This is a strange time. Most of us are used to having our kids head off to school each day, and now we have suddenly had to find ways to keep them entertained and happy at home with little time to prepare. Many of us are trying not to leave our homes right now, and with kids at home, particularly those that are used to the structure that school provides, it can be really tough. I wanted to compile a list of ways to keep your kiddos occupied and happy while we’re all trying to survive this quarantine. So many amazing resources have become available to help fill up this new-found spare time, and I thought that sharing them in one place might help some of you out!
This free YouTube channel is an awesome way to introduce your kids to Yoga. Using rhymes and your kid’s favorite characters as themes for each class, this is a great way to help your kids relax and be more mindful during this stressful time.
2. Go Noodle
If you’re looking for a way to get your kids moving Go Noodle is awesome. All of my kids (various ages) love dancing to exercising along with Go Noodle videos.
Mo Willems, illustrator for favorite kid’s titles like “Piggie & Gerald” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”, is offering free daily online drawing classes at 1:00 PM EST. If your kids like to draw, they might be really into this.
While schools are closed Scholastic is offering free resources online. My kids have really enjoyed the grade-appropriate reading lessons they have been offering each day.
5. Baking
If you enjoy cooking, why not use this opportunity to do some baking with your kids? Not only will they love learning how to make yummy treats, but it will also help them develop some great life skills and to learn to measure.
6. At Home Sensory Bins
You don’t need a ton of materials to make sensory bins that your kids will love to play with. We have used these and made rainbow rice in the past, but you could totally just use plain dry rice or beans in something as simple as a large tupperware container. Throw in some small toys, spoons, or shovels, and you’re good to go!
7. Homemade PlayDough
I don’t think there’s a kid out there who doesn’t like to play with playdough, and getting to make it yourself makes it that much cooler! My friend Jacquie’s recipe is amazing and the color options are endless!
8. Have a Dance Party
If you need to get your kids moving or help them get the wiggles out, why not have a dance party. Put on your favorite tunes, KidzBop music is popular in our house, and go crazy!
9. Play Some Games
We have played more card and board games this past week then we have in years. I’m linking some of our favorites here:
10. Make Cards/Write Letters to People That You Miss
Why not use this opportunity to teach your kids about the long-lost art of hand written notes? Have them get creative by breaking out some paper, crayons, and markers, and make cards for friends and family that you can’t see right now but truly miss. Stick them in the mail and brighten someone’s day, or if it’s for someone in your neighborhood, use the opportunity to go for a walk to deliver the cards to their mailboxes.
11. Have a Movie Day/Night
Pick out a great movie, pop some popcorn, and make a comfy bed on your living room floor. Your kids will love this and it might just provide you with some much-needed time to breath.
12. Do Some Crafts/Create Some Art
We have been using this time at home to let our creative juices flow. We bought this kit to use, and I’m pretty excited about it. My oldest loves making bracelets with this. This is our favorite go-to art kit. This site offers up some really fun ways to get creative. You could even make some jewlery.
13. Daytime Baths
When all else fails, throw your kids in the tub. Make it more fun by adding bubbles, or bath bombs, or hey, even let them eat popsicles in the bath… they’ll love this and you won’t have a huge mess to clean up.
14. Video Chat with Friends and Family
We have been so grateful for technology during this time. Thanks to FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, etc. We have still been able to interact with our friends, family, and teachers from the safety of our own homes!
15. Build a Lego Village
If you have Lego lovers in your house too, use this time to build a village complete with houses, fire stations, post offices, etc. The building will take up tons of time, but then they can continue to play with the village when you’re done.
16. Take a Virtual Tour
There are so many amazing places to see and visit out there, and now you can do so from home. Here is a massive list of places that you can virtually tour from your couch.
17. Do An Indoor or Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
We have been doing lots of scavenger hunts, both inside and outside. Create your own lists, or use one of the many options available online.
18. Do a Puzzle
My kids love doing puzzles. I’m linking some of our favorites here:
19. Coloring Pages
There are a TON of free coloring pages online if you search for them. My kids love to request specific characters, and then I just google search things like “free paw patrol coloring pages”, and we print them and color them at home!
20. Search Books
Books like this a great way to keep your kids occupied and to keep their minds sharp. These are some of our favorites:
Please keep in mind that this is a truly difficult time for all of us. Some days you might just not have it in you to do a lot. Take it one day at a time. Survive in the best way you can. Do what keeps you and your kids happy. This list is just here to help you if you are looking for ideas. Stay safe and healthy!
Going to try cosmic kids with Jack! Thank you!