Things To Do While You're Stuck at Home
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, you and your kids find yourselves stuck at home and on lockdown.
Schools are closed and you are shuttering in place trying to avoid going into public or having any play dates with friends or family.
You might be wondering if you will all catch cabin fever while you are stuck at home. Thankfully, the internet has plenty of ideas for you, and we are sharing them here. And, yes, many of them are free!
And also, remember. Boredom isn't a problem. It's a solution.
What are the best quarantine activities for kids?
The best quarantine activities for kids are those that keep them busy with supplies you have on hand. Double points if they can learn from them, too!
Consider playing with paper bag puppets, creating borax crystals, or trying these homemade paint recipes.
Cooking is also a great option! Get your chef-in-training and conquer how to layer lasagna or get silly with these octopus hotdogs.
Some of these road trip activities are also great stuck-at-home activities!
What Activities Kids Can Kids Do On Their Own?
Free play is very important… for your kids and for you! Consider writing down ideas and putting them into a cup that sits on the table.
When it's time for free play have your kids draw an idea from the cup! Then you take a much needed break.
Grab a device and take your kids on one of these free virtual field trips.
Coloring is an idea that will never go out of style. Check out these cute peacock coloring pages.
And these pretend play ideas are great!
What’s a sample schedule for kids who are home?
A great schedule for school at home would mix play time, rest time, free play, learning, exercise, eating, and cleaning.
- 7:00-7:30 wake-up
- 7:30-8:00 breakfast
- 8:00-8:30 free play
- 8:30-9:30 outside play
- 9:30-10:00 snack
- 10:00-11:30 learning activities (school)
- 11:30-12:00 lunch
- 12:00-2:30 nap or quiet time
- 2:30-3:00 show
- 3:00-4:00 learning activities (school)
- 4:00-4:30 snack
- 4:30-5:30 free play
- 5:30-6:00 chores/clean-up (this can be a game!)
- 6:00-7:00 dinner
- 7:00-7:30 bath and reading
- 7:30-8:00 bed
What shows could kids watch?
Try to find shows that foster both intellectual and emotional growth. Consider starting with PBS Kids. Toddlers love “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” which was inspired by “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.”
Also check out this list of educational Youtube channels.
To Feel Better
Let's Make Lockdown Memories That Last
What will your kids remember from this time? Help them focus on the positive and write down their memories with our quarantine journal for kids. It even has a lockdown bucket list for your family to do together!
Take some time to relax with our quarantine hand lettering journal, featuring motivational quotes and spaces to doodle. Use a brush pen to trace the letters, practicing the movements to create different strokes.
Lockdown handprints are one of our favorite crafts for kids because it is a project you can do as a family to create a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
The Magical Memory Generator is a three-week plan of crafts and activities to keep your kids busy and create memories they will treasure forever.