Coming up with ways to keep your kids busy is not always easy! We've come up with our top ten ways to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic. Some of these I've done with my little girl and she's really enjoyed them! Let us know in the comments what you've done to keep your kids entertained!
Chalk Obstacle Course
Take some chalk and come up with some fun and easy moves for kids to do either on the sidewalk or driveway! Check out this obstacle course my daughter did in our cul-de-sac! She had a blast!
Baking
This can be a fun and educating way to keep kids entertained for an afternoon. Plus, you get a tasty treat at the end! How fun! Kids learn how to measure out ingredients, they learn a little patience waiting for the baked goods to bake in the oven, and it’s a fun bonding experience for you and your child.
Scavenger hunt
Our community has come up with a fun Scavenger Hunt on Facebook. It’s so easy and fun! Write up clues and drive around town and find the items on the clue list. There are so many ways you can make this fun! Some include, Mad Libs, word scramble, decoding, or a basic list. You can do them around town, in your car, in your home, around the neighborhood, or in your yard! You can get a group (as long as you stay in your car) or do it with just your family. Photo credit: Sahsha Kochanowicz
Balloon Ball Games
This can be so fun for everyone! Let’s be real parents, you’re just as excited about this one as the kids are! There are so many games you can play with Balloons. Keep the balloon off the ground, catch, balloon tennis and many more!
Freeze Dance
What’s better than a dance party! Make a game out of it, when the music stops, you freeze and hold your pose until the music plays again.
Virtual Story Time
Are you and your kids missing your friends? I know my daughter asks every day if we can go to one of her friend’s houses when this is all over! It’s a different friend each day too. I’m so glad she still remembers her friends, but I know the more time away will fuzz her memory. Let’s keep those memories strong and get together with your friends and their kids and do a collaborative Story Time. Each parent (or child, which is adorable) takes turns reading a book while the other kids listen. This can be done on multiple chat forums such as Zoom, Messenger, House Party, etc.
Exercise with your family
It’s important to stay active during this time. Take time everyday and do a workout with everyone! You can find different levels of workouts so everyone can participate. Get some cardio in, lift weights, do some yoga, go for a walk, or play an outdoor game. Whatever gets you moving!
Create Cards for the Elderly
You or someone you know may know someone that is stuck alone either in their home or in a nursing home. Brighten their day and make a card for them!
Make and play with Salt Dough
Ingredients:
1 cup of salt
2 cups of flour
¾ cup of water
Directions:
- In a large bowl mix salt and flour together.
- Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a doughy consistency.
- Turn the dough onto the bench and knead with your hands until smooth and combined.
- Make your creations using the salt dough.
- Place the salt dough creations into the oven at 180C. The amount of time needed to bake depends on the size and thickness of the salt dough creations.
Tips & Ideas:
- Store your salt dough in an airtight container as it keeps well for a few days.
- You can paint your creations with acrylic paints and seal with varnish or polyurethane spray.
- Salt dough can also be aired dried and is an alternative to oven drying.
- Involve the kids in making the salt dough as this encourages and promotes so many learning opportunities, plus it is so much fun!
Board games and card games:
Get out those Board games or a deck of cards and play games with your family! If you don’t have any, create your own game! Board and card games can create family bonds while educating your kids on taking turns, counting, following rules and so much more!
Additional Sources:
https://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/25-exercise-games-indoor-activities-for-kids
