By Courtney Harman, Chief Operating Officer
Here is a list of things to do to keep the kids entertained with nothing you really have to buy:
- Hardwood Ice Skating – Place Lysol® wipes on their feet and “ice skate” across a hardwood floor (also cleans and disinfects)!
- Paper Plate Tic Tac Toe – Place tape on the floor to make a grid; use paper plates for the circles and spoons/forks to make the Xs.
- Exercise for Kids – Go to YouTube.com and search for “kids exercise.” You will find there are plenty of videos for kids of all ages to get the energy out. “Go Noodle” is an absolute favorite!
- Couch Volleyball – All you need is a balloon and a couch. The goal is to keep the kids on the couch and the balloon in the air by the kids batting the volleyball to each other.
- Pipe Cleaners – These are every mom’s best friend. Seriously, just put them out and watch kids be creative. If you have noodles or a bag of beads, they also can become “jewelry.”
- Box Forts – Get cardboard boxes from the grocery store. The kids color on them and make forts.
- Ice Throwing – When my kids are at an emotional “10,” the best advice I have is to get a bucket of ice and go outside with them to throw it against a wall, the ground, etc. The cool temperature regulates their internal chemistry, and it’s fun to be “allowed” to throw something.
- Bedroom Escape Room – Make up some clues. Hide them in the room, and see if your kids can “escape” by solving them. Or, leave them in there for a little while! 😊
- Book Towers – Use two books standing up with covers open. Then stack a book flat on top of them. Keep making “floors,” and see who can make the tallest tower.
- Three Marker Challenge – Kids close their eyes and pick three markers or crayons from a bag. They then must draw a picture with the colors selected.
- Cleaning Helpers – Buy the little squirt bottles for $1.00. Fill them with water, and let the kids squirt either outside or something that can get wet inside.
- Making Soup – Rummage through your pantry, and grab all the foods you will never eat or that’s less expensive to buy (i.e. rice, dry beans, old spices, etc.) Provide some measuring cups, a bowl, and spoon and let the kids make “soup.”
