We’ve thought of some activities for kids at home—some to get their bodies moving, some to get their brain working—and put everything together for an all-around great time.
1. Make a DIY craft
Get out all the art supplies in the house—the markers, glue, paint, paper plates, yarn, pipe cleaners, and other odds and ends—and let your kids go wild creating whatever’s in their mind.
2. Plant an indoor garden
All you need is an egg carton and some soil. This project lets kids work with their hands and gets them thinking. Have them make hypotheses about how tall the plants will grow and track the progress they see.
3. Make a friendship bracelet
This activity will hone your kids’ dexterity. They’ll also be able to share their creation with their BFF once they’re done!
4. Bake and decorate
Make your own dessert bar with treats that your kids can help make, and teach them tips and tricks of being in the kitchen.
5. Create an obstacle course
Set up the obstacle in as many rooms of the house as you want and get those gross motor functions working. This is one of the best indoor games for kids!
6. Play pretend
Playing pretend is a way to grow your child’s imagination. It allows them to explore the world around them in a safe, fun, and creative way.
7. Set out a jigsaw puzzle
Leaving out a jigsaw puzzle on the table encourages kids to stop by and put a few pieces together when they feel like it.
8. Complete a science experiment
There are tons of science experiments to do at home—with tons of simple ingredients. Your experiment can be as simple as putting a few ice cubes on a plate and observing what table salt does to them.
9. Go on a scavenger hunt
Make a list of things to find, scavenger hunt style, all over the house. Or if you’re feeling especially creative, make a series of clues that lead to one special prize.
10. Do yoga
Yoga is one of those activities for kids at home that gets the body moving and the mind calm. If you don’t have a favorite routine of your own to share, YouTube has plenty of great options.
11. Clean a closet
Set out three boxes—one for things to keep, one to donate, and one to throw away—and sort through the items.
12. Read aloud
You’ll find that many kids, no matter their age, enjoy being read to. Snuggle up and see how far you can get in their favorite chapter book.
13. Write a letter
It’s not often that you get a letter in the mail anymore, so imagine a friend or family member’s surprise when they get something from your child! If your child is too little to write a letter, have them doodle on a postcard or in a greeting card to achieve the same effect.
14. Create a sensory bin
By filling a bin with rice, small toys, and other trinkets, you can create hours of fun. Kids will be enthralled with the way the rice feels, and they’ll be intrigued to dig through it and find the treasures they’re looking for.
15. Make new clothes
Try out an afternoon of tie-dyeing or decorating tee shirts and tote bags with fabric markers and puffy paint. The next time you head out, sport your new creations!
Staying In and Having Fun
At Austin Children’s Academy, we know all about keeping children’s minds engaged. To learn more about us, visit our website and see our Montessori learning programs.
