After weeks of being at home, you may be running out of new ideas of ways to entertain your kids at home. Fear not, because we have found some creative ways to have fun with your kids, while helping them learn some new skills!
Bake and Cook
Kids love to participate in hands-on activities, and what is more hands-on than baking or cooking? Whether you and your kids create a new recipe together or you show your kids how to make an old favourite, this is a great way to teach your kids about nutrition, safety in the kitchen, cleaning up and more. Click here for a delicious kid-friendly recipe.
Gratitude Journal
At some point in school, your kids probably kept some version of a journal as part of their homework. You can adapt this concept to get your kids’ creativity flowing and help them practice their writing and grammar. Why not start a gratitude journal and get your kids to write down 3 things they are grateful for each day. This will help with their mindset, encouraging your children to focus on the positives in their life. If you’d like to take this activity one step further, you can start by picking up some blank journals and letting your kids decorate and personalize them. You can also purchase a children’s gratitude journal online here!
Hopscotch at Home
Hopscotch is a fun activity that gets your kids’ blood pumping and takes little to no equipment. To set up this game inside, simply grab some painters tape to make the hopscotch squares on hardwood, laminate or any other hard floor! When the snow clears, this can easily turn into an outdoor activity with some sidewalk chalk and space. It is a perfect way for your kids to burn some energy.
Bingo Sheets
Bingo is another common activity or game that your child has likely played in school, so why not bring this game home? Bingo sheets are easy to make, and fun for all ages. There are lots of templates you can find on Pinterest or you can draw out your own based on any topic or category you’d like. For example, you could create a chores bingo sheet, and everytime your child completes a task they can mark it off. Once they complete a straight line, a diagonal line or a black out, they can have a reward!
Decorating Windows
Most children love colouring, so why not challenge them to come up with some beautiful artwork for your home’s windows? Pull out that painters tape again, and make a pretty design on your front windows that your kids can fill in with window markers or paint. You can do a stained glass pattern, a heart or write a ‘Hi’ for them to paint in between. The best way to make window paint is to mix half acrylic paint and half dawn dish soap (clear if possible) for easy clean off!
Daily Themed Days
To give your days a little variation during isolation, try letting your kids pick a different theme each day! Example: Animals. You can make fun animal shaped breakfast plates, play charades and you have to guess which animal, and maybe watch an animal Disney movie. The Secret Life of Pets is sure to have your kids laughing and engaged.
‘Movie Afternoon’
Close the blinds, turn off the lights, pop some popcorn and get ready for a family movie date at home! This is a great way to wind down and enjoy some extra cuddles with your kids. You can take this one step further and build a blanket or pillow fort in your living room to watch your movies in as a family. Or, dig out your camping supplies and set up a tent with blankets and pillows for a “movie campout”.
Scavenger Hunts
There are many ways you can have a Scavenger Hunt at home with the things that you already have, and it’s a great way to keep your kids active. Here is a print out for you to use that is sure to keep your kids busy!
Yoga at Home
Another great way to incorporate some exercise into yours and your kids’ day is to lead a family yoga session. Cosmic Kids on YouTube is an amazing resource for Kids Yoga. They are creative and engaging for all ages, and help get the energy out on days you are stuck at home! Have fun trying new poses and see who in your family has the best balance. Maybe your kids can come up with interesting poses on their own to show off to the family!