Looking for a fun, creative activity to do with your kids that doesn't involve a screen? Photography is one of the best hobbies you can share with children — it encourages them to look at the world differently, builds patience and creativity, and produces something they can be genuinely proud of.
Whether it's a rainy weekend, school holidays, or just an afternoon at home, these five indoor photography ideas will keep kids of all ages engaged, learning, and having a great time.
1. Give Them Free Reign with a Camera
Most kids learn by doing, so the best way to spark an interest in photography is to simply let them play. Start by handing them your smartphone and letting them snap whatever takes their fancy — you might be surprised by the creative instincts they show.
Once they've learned how to safely hold and handle a camera, they can graduate to a proper digital camera. If you're worried about your gear, or if a full-sized camera is too large for small hands, a dedicated kids camera is a great investment — many are waterproof and shockproof, built to handle the enthusiasm of young photographers.
2. Use Their Toys as Models
This idea puts kids in the director's chair — and they love it. Set up a photoshoot with their favourite soft toy, doll, or action figure, and help them think about composition, lighting, and storytelling.
For an extra creative challenge, ask them to design the set or dress up their toy before the shoot. When it comes time to photograph, share some simple tips: get down to the toy's eye level, look for interesting angles, and experiment with different backgrounds.
Top tip: Colourful crayon drawings, bedsheets, and blankets all make great backdrops that will make their photos pop.
3. Learn Something New Together
Photography lessons don't have to be one-way. Pick a technique neither of you has tried before — time-lapse, light painting, macro photography, or long exposure — and explore it together. Kids appreciate seeing that adults don't know everything, and learning side-by-side sets a great example about curiosity and trying new things.
Light painting is a particularly fun one for kids — all you need is a dark room, a long exposure setting on your camera, and a torch or sparkler. The results are magical and immediately rewarding.
4. Print and Display Their Best Shots
In the age of digital photography, it's easy to forget that printing is a huge part of the craft. Help your kids' love of photography grow by printing their favourite shots and displaying them around the house — nothing builds confidence like seeing your work on the wall.
Once printed, they'll love collaging, scrapbooking, and creating photo gifts for family members. It also teaches them to be selective and thoughtful about which images are worth keeping.
Top tip: Instant cameras are a brilliant option for kids — watching a photo appear right before their eyes is pure magic, and the physical print is immediately theirs to keep, decorate, or share.
5. Set Them a Photography Challenge
Give your kids a creative brief and let them run with it. Photography challenges are a great way to build focus and imagination — and the results are always entertaining. Some ideas to get you started:
- Colour hunt: Photograph one object in every colour of the rainbow.
- Texture walk: Find and photograph 10 different textures around the house.
- Tiny world: Get as close as possible to small objects and make them look enormous.
- Tell a story: Take a series of 5 photos that tell a story from beginning to end.
- Shadow play: Use a lamp or window light to create and photograph interesting shadows.
Set a time limit, then review the results together and talk about what worked and why. It's a great way to introduce the basics of composition, light, and storytelling in a fun, low-pressure way.
Gear to Get Kids Started
- Kids Cameras — Durable, easy-to-use cameras designed for young photographers.
- Instant Cameras — Print photos on the spot for instant gratification and creative fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids start learning photography?
Children as young as 4–5 can start exploring photography with a simple, durable kids camera or smartphone. By age 8–10, most children have the coordination and attention span to learn basic camera settings and composition techniques. The key is to keep it fun and pressure-free at every age.
What is the best camera for a child beginner?
A dedicated kids camera is ideal for younger children — they're typically shockproof, waterproof, and sized for small hands. For older kids (10+) who are showing a genuine interest, a compact digital camera or entry-level mirrorless body gives them room to grow. An instant camera is also a fantastic first camera for any age.
How do I teach a child photography basics?
Start with the fundamentals: holding the camera steady, getting close to your subject, and thinking about what's in the background. From there, introduce the rule of thirds, experiment with different lighting (window light is great for beginners), and encourage them to take lots of shots. Review the results together and ask them what they like about each image.
Are instant cameras good for kids?
Yes — instant cameras are one of the best photography tools for children. The immediate physical print is incredibly rewarding, and the limited number of shots per pack encourages kids to think before they shoot. They're also simple to use, making them accessible for younger children.
How do I make indoor photography fun for kids?
The key is to give them creative ownership. Let them choose their subject, set up their own scene, and make their own decisions. Photography challenges with a clear brief (like the colour hunt or texture walk above) work particularly well because they provide structure without being restrictive. Printing and displaying their results is also a huge motivator.