these creative classes, your child will never be bored at home again! Keep your little one’s mind and body active with these online workshops and watch as their confidence, imagination and self-esteem grow.