Sometimes, it can be a challenge coming up with creative ideas to keep the kids entertained. And yet, with a strong internet connection, some everyday items and a little imagination, you can turn a boring day at home into a memorable one.
With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can create a calmer atmosphere and yourself a well-deserved breather, making everyone a lot happier and more relaxed!
So kick back while we explore three unique and imaginative ways to keep the kids busy and learn a thing or two along the way with a drink bottle in hand.
1. Whip Up Some Kitchen Magic
Cooking up a storm doesn’t just give kids a chance to make a mess in the kitchen! It also allows them to practise skills like following instructions and measuring out ingredients.
Look for easy, kid-friendly recipes that’ll get their tummies rumbling. Make homemade pizza and let them choose their favourite toppings. Whip up some batter and have a competition to see who can flip the best pancake. Make some homemade trail mix with granola, seeds and dried fruit (and a little chocolate or candy, if they’re good!). Or bake some delicious cookies or a simple cake and let the kids get creative with icing, sprinkles and whatever else they want!
Cooking together is also a perfect opportunity to teach kids all about safety and hygiene, so make sure to show them the importance of washing hands and wiping down countertops before and after cooking. Just make sure that knives are always far away from little fingers, and that everyone knows to steer clear of hot stoves and ovens.
2. Adventure Awaits in The Living Room
You might just see a couch with a few pillows, but to your kids, it’s an entry into a different world.
Creating indoor adventure zones can fire up a child’s imagination and unleash their creativity in new and exciting ways. It can also create a sense of ‘controlled’ chaos, letting them get out all their energy without getting hurt or making too much of a mess.
For younger kids, push a couple of seats together and create a blanket fort, using a clothesline to string up a roof made up of lightweight sheets. Camp out in your blanket fort and turn it into a full-on movie night, stocking up on popcorn and other snacks!
Set up an obstacle course using hoops to jump in, balloons to pop, or cardboard boxes to climb through or to throw things in. Or prepare a treasure hunt, hiding little treats around the room. Print out a list of clues from the internet or make up your own. You can even give your adventure zone a theme, so let your imagination—and theirs—go wild!
To make sure your adventure zone is a safe zone for toddlers and littler kids, push furniture and other items out of the way that might pose a risk (like that brand new coffee table or priceless vase). You can also cover the ground with bean bags, blankets and pillows to cushion any trips or stumbles.
3. Virtual Playdates and Storytime
Does your child have a case of the sniffles? Luckily, in this high-tech world, you’re only ever a click away from your friends!
Organise your virtual playdate with parents and use family-friendly apps or platforms like Zoom or Messenger Kids for safe and interactive video calls. Come up with fun ideas for online games and activities to do together, such as virtual scavenger hunts, online trivia or classics like Bingo, Scrabble and Pictionary. If your kids are a little older, have a virtual music party and get them to dress up as their favourite artists. Or turn a virtual playdate into a virtual picnic, grabbing some snacks and reusable cups so everyone can eat and drink together.
Organising a group storytime is also a great way for kids to connect. Create a virtual book club and find a theme for it, like wizards and fairies if you’re reading a fantasy book. Let kids take it in turns to read a sentence or two, make funny voices and sound effects as you read along or even use props and dress up in fun costumes!
Staying home doesn’t have to be boring. It can be a great opportunity for your kids to try new experiences, create new worlds and learn new things. So the next time your kids roll their eyes and complain about having nothing to do at home, why not surprise them with these fun ideas?
