10 Fun and Safe Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained During the Pandemic.
May 7, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to our daily lives, especially for families with young children. Many parents are struggling to keep their kids entertained while staying safe at home. With schools closed and social distancing measures in place, it can be challenging to find fun and engaging activities that will keep your children occupied.
But don’t worry, I have got you covered! In this blog post, I have compiled a list of 10 fun and safe activities that your kids can do at home during the pandemic. From virtual field trips and DIY crafts to indoor games and educational activities, these ideas are sure to keep your kids entertained and engaged while also promoting their physical and mental well-being.
1. Introduction
The pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, and children have been particularly affected. With schools closed and playdates cancelled, many kids are feeling isolated and bored. As a parent, keeping your children entertained during these uncertain times can be challenging, but it’s important for their mental health and well-being.
However, it’s also crucial to keep your kids safe and healthy during the pandemic. With social distancing measures in place, traditional activities like trips to the movie theater or indoor play areas are not always an option. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of fun and safe activities you can do with your kids to keep them entertained, engaged, and happy. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 creative ideas to help you keep your kids entertained and safe during the pandemic. So, let’s dive in!
2. Set up an indoor camping trip
An indoor camping trip is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. You can set up a camping tent in your living room or any other room in your house. If you don’t have a camping tent, you can create one by draping a large blanket over some chairs or a table.
Make the indoor camping trip even more realistic by adding some camping essentials such as sleeping bags, flashlights, and a campfire. You can create a campfire by using some battery-operated candles and placing them in a circle on the floor. You can also use some fairy lights to create a starry night effect.
To make the indoor camping trip even more exciting, plan a few camping activities such as singing campfire songs, telling spooky stories, or playing camping games. You can also prepare some camping snacks such as s’mores, trail mix, or hot dogs to make the experience even more authentic.
An indoor camping trip is not only a fun activity for kids, but it also provides a great opportunity for them to learn about camping and the great outdoors. It’s a great way to encourage imagination, creativity, and exploration, all while staying safe and comfortable indoors.
3. Make a DIY obstacle course
Making a DIY obstacle course can be a fun and exciting way to keep kids entertained during the pandemic. You don’t need a lot of space or equipment to create an obstacle course that will challenge and excite kids of all ages.
Start by identifying a space in your home or yard where you can set up the obstacle course. You can use household items such as chairs, pillows, and blankets to create obstacles for the course. You can also use hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes to create challenges that require balance and coordination.
Once you have identified the space and the obstacles, it’s time to put the course together. You can create a specific path that kids need to follow, or you can let them explore the obstacle course on their own. You can also time kids as they complete the course to add an element of competition and challenge.
Making a DIY obstacle course is a great way to keep kids active and engaged during the pandemic. It’s also a fun and creative way to promote physical fitness and coordination. So, grab some household items and get started on building an obstacle course that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
4. Host a board game tournament
If your kids are getting tired of screen time, why not go old school and organize a board game tournament for them? Not only is this a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, but it’s also a great way to bring the family together and create some healthy competition.
To get started, choose a variety of games that will appeal to all ages and skill levels. This can include classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue, as well as newer games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
Set up a tournament bracket and have each family member compete in various games until a winner is crowned. For younger children, consider pairing them with an older sibling or parent to make sure they feel included.
To make things even more exciting, consider offering a prize for the winner, such as a favorite treat or a small gift. This will add an extra level of motivation and make the competition even more intense.
Overall, hosting a board game tournament is a great way for families to spend time together and create lasting memories, all while staying safe and socially distant during the pandemic.
5. Set up a scavenger hunt
One fantastic way to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic is by setting up a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts not only keep your kids active and engaged but also help them develop important problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
You can customize the scavenger hunt based on the age of your kids and their interests. For younger kids, you can hide simple items like stuffed animals, toys, or snacks around the house or yard. For older kids, you can make the clues more challenging and incorporate riddles or word puzzles.
To make the scavenger hunt even more fun, you can theme it based on your child’s favorite movie, TV show or book. For example, if your child loves pirates, you can create a scavenger hunt that takes them on a treasure hunt to find gold coins or a hidden treasure chest.
Scavenger hunts can also be done virtually. You can create a digital scavenger hunt using photos or video clips that your kids have to find online or around the house.
Overall, setting up a scavenger hunt is a creative and engaging activity that will keep your kids entertained and happy during these uncertain times.
6. Teach your kids how to cook
Teaching your kids how to cook is not only a fun activity but also an essential life skill that they’ll cherish for years to come. Cooking skills are something that will come in handy in their future when they move out and start living on their own.
Cooking is also a great way to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic. You can start by teaching them the basics such as measuring ingredients, mixing, and stirring. Gradually, you can move on to more complex recipes and techniques.
Cooking with your kids is a great way to bond with them and make lasting memories. You can involve them in every aspect of the cooking process from choosing the recipe to shopping for ingredients, to cooking and finally, serving the food.
Cooking also provides a unique opportunity to teach your kids about healthy eating habits. You can teach them about the importance of a balanced diet and how to make healthier food choices. You can also teach them to appreciate different types of cuisine and cultures.
In conclusion, teaching your kids how to cook is a fun and safe activity that provides a great learning opportunity. It’s a great way to bond with your kids, keep them entertained during the pandemic, and teach them valuable life skills that they’ll cherish forever.
7. Have a family movie night
One great way to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic is to have a family movie night. With many theaters closed, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have become increasingly popular. You can choose a movie that the whole family can enjoy or take turns letting each family member pick a movie. This is a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.
To make the experience even more special, you can create a cozy atmosphere by dimming the lights, making popcorn or other treats, and snuggling up with blankets and pillows. You can even create a theme night by choosing movies that fit a certain theme, such as a specific genre, actor, or holiday.
Don’t forget to make it a technology-free night by putting away phones, tablets, and other devices. This will allow you to fully enjoy the movie and each other’s company. Family movie night is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day while spending quality time together as a family.
8. Create an art project
Creating an art project can be a wonderful way to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic. Not only is it a fun activity, but it can also be a great way for your kids to express themselves and their emotions.
There are a variety of art projects you can do with your kids, depending on their age and interests. For younger children, finger painting, coloring, and making collages with construction paper and glue can be lots of fun. For older children, you can try more complex projects like painting on canvas, making pottery, or even trying out some digital art on a tablet or computer.
You can also tie in educational themes with your art projects. For example, you can have your kids paint or draw their favorite animals or plants, or create a collage of pictures to learn about different parts of the world.
Another great thing about art projects is that they can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and your family’s preferences. Just make sure to lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your surfaces!
Overall, creating art projects with your kids can be a fun and rewarding way to spend time together and keep everyone entertained during the pandemic.
9. Set up a virtual playdate via video conferencing
During the pandemic, it can be difficult for kids to stay in touch with their friends and family members. However, with technology at our fingertips, setting up a virtual playdate via video conferencing can be a great way to keep kids entertained and connected to their loved ones.
Parents can set up a time for their child to connect with their friends or family members via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. The kids can play games, do crafts, or simply chat and catch up with each other.
Virtual playdates can also be a great way for kids to meet new friends. Parents can join Facebook groups or other online communities to connect with other parents who are also looking for virtual playdate options for their children.
It’s important to remember that virtual playdates are still a form of screen time, so parents should set limits on how long their child spends on the call. Additionally, parents should supervise the call to ensure that their child is safe and that the conversation remains appropriate.
Overall, virtual playdates can be a fun and safe way for kids to stay connected with loved ones and make new friends during the pandemic.
10. Have a dance party
One way to keep your kids entertained during the pandemic is to have a dance party. This is a fun and interactive activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. You can set up a designated dance area in your home, complete with decorations and disco lights. You can also create a playlist of your kids’ favorite songs or even let them take turns being the DJ.
Dancing is not only a fun activity but it also has many health benefits. It can improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, and boost mood and energy levels. It’s also a great way to release stress and anxiety, which is particularly important during these uncertain times.
To make the dance party even more exciting, you can encourage your kids to dress up in their favorite costumes or outfits, and even have a dance-off competition. You can also record the dance party and share it with family and friends who may be far away.
Overall, having a dance party is a great way to keep your kids active and engaged while also having fun in the safety of your own home.