ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT HOME

So, you’re home with the kids and you need some ideas on how to keep them busy. We got you!

Some kids love independent play, meaning they just go play with their toys on their own. They don’t need you to guide them or play with them.

If your kids are like Trudie, they don’t like to play on their own and they require structured activities. 

So here we go, 10 ACTIVITIES for kids. This list will give you some guidance, helpful ideas and some tips to keep them occupied and busy throughout the day. 

1. SCAVENGER HUNT

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. This could be a lot of work for you, the parent. And you’re right – IF we didn’t already provide you with a lovely little list to guide you 🙂

Come on guys, we’re here to help! Just click HERE to download your FREE Scavenger Hunt checklist. 

Depending on the age, you can always tailor the list to make some of the items easier or harder. And Mamas, the harder you make it the longer it will take 🙂

2. Obstacle Courses

This is one of Trudie’s favorites! She LOVES when Daddy sets up an obstacle course for her. 

It not only gets her moving and burning off her energy but it’s a good challenge for her motor skills. 

And don’t worry, this is not something that needs a huge setup. You can use pillows to jump over, broom sticks to leap over or run in between, and even chairs to climb under. 

3. Cooking Lessons

Who doesn’t love a good cookie? Or breakfast, or lunch, or dinner! 

This can end up being two things in one. Not only are your kids learning how you prepare food, which can get them more interested in what they’re eating and good healthy habits, but you’re also teaching them to be self sufficient in the long run. 

We find that kids just love to be involved and help. This is just another way for them to do something with you. 

4. Cleaning Race

I don’t know a kid who can’t turn down a race challenge, especially when there is a reward at the end. 

SO – again, we have an activity that serves two purposes. One, it gives the kids an activity and an energy outlet, and two, it gets the kids to clean their mess!

We don’t know about you guys, but Trudie makes such a mess with her toys. So to get her to HELP with the mess, it has to become a game. 

You can make the prize whatever you want, but we usually use treats as the incentive. Let’s be real, another toy just adds to the mess!

Set your rules based on the child, but no matter the age, have them pick up X amount of toys in a certain time frame. Set your timer and let the cleaning begin. You can thank us later 🙂

A suggestion to add some structure to the clean up game: use SIMON SAYS as the basis if it helps. You can include silly moves to disguise the real point of the game – make your kids clean! LOL

5. ART TIME

I don’t know a kid who doesn’t love art. This activity can take up a lot of time if you set it up right. 

SO MANY ART IDEAS! 

There’s painting, cutting and gluing, play dough, sidewalk chart, matching colors and/or shapes, etc. 

When Trudie has art time, a big paper gets put down and all the supplies get set out. She even loves using random odds and ends, like scotch tape and post-it tabs. Whatever makes her happy, and us. 

6. BOARD GAMES

If you have multiple kids, and of an older age, they can play together. If you have a younger one, like we do, then this will require you to join in. 

However, with plenty of board games on hand (and Mamas, a glass of wine) you can spend a good amount of time using those Christmas games that were under the tree.

Operation, Candy Land, Perfection, Chutes & Ladders, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and SO many more!

7. DANCE PARTY

Who doesn’t love to get down with it? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to dance and jam to their favorite tunes. 

This will help in multiple ways. One, it will improve everyone’s mood, it will burn energy not only for the kids but for you as well (can double as your exercise), and it’s a nice way to break up the day. 

After that dance party has ended, it’s a great segue into the next activity… 

8. FORT BUILDING

Okay, who hasn’t already made a fort at least once in their lifetime?? Let the kids take over the living room, use what you have and build one large amazing fort. 

Most kids love to be able to hide under and in anything. A fort is the perfect way to give them something to build and afterward enjoy. 

Blankets, pillows, chairs – anything they can find is fair game. It will help them to chill out a bit after the dance party, exercise those problem solving skills and get ready for the next activity. 

OR, if you want to cheat, check out this cool inflatable fort I found! 30 seconds and its done. Can’t get any easier than that!

9. MOVIE TIME

Now that you have a comfy fort set up, make some popcorn, grab the chips and whatever else snacks you like, and use movie time as a quiet time. 

It’s quiet time for the kids to relax after all the energy they burned off, it’s some quiet time for Mom and/or Dad to take a break after all those activities (catch up on emails, get ready for dinner, lay on the bed – whatever your preference) and just chill out for a bit. 

I hear lots of parents say they strive for the least amount of screen time, but who said one movie a day was going to corrupt their minds? Not us!

10. WATER PLAY

I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t like to play in the water. Even midday when Trudie seems to be getting antsy, or moody, we fill the tub, load it up with bubbles and toys, and throw her in. 

We have even, on occasion, brought a TV in for her to watch a show, chill out and relax. 

They are even water beads you can bring in, tub paints and all kinds of things made for the tub to make water play last longer. 

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Here’s a few activities for kids to help you get through the day while the kiddos are inside. Every house is different, every parent’s style is different – just remember, no pressure!

Have fun, keep it light and enjoy your time together 🙂