Having the kids at home 24/7 is the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. However, keeping them entertained all day and night without putting a screen in front of their cute little faces can also be a challenge. Don’t panic, we got this! Read on and discover fun activities to do with kids (psst: some of these may also be fun projects for grown-ups, including the bonus tip at the end!):
1. Create your own zine:
Think of zines as DIY magazines. There are many ways to create one. You can fill it out with any topic you want: an interview with grandpa, your favorite recipes, drawings of dinosaurs, or the dreams you’ve been having. This tutorial explains how to fold your own zines.
2. Make some paper dolls:
Paper dolls never go out of style. After making them, you can even create a garland out of them and hang them in your kids’ room. This website also provides free printables to make the best dolls ever.
3. Shoot a movie:
You don’t need a fancy camera or a Hollywood set to shoot an unforgettable film with your kid. Choose a topic (Pirates? Mermaids? Soccer?), build a set out of toys, and film it with your phone! Here is a list of great apps you can use to edit the footage.
4. Write a letter to everyone you miss:
Being stuck at home is hard for everyone. Come up with a list of every person your kid misses and write a letter to each of them. Plus a point if you guys include photos, stickers, drawings, and other cute tokens of your love.
5. Paint a vase:
Gardening should be fun – vase included. Get some chalk or some paint, and create some magic together.
6. Decorate your hairpins:
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to decorating your hair accessories. We love this Chanel-inspired hairpin DIY: super easy and chic. Your kid will love it!
7. Make your own beaded necklaces and bracelets:
Summer is just around the corner, and colorful, beaded accessories are some of the season’s highlights. Make your own with this cute tutorial.
8. Make a garland:
Garlands are great projects to spark your child’s creativity and customize their bedroom. We love this one with bows, but you can do footballs, planets, or animals too.
9. Learn to Origami:
The ancient Japanese art of Origami is not only about folding colorful paper into cranes. You can build spheres, baskets, accessories, and more. Here are some fun tutorials for you to share with your kids.
10. Dye your shoes:
If your kid wants to give their white canvas shoes a makeover, tie-dying is the way to go! It is the perfect look for summer, no doubt about that.
11. Introduce them to the magic of Harry Potter:
There’s no shame in being a grown-up Potterhead. Now that you have more time to read, why not introduce your kid to the books that sparked your imagination when you were their age? Read them the books or show them Harry Potter at Home, a website set to cast a Banishing Charm on boredom!
12. Encourage your kids to learn something new:
Learning a new skill can turn this unique time at home into a worthwhile experience. There are multiple online resources available. A good example is Khan Academy. We love their Computer Engineering and Art History classes.
13. Take them to a museum – online:
Museums around the world are opening their doors to online visitors. Explore the modern halls of the Guggenheim, travel to Paris’ Louvre for an unforgettable experience, take a virtual tour of Boston’s Children Museum, or jet off to London to enjoy some UK art at the British Museum.
14. Create a sensory bin:
Sensory bins are great toys for toddlers. And you can make one together! It is a great way to keep them entertained and focused. Here you can find out how to make one with rice.
15. Work on a family tree:
A great way to connect with your kids is by creating a family tree. First, you can tell them about your parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives. Show them photos and letters, and tell them funny stories. When you’re done, you can paint the tree on a piece of paper. You can even hang it on the wall when you’re done!
16. Let them help you with your gardening project:
Are you using this time at home to take care of your garden? Include your kid in the process! You can teach them about what it takes to grow fruits and vegetables. They can help you plant seeds, play around with dirt, or water the plants. They will definitely learn a lot about nature and what it takes to grow big, healthy plants.
17. Go camping – at home:
You don’t even need a tent or a backyard. Make a fort in your living room and spend the night there telling ghost stories. If you’re feeling more adventurous, do use the garden. You can even build a fire and grill some S’mores!
18. Set up a treasure hunt and let them set it up for you as well:
Hide some presents or snacks around your house and create a map so your kid can find them. Extra points if you burn off the edges of the map to make it look like a pirate made it. Then, reverse the roll and let your kid set up a treasure hunt for you!
19. Write a story together:
Start by reading something together for inspiration. Then, to make things easier, think of a character and a setting. You can even draw it. Then go the traditional storytelling way: beginning, conflict, and resolution. Then print it out on a zine, or send it to a professional print shop where you can even create your own custom book.
20. Bake or cook something together:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch: any meal is a great excuse to spend time with your kiddos. Take advantage of prep-time and make something together. For example, we love these apricot iced tea popsicles – they’re perfect for summer!
21. Work together on teaching your dog how to do a trick:
Including your kids in the training of your furry friend is a great way to make them feel important and involved. Teaching a dog how to sit or come to you when you call their name are simple tricks that you can put into action. Remember to use a treat as an incentive.
22. Let your kid teach you how to use TikTok – and record one!
Let’s face it: you may be too old for TikTok, but that doesn’t mean you can join in the fun. Ask your kid how it works and -if they’re not too embarrassed by you – record one together. You don’t have to upload it if your dance moves are not perfect – yet.
23. Search for alien life on Mars:
Or water. Or just look at the pretty landscape! Google has designed this incredible online experience that uses images recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover to allow you to explore the surface of Mars from your computer.
24. Take a Yoga class together:
Yoga is a great way to get kids excited about healthy habits. It is also a non-competitive activity that nurtures self-acceptance and awareness. Do Yoga With Me is one of the many online resources that offer online classes just for children. Namaste!
25. Record a radio show together – or a podcast:
You don’t need fancy equipment, your phone is enough! You can read a short story, review a movie you just watched together, play some music that you like, or you can even just talk about your day.
Bonus tip:
Are you a new parent, or do you have a baby on the way? You can take this time at home to turn your home into a kid-friendly space. Take it from us who turn houses into safe spaces for all types of kiddos: taking on this task doesn’t have to be tedious or daunting. Take a look at this in-depth, comprehensive guide on creating a child-friendly home and create an ideal space for your family without any of the stress.