Whether it’s a rainy day, another lockdown, or you’d just prefer to spend some time indoors, it’s important to have activities for the kids that don’t involve screens. In this article we explore a few of the more creative, collaborative, and all-around constructive ideas to keep your children entertained and educated in the home.
Cooking
If you want to help your kids to pick up healthy eating habits, develop a core life skill and have fun in the kitchen, family cooking is the way to go. There are all kinds of easy kids’ recipes online, ranging from healthy lunches to sweet snacks. Be sure to let them pick their own meals, starting small with simple, easy dishes and remember this can be a fun activity – it’s okay to give them some autonomy over the process, too (as long as they’re remaining safe).
If you want to cook on the next level, and teach your kids about handling money and running a small business, think about monetizing your work in the kitchen. Whipping up all-natural baby food, cookies, or muffins are just a few ideas. Not only will this incentivize the kiddos to get creative with their cooking, the whole household will benefit from a little extra cash in the piggy bank on those rainy days!
Arts and Crafts
For kids with a creative flair, arts and crafts provide an immersive way to focus the mind, exercise control over their own space, and produce something beautiful that they can be proud of. To encourage your child to express themselves, you can designate a creative space in the house where they’re free to get messy and explore. It’s often worth coupling activities with music to help stimulate inspiration and guide their involvement. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Colorful fall leaf pictures
- Pumpkin carving
- Decoration making
- Playdough
- Creative paper plate crafts
Puzzles & Board Games
For kids who love to problem solve, puzzles can prove to be a relaxing and healthy way to spend a few hours. Studies show that they promote fine motor skills and build concentration – just make sure to pick boxes with the appropriate piece counts for your child’s age. Using early learning products like a mathematical learning kit or a spinning alphabet can keep your toddler entertained while also educating them and preparing them for school.
Alternatively, you have board games, which are believed to increase brain function, memory formation, and complex thought processes for all ages – and if your children tend to get overly competitive, Happy Mom Hacks points out that there are always cooperative options to try.
Science Experiments
If you want a boredom buster that really gets your kids thinking, you could help them to construct their own science experiment. Many projects can be carried out using household objects with no risk to you or the little ones – just make sure to research in advance and ensure no harmful chemicals are suggested. Here is a couple we’ve already checked:
- Make an erupting volcano
- Race balloon-powered cardboard cars
- Clean coins using lemons
- Advanced paper plane making
- Combine learning about the weather with getting in a little exercise by putting on your raincoats and getting out for a neighborhood stroll, made much easier if you’re in an area with a high Walk Score
Or Science Sparks notes that you could search online for other child-friendly experiments that make use of everyday objects and teach the kids about basic scientific principles.
Educational Screen Time
Sometimes, when you’re busy, it might be necessary to switch the screens back on. It’s often a good idea to introduce these during the times when you’re working from home or taking important meetings – this way, they’ll look forward to this activity and won’t be tempted to interrupt you whilst you’re working. As an added bonus, you might want to guide them towards educational channels. There are plenty of these available on Youtube Kids or download a child-friendly app game.
When there’s rain pouring down the window, and you’ve had to cancel plans, time spent indoors can sometimes feel disappointing, but with a readjustment of attitude and a few creative ideas, there’s no reason why quality time in the home can’t be just as fun and stimulating.