16 Ways To Keep Kids Busy At Home
Social distancing really throwing a wrench in this summer’s plans with your kids? I feel you, girl. Being at home with all three of our kids 24/7 feels daunting some days, but I think we’re slowly getting used to a new normal with having them around more often and I’m so grateful for this extra time with them that I may not have had otherwise.
We’ve been getting a little creative around here in order to keep the kiddos entertained all day long and I’ve created a list of 20 fun ideas that you can try this summer! From indoor quiet activities to activities they can do with me around the house, I hope this list helps you maintain your sanity and makes this summer a great one for you and your family!
How To Keep Kids Busy At Home: Indoor Quiet Activities
Coloring or Painting
This is a go-to in our house when I’m cooking, cleaning, or working. My kids have loved coloring for so long! We love these coloring books (here & here) and for littles, these Water Wow pads are so fun and mess free.
Play Doh
I know that different homes may feel differently about play doh… it can be a little messy! We like to pull this activity out when I can work closely with them or keep an eye out on where the play doh goes. But nowadays, there are so many fun tools you can use and fun YouTube tutorials on play doh creations. This will usually keep my kiddos occupied for at least 30 minutes, and that’s great for me!
Trains, Block Sets, or Doll Houses
Toys with endless possibilities for play are our favorite around here! Depending on your child’s interests, having a train set, block sets: wooden for babies (also how cute is this set?!) and toddlers and legos for older kids, and doll houses will be amazing quiet play activities and help your child build upon their attention span as they get older.
Watch A Movie
Who doesn’t love a good animated film? Disney Plus has been rocking our world since quarantine so if you don’t have it already, I highly recommend it! So many great movies for the littles for one low monthly membership fee.
How To Keep Kids Busy At Home: Outdoor Activities
Sidewalk Chalk
Chalk will keep our kiddos entertained for hours and the awesome part about this particular activity right now is that you can help them design and draw positive, uplifting images and messages that neighbors and friends can see.
Water Activities
Get ready to get WET! Truman loves all things water and so water balloons, water guns, and this blow up pool have been a go-to now that the weather has warmed up a bit. The fact that you can easily fill up dozens of water balloons in seconds is a total summer game changer.
Scavenger Hunt
This trick would work well in your yard, at a park, or on a hike. For younger children, include an image relating to what you’d like them to find. Here’s an adorable free printable!
Shadow Drawing
This is another sidewalk chalk activity, but so, so cute and fun for the littles. Have them grab a few of their favorite toys and place them somewhere on the sidewalk where they cast a shadow from the sun and then they can outline the shadow using their chalk. Great for practicing motor skills.
How To Keep Kids Busy At Home: With Their Parents
Learn A New Household Task
Doing something productive as a family will not only occupy yours and your child’s attention, but teach them a lifelong skill and I just love the idea of that. Taking into consideration your child’s age and capabilities, try teaching them about a new responsibility. Baking, laundry tasks, meal planning, organization, and cleaning are skills they’ll appreciate and utilize as they grow.
Join You For A Workout
I know that working out with littles can be tricky sometimes, but if you don’t have a choice, try including them in your workout! Modify any difficult movements for their skill level. They’ll love feeling grown up and seeing their parents be active is powerful.
Practice Organization Skills
Since COVID, I’ve felt the deep cleaning bug and I’ve tried to organize and purge our home of anything that we don’t need or use. Children can practice these skills too! I like to make it easy for them, I provided them with three empty bins or boxes: one for garbage, one for donations, and one for items they want to keep. Helping them see the end result of having a clean, organized space with only items they love and use is motivating to all of us.
Gardening and Yardwork
Little hands make amazing yard help! Having your kiddos help you weed, plant pots, maintain outdoor furniture, or sweep will make them feel accomplished and grown up. We always end the time we spend gardening with a popsicle break and they love it! We love this cute children’s gardening tool set.
How To Keep Kids Busy At Home: Learning and Creativity
Complete Pages In A Workbook or Printout Homework
Even throughout summer, I think it’s important to continue learning. There are so many free resources for at-home learning, and we love these age-appropriate workbooks.
ABC Mouse
I know you’ve heard about ABC Mouse but it’s an awesome tool that they can use on a tablet or computer each day to continue learning while playing fun games they love.
Practice an Extracurricular Activity
I love to plan about 3-5 hours per week to focus the kid’s attention on a hobby or extracurricular activity they want to progress in. Truman loves playing Lacrosse with his dad right now and Tatum is all about Dance.
Children’s Choice!
Exhausted all of the above? Let your child decide how they’d like to spend their time! You may be surprised at what they come up with!
