With the recent turn of events regarding COVID-19, becoming familiar with your home’s surroundings is becoming the new normal. We’ve compiled a list of things to do at home with the kiddos, while your family experiences “social distancing” from the outside world.
- Make an Obstacle Course: Keeping kids active and having fun during this time is going to be important, so why not set up an at-home obstacle course? Not much is needed for this other than some good ‘ol fashioned couch pillows, a few dining room chairs, and a way you go! Make it a race, where the grown ups can get involved too. Even the little ones will love it. Check out this website for more ideas on creating an indoor obstacle course in your home.
- Build a Fort: Attention all future engineers! This one is for you. Why not spend a few hours building an epic fort? Supplies like blankets, chairs, and pillows can easily be found around the house. Challenge yourself to include a special element in your fort, like part of it needing to suspend from the ceiling, or create a special sign that says “kids only”, or “keep out” in your fort. Still needing inspiration? Check out these Google images for some guidance.
- Baking & Lego: Our 6 year old niece loves to bake with her Mom, and she also loves to build Lego with her Dad while the yummy treats are in the oven. It’s become a monthly tradition in their household. Box cake mixes are perfect for this occasion. Whip up some cupcakes, and let the kids build with Lego while they cool. Then, let the kids decorate them with sprinkles or marshmallows. Check out this link for some kid-friendly Lego building challenges that are sure to keep the keenest Lego builders occupied.
- Movie Day: Elevate your child’s whole movie experience by adding these neat touches to their entire movie experience. Throw in some Smarties to their popcorn mix, or have their juice/pop poured in a “fancy” cup. You can even give them the entire movie experience and have their popcorn, candy, and drink put on a tray. It seems minimal, but trust us, your kids will probably sit and watch a longer chunk of the movie then they would have before, especially if you break out the special goodies!
- Spring Cleaning: We know, we know, this one isn’t fun. Not only is it a great opportunity to go through some old toys, your kids’ clothes, and find out what you can donate or give away, it’s a great time to do a deep clean of your entire house. We recommend this checklist, that way you can keep track of what you’ve done, and what still needs doing later on.
- Board Games/Card Games: Anyone who knows us, knows we’re avid board game lovers. We’ve got quite the collection and love playing with friends and family as we enjoy the socializing aspect of it, and have a great laugh too. If you don’t have any board games handy, and want to venture out, Value Village in Spruce Grove usually has some used board games that are pretty reasonably priced. If board games aren’t your thing, then grab a deck of cards and try these card game ideas.
- DIY Science Experiments: Who doesn’t love a good science experiment? Call us nerds, but we like to wear gloves and goggles to see stuff ooze, squish, and splatter everywhere once in awhile. So much so, that we found a great website with over 60 different science experiments you can try at home with your kids. All of them use household items (and other random bits and bobs you can find around your home). Our personal favorites? The “elephant toothpaste” or lava lamp experiment. Check out the other ideas here. Even the big kids will love it!
Do you have any other ideas to add to this list? We’d love to hear them!