Here are lots of things to do at home with kids during the current Covid-19 situation that are fun and creative for the whole family!
Every child I know is home from school for the next few weeks and possibly longer, with various levels of quarantine or “shelter at home” restrictions as well. And instead of the usual vacation plans, summer camps, or playdates that many of us have when we’re off school, we’re home with fear, at-home learning packets, and stockpiles of toilet paper.
Our first priority is keeping our families safe and healthy, of course. (Here’s a great article on Covid-19 family safety, including how to talk to kids about the Coronavirus AND a recipe for homemade hand sanitizer.)
But I’d also like to help kids and parents get through this unprecedented situation with as much FUN and CREATIVITY as possible.
10 Fun & Creative Things to do at Home with Kids
These are family activities that you can do right now with your family, while you are stuck at home during the coronavirus situation (or anytime you’re looking for some extra ideas and activities). Bookmark or pin this post if you’d like to come back to it again for ideas.
1. Do art activities, of course!
There are so many super awesome ones that are fun, open-ended, and creative that you can do with the kids at home right now with materials you probably already have around the house. But if you want to order art supplies online, I have an Amazon storefront with my favorite recommended kids art materials. Here are some kids art activity ideas to get you started:
You can also join the KIDS ART SPOT for a more curated kids art experience. My online art club for kids and families is filled with video art lessons, printables, and drawing prompts to keep your children having fun, engaged, and learning through art. Plus, we are running an at-home ART CAMP as a free bonus inside the Art Spot.
And I am offering a FREE trial of the KIDS ART SPOT for the first time ever. Plus! I’ve just lowered the after-trial price to $7.99/month for now (half off the usual price)*, to make it available to all families, no matter your budget.
*Note: This is a temporary price change due to the current coronavirus situation, but anyone who signs up at this price will be able to keep it as long as they are a member. And, if that’s still outside of your budget, contact us as at [email protected] and we’ll help you out.
2. Try a simple science experiment.
Or do one a day! Kitchen science is the best and much of it is super simple, yet super fun for kids and families. And it’s definitely one of the best things you can do at home with kids! Some ideas to get you started:
Start a daily gratitude practice as a family, whether at the dinner table or before bed. Take turns talking about what you’re grateful for right now in your life or in the world.
When you are full of gratitude, there is no room for fear.
Take over the living room or a big table to construct and play with an elaborate play scene made out of LEGO, building blocks, Playmobile, magnet tiles, or whatever your favorite open-ended toys are.
A homemade play mat might make a good base for this play + construction extravaganza!
Or, take the idea outside, and make roads, rivers, and hills out of dirt, sand, water, sticks, and rocks.
5. Play games!
Play games together as a family! We’ve been playing lots of games, including Qwirkle and Monopoly Deal, two of our favorites. Here are more ideas for board games, card games, and art games:
Encourage your kids to build a fort, inside or out. Or join in on the fort-building fun yourself!
Depending on what you have on hand, you can use large cardboard boxes, a Fort Magic kit, or sheets and furniture.
7. Set up an Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids
If you’re stuck inside and need something to do (that doesn’t involve a screen), try an indoor scavenger hunt! There are so many possibilities—so many directions you can take this idea! Here are some of our favorite indoor scavenger hunt ideas, including our all-time favorite, as well as a few others from around the web.
Get outside and enjoy nature together, whether it’s a neighborhood nature walk or a proper hike. Bring back a few nature treasures* for a spring nature table, some nature art, or to make flower suncatchers.
*Only pick items from places where it’s okay. Don’t pick flowers or take nature items from a botanical garden or arboretum.
9. Start a Garden
Whether you have a balcony with just enough space for a few pots or a large backyard, now is the perfect time to start planning and preparing a garden. Grow flowers or vegetables or both!
Choose your spot, amend the soil, and plant some seeds or starts. Watching things grow is wonderful for all ages!
How about you? Do you have any other ideas for things to do with the kids at home right now? If so, please share in the comments!
This can be a scary time for families, OR it can be an opportunity to connect, play, make art, and be creative. Let’s make it as fun and creative as we can for our kids and for ourselves!
