We’re entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and it turns out we still need ideas to keep the kids entertained. COVID caseloads are surging yet again, and kids are in and out of school like yo-yos. If you have been hit with an unexpected COVID quarantine situation, we’ve got some ideas to help you keep the kids busy while you're stuck at home.
Get creative
We know slime is kind of messy but it’s a fun activity to teach kids about chemistry. Our 101 on slime includes recipes for edible slime, mermaid slime and even glow-in-the-dark slime.
If the thought of messy slime terrifies you, you might want to try these easy-to-clean crafts that don’t involve any godawful glitter or add to your workload.
Cardboard boxes are something we’re never short of in my house. Get crafty with all that trash and make a cardboard box town, a marble run or some dino feet!
Push some paper
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the printer has helped my family get through this pandemic. Preschoolers and young kids love activity sheets and we've got tons of free activity sheets to get you through a school-free day. If you don’t have a printer try these fantastic activity books that will keep little ones busy and out of your hair for a while.
Your kid might know how to make a basic paper plane, but do they know how to make a helicopter, a straw plane and a paper rocket? There are lots of fun flying things you can make with paper and card. Get inspired with this article about DIY rockets, planes, catapults and other high fliers.
A roll of butcher paper offers a world of creative possibilities. Check out these fun ideas that you can make with a big roll of blank paper.
Unleash the wiggles
Get out the painter’s tape and create an obstacle course in your sitting room or create your very own American-Ninja-style obstacle course in the backyard with some PVC pipe. Discover more ideas for fun and easy obstacle courses to get the wiggles out.
Dance, move and shake it all about with these 25 ideas that will get little ones moving.
Appreciate those apps
I used to be wary of apps and was kind of convinced that my kids would turn into screen-obsessed zombies if I let them use apps. Fast forward to 2022 and I now have a whole new appreciation for screen time. I’ve also come to realize that there are lots of cleverly designed apps that can teach your kids a thing or two. This list of educational-ish games and apps for kids has some true gems that the kids will love.
If you have piles of different Lego sets and they’re all mixed up, this clever app will help you and the kids figure out what to make next and how to get started.
Play games together
Gameschooling really took off with the pandemic and it can be a great way to have some fun with your kids and sneak in a bit of learning at the same time. If you want to encourage your kids to write more, try these lo-fi games that will give everyone a giggle. For preschoolers try these fun and easy early language activities that help build literacy skills.
