50+ Activities To Keep Kids Busy & Entertained At Home

THINGS TO DO AT HOME WITH YOUR KIDS TO KEEP THEM BUSY & ENTERTAINED WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING YOUR SANITY

So things have drastically changed in the last few days/weeks and most of us are stuck at home with our kiddos, not knowing what to do with ourselves, our kids (and our spouses), all stuck within the four walls and in each other’s faces 😮

And you are probably asking (like almost every parent currently is?); What the heck do I do with my kids all day? How do I keep my kids engaged and busy while I get some office and housework done? How on Earth can I keep my kids entertained all day without losing my sanity (and temper, don’t worry, no one is judging you, but even if they did, it’s their problem and not yours)?

To make it a little easier on you, today I am sharing some fun and easy indoor activities for your kids (and you too) to keep them engaged and entertained for hours.

But first, big (virtual, 6 feet distance) hugs mama (and high five dada, again, 6 feet virtual high five it is).

Secondly, know that you are doing a great job, don’t let any kind of pressure or guilt add to the existing stress (given the current circumstances).

Thirdly, this is unknown territory for all of us and we are all in this together… so do whatever works for you and your family!

Also, look at this as a great opportunity to slow down and really be present and bond with your kids and family!

Breathe.Inhale.Exhale…

And Take It One Day A Time!

Pro Tip 1: Introduce them to one new activity a day and let them play/enjoy as long as that activity holds their attention.

Pro Tip 2: If your kids don’t like an activity, please don’t stress, it’s totally ok (I know you took the time to put it together for them, maybe they will want to give it a try in a few days), simply move onto the next one.

Pro Tip 3: While we do not want to introduce our kids to any more screen time than what is permitted at your household (because there is no turning back from that), go easy on yourself and your kids and relax those restrictions if/when needed. We all need a moment of calm and quiet, now more than ever (if you know what I mean)!

Pro Tip 4: Now is not the time to stress about the mess, we will, but in due time! 😉

These activities are not just for when we are all under house arrest due to the coronavirus but also for any (remotely) similar situations, say their school holidays, spring break, summer break, or winter break, or when the poor babies are sick and stuck at home, etc.

Puzzles – our little guy is obsessed with them. The only thing which can keep him still in one place for a while.
Make and blow bubbles.
DIY Race Track with painters tape and washi tape.
DIY Thumbprint Family Tree.
Play with magnets on a cookie sheet.
Make a water sensory bag.
Bring out old magazines and get scrapbooking.
Fingerpaint.
Make Play-doh from items at home.
Bake a cake/cookies and decorate them.

Hand paint/decorate T-shirts.
DIY Tissue Box Monsters.
Make an indoor obstacle course.
Build a giant fort out of blankets, chairs, and pillows.
Play marbles on the floor.
Make bracelets.
Make slime at home with just 2 ingredients.
Grow a garden.
Conduct baking soda science experiments.
Create creatures out of pipe cleaners.

Make foam paint.
Write letters to family and friends.
Paint each other’s faces.
Make Bubble Wrap Prints.
Make mini volcanoes.
Redecorate their rooms.
Build a bridge or building with toothpicks or Q-tips.
Make paper plate art.
Have a water balloon fight.
Or a pillow fight, less mess (I spoke too soon, that seems to have escalated quickly ;))

Make an apple tree (put those toilet paper rolls to use ;))
Do kids yoga.
Make paper planes.
Draw, color, paint, cut, etc. Download free coloring resources from Crayola.
Make a collage and put it up.
Decorate a pair of jeans.
Camp in your backyard, living room or basement.
Try some Tissue papercrafts.
Try a new recipe and film your own cooking show on your phone.
Assign chores but make it fun.

Have a karaoke night, there are several apps available.
Learn a new language.
Treasure hunt inside the house.
Have a costume night and the entire family dresses up.
Build a house of cards.
Write an early letter to Santa (we could sure use a Santa right about now).
Dance party it up so they can burn some energy.
Get creative and shadow play.
Teach them photography.
Bring out your pantry items – rice, pasta, beans, etc and get creative.

Color with chalk on the driveway or your sidewalk.
Have themed movie nights; Holiday movies, Harry Potter movies, Star Wars, etc. Complete with popcorn and hot cocoa of course!
Make cake pops or rice krispie treats.
Introduce them to the habit of listening to podcasts.
A-Z Fine Motor Skill Activities.
Free worksheets and printables
Simple activities to keep those one-year-olds busy

Lastly, I have shared over 100+ list of resources for both parents and kids here – a whole range of websites, apps, games, virtual field trips, TV shows, etc, all educational and/or entertaining. So please check it out!!

Stay Informed, Stay Safe & Stay Healthy!

“Play is the highest form of research.”

xoxo,

Kusum