Here are a few ideas to help you keep the kids amused while we are all spending more time at home.
Here are a few ideas to help you keep the kids amused while we are all spending more time at home.
Why not get your kids to learn a new craft like knitting, crochet or sewing? Set up a video call with a family member or friend who can give a lesson so it becomes a sociable activity too. The best bit is that they’ll be making something they can keep at the end of lockdown.
Now is the perfect time to start planting seeds and it’s a great activity for kids to do with very little assistance. They’ll soon be rewarded by seeing the small shoots sprouting up.
This is one we’ve already tried with great success. Pitch your tent inside (ideally you’ll have a pop up tent or a tent that doesn’t need pegs) or, if the weather is good, go camping in your garden. All the fun of the campsite, but with much better loos!
Obviously this depends on whether you’ve managed get flour and eggs, but if you do have the ingredients, then kids love to get creative in the kitchen. Cupcakes and biscuits are great as they can be decorated once cooled, making the activity last twice as long! Plus, you get to sample their efforts after.
You can even join a live cookalong like this one.
Missing ingredients? The Guardian has some great ideas for substitutes.
There are some fantastic virtual tours available at the moment. Why not take a day trip to Paris? You can take a tour of the Louvre , climb the Eiffel Tower and visit the Opera National de Paris. Make it more authentic with some traditional French fair … baguette and brie, steak frites, escargot …
Why not go further afield? Climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, explore The Giant’s Causeway’s rugged landscape, descend into the Ambrym volcano, on the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, or for something truly out of this world, visit one of NASA’s International Space Stations.
There are some more fantastic virtual trip ideas here.
There are some really fantastic science experiments that you can do at home by using bits and bobs from your cupboards. Just don’t tell the kids it’s educational. Find some top ideas for fun home experiments here
This is pretty much a full day activity, what with coming up with the idea, writing lines, costumes, set creation, rehearsals and the actual performance. Plus everyone can get involved.
Making a film with your kids can be a lot of fun. Maybe they want to act out one of their favourite films or they have an idea of their own. You’ll need actors, props and a smartphone. You’ll find more info on how to create a movie with the kids here
Get out in the garden for some fun nature-based activities. Go on a mini-beast hunt, create some nature art or make a bird feeder. The Woodland Trust has some lovely ideas for keeping your kids entertained in the garden.
