I put together a list of 50 ways that you can keep your family occupied while you’re stuck at home. They are super simple, back-to-the-basics ideas that are intended to promote fun and bonding. And if weather permits, most of these activities can be taken to your yard and enjoyed in the fresh air.
Here we go:
- Build a couch fort
- Have a dance party
- Draw a chalk mural
- Read a book
- Write a book
- Bake cookies
- Cook a new dinner recipe together
- Make play-dough (try this recipe)
- Play games on the tablet
- GoNoodle Dances
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Play board games
- Play cards
- Build the tallest possible block or LEGO tower
- Put on a fashion show
- Have a costume contest
- Make sock puppets and put on a play
- Stream a new movie together
- Stream an old movie together
- Go on a nature hunt
- Take a walk
- Play hopscotch
- Have a talent show
- Learn a TikTok dance
- Make a TikTok dance
- Kick a ball around
- Play hide and seek
- Clean out the toy box
- Organize your bookshelf by color, height, or author
- Write thank you letters to healthcare workers and first responders
- Write thank you letters to community helpers, like sanitation engineers and mail carriers
- Write a letter to anyone
- Make masks
- Cotton ball painting
- Learn how to play an instrument on YouTube
- Learn a new language on Duolingo
- Try new hairdos
- Home manicures and pedicures
- Draw or color in coloring books
- Go cloud watching
- Set up an obstacle course
- Play in the bathtub
- Living room karaoke
- Make mosaics or collages
- Have an “Easter Egg Hunt” with toys
- Online lessons
- Build a box spaceship or car
- Start a kitchen band with pots and wooden spoons
- Make a time capsule
- Take a virtual museum tour
If you’re someone who enjoys planning, stick some of these ideas into your daily schedule. And if you prefer spontaneity, save this list for later and come back to it when you’re ready.
As we’re all facing our current reality, just remember to stay calm, be responsible and compassionate. Count your blessings and know that we’ll get through this together!