It can be hard enough for adults to keep busy during extended periods of time at home. But for kids, the boredom can be overwhelming, especially when summer break starts. Help your little ones beat cabin fever with these fun things to do:
1. Start a DIY project
Bring out the craft supplies and help your youngster’s inner artist shine through. Kid-made paintings and drawings are personal, creative and cute.
2. Teach your kids to cook
Introduce basic food preparation skills by teaching your kids how to cook fun treats such as cookies, muffins and side dishes. They’ll learn how to read recipes, follow instructions, measure ingredients and establish good nutritional habits while making tasty treats. Before you head to the kitchen, be sure to follow safe cooking practices.
3. Get off the couch and exercise
Turn off the television and video games and start moving. Doing scavenger hunts, participating in obstacle courses, and even having pillow fights are a few ways to keep kids active while at home.
4. Build a fort
Is there anything better than a cozy fort built out of blankets, chairs and pillows? Kids love to play make-believe, so letting them build their own creative world is a fun way to spend a day stuck inside.
5. Play a board game
Old-school board games such as Monopoly and Scrabble can teach children about managing money and vocabulary. Cards are another great option. Whether it’s Uno or Go Fish, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
6. Read a book
Now is the perfect time to catch up on that reading list. Many libraries offer digital downloads of books, audiobooks and even some movies. Get your entire family involved by having each person take turns reading from a book out loud. And when you run out of reading material, why not let famous people read to your kids?
7. Have a dance party and singalong
Play your children’s favorite music (“Baby Shark,” anyone?) and dance the boredom away. If you’re feeling really bold, sing along, too!
8. Go for a walk
Sometimes the best cure for too much time spent inside is to get some fresh air. You don’t have to go far, and you can still respect social distancing rules.
9. Take a virtual tour
Many of the nation’s parks, museums and zoos are offering virtual tours, including:
Want something a little further from home? Try the Louvre or take a virtual trip to Mars.
10. Learn something new
From learning French to coding, there’s an online class for every interest at every age.
11. Have a movie night
Many streaming services are offering new releases as well classics right now. So pop some popcorn, sit back and enjoy.
12. Plan your next family vacation
Planning a family vacation can often be as much fun as the trip itself. Talk about where everyone would like to go and the activities you’d each like to do while you’re there. You can also plan a family staycation.
13. Go camping
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. Pitch a tent in your own backyard, make s’mores and tell campfire stories to make the experience complete.
14. Teach your kids how to organize
Okay, this one might not be that exciting for your kids, but it will keep them busy! What’s that one project that’s been on your to-do list forever? You can organize things like family photos, the garage and the playroom. This would be a great time to tackle it as a family.
15. Teach your pet a new trick
Have your little ones teach your dog to roll over, your cat to run an obstacle course or your bird to mimic their tune. Your kids will get a feeling of accomplishment at having taught a family member something new, and your pet will get extra attention and treats.
Time spent at home doesn’t have to be boring. These activities can help you and your children pass the time.
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