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50 Things to do with kids at Home: Fun Indoor Activities

A long list of things to do with kids at home including indoor kids activities, creative arts & crafts, science and learning activities, games and family fun!

“Mum, I’m bored”… That’s what many mums are hearing around the world right now! Whether you are stuck at home on a rainy day, or isolating from the outside world, this long list of things to do with the kids at home will give you some fun indoor kids activity ideas.

You will find some indoor activities for kids including games, arts & crafts, and other creative activities. We have also included a small list of things to do at home in the backyard, so if the weather picks up, you can head outside for a bit. Here are some activities for kids that you can also join in to do at home.

50 Things To Do With Kids At Home with Kids

A list of kids activity ideas and things to do with kids at home when you are stuck inside.

Indoor Kids Activities at Home

1. Read books together

Read books from your home library, see our list of the BEST BOOK SETS FOR KIDS, or check out these FREE ONLINE BOOKS FOR KIDS which have audio. These are great for if you are working from home, cooking, or busy in general, because even if kids can’t read, they can listen to the story online for free. Some local libraries deliver too so make sure to ask if you can’t get there.

For kids who don’t particularly like reading books, print off these would you rather questions which may motivate them.

2. Cook a meal or bake some cake or cookies

Cooking of baking together is a fun indoor activity for kids no matter what age. A weekly cook up also makes a great tradition for families too. Kids can help stir, use cookie cutters, and of course taste test. If you choose an easy recipe you can get older kids to do most of the work while you supervise. THIS SITE has a great range of kid friendly recipes and things you can do at home with kids.

bake a cake or cookies at home with the kids

3. Play board games

Board games are always a fun thing to do at home with kids depending on their ages and there are plenty to choose from. Check out our list of educational BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS  that start from 3 years and up. Some are great to do at home, and some the kids can play independently.

4. Online Art Lessons

Kids love to draw pictures or colour in and it makes a good fun activity for the kids. Make sure you always have a couple of colouring books at home, as well as some plain printer paper and your set. If you have older kids, try some online drawing lessons from the Art for Kids Hub. Check their channel below, there are tones of different pictures to draw. They are super fun and easy for kids to follow. Find here some other fun Youtube channels for learning.

5.

Make a magic potion or do a science experiment

This is a great indoor activity for kids to do at home but also a fun summer kids activity too. Grab a few bowls of ingredients such as water, milk, food die, baking soda, essential oils etc. Give them spoons and let them make up their own little potions. You can also do this with things such as flour, dry lentils and beans, pasta etc. Great kids activity to do at home. For older ones why not try out some of our SIMPLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS.

Make a volcano erupt with this super simple science experiment for kids to do at home

6. Put together a puzzle

Puzzles are a really fun activity for kids. They give something kids to concentrate on for a period of time. For little ones, set them up with some wooden puzzles. For older ones, challenge them with a 50 piece puzzle and set the timer up. We love the ravensburger puzzles, they have ages on the boxes and there is something for all ages.

7. Dance or Exercise

When you have been cooped up indoors all day, kids need something to wear them out. Check out our post: EXERCISES FOR KIDS AT HOME for some fun ideas to get active.

Dancing around to music is one of the best indoor activity for kids to do at home and get them moving. Pop on your favourite songs or playlist and get them dancing and jumping around for a while.

For little ones, you may also want to sing along to some nursery rhymes, check our list of the most popular NURSERY RHYMES FOR KIDS.

8. Arts and Crafts out of recycled home materials

Everyone has a few cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls
around the house. Don’t throw them in the recycle bin, keep them to use for
arts and crafts. Make a rocket out of toilet paper roles, make a dinosaur or a
robot out of a cereal box. Paint, draw, paste. It is such a great way for kids
to get creative and a fun indoor activity for kids to do at home.

9. Build some DUPLO or LEGO

If you have any, LEGO is one of the easiest things to do at home with kids. Even without an instruction kit, kids can get creative on their own. If you don’t have LEGO, any kind of building or construction activity for the kids will get their creative sparks going.

10. Have an indoor picnic

Such a fun thing to do at home with kids. Set up a picnic mat in the lounge room and make a picnic like you would if you were outside at the park. Get some cushions, and decorate, the kids will love it. You can prepare the food if you have little ones, but a great activity for kids to do is preparing the platter themselves, let them get creative.

11. Make some origami

Another creative indoor activity for kids is making origami. This paper folding art has been around for centuries and there are plenty of online resources where you can find instructions for kids to get creative. We have rounded up some fantastic video tutorials perfect for beginners, check out our post EASY ORIGAMI FOR KIDS

12. Do some online learning

If you want to get the kids caught up with some academic work, there are some great sites with online learning activities. Check out this list of ONLINE LEARNING WEBSITES for kids.

13. Make an obstacle course

If you have a large living area a fun indoor activity for kids at home is to make an indoor obstacle course using household items. This activity is best for younger children as they are smaller. For an older kids activity at home you may need to head out into the backyard for more space.

14.  Make a race track using masking tape

Have a little one who loves cars? You can easily make a DIY
racing track in your living room or hallway using masking tape. There is lots
of fun to me made racing cars around, and it is an easy clean up too.

15. Make a home cinema with popcorn and movies

• If you can’t go to the movies, a fun activity for kids at home can be making your own cinema. Close the blinds, turn off the lights, make some popcorn and put a film on and there you are. See our movie lists with more to come.
  Best travel movies for kids (animated)
• Best travel movies for families
• Best Christmas movies

16.

Do a yoga class on YouTube

If you can’t go outside, another way to have the kids exercise is do some yoga. There are some fantastic Yoga For Kids Videos on You Tube including our favourite, Cosmic Yoga which you can watch free online. Make it a daily routine and help kids become stronger, calmer, and wiser. It is one of the best exercises for kids to do at home.

17. Build a cubby house or fairy house

Your kitchen table, or chairs can easily be turned into a cubby
or fairy house and kids will have a ball. Use a sheet or a large blanket to put
over the top and get the kids to decorate underneath how they like. Bring in
the superheros and create a bat cave or invite the dolls and fairies and have a
tea party.

18. Try Michelangelo drawing under a table

This is a really unique indoor activity for kids to do at home. Stick a piece of paper under a chair and have your child lay underneath. Have them try draw a picture upside down and see how it turns out. Makes a great art and history lesson too for older kids.

19. Make friendship bracelets

For this kids activity you just need some different coloured
wool. Cut a few pieces to the same size but different colours and tie the end.
Put the tied end underneath a heavy book or chair and start designing. You can
plait, or just tie knots. See how many different designs you can create.

20. Play Dress Up

If you have costumes, great, get them out. But even if you don’t just let the kids get creative with their own clothes to come up with outfits for different themes. You never know what you can find in your own wardrobe. Make a game of it, dress ups is always a fun activity for kids at home.

21. Build a house with a deck of cards

This is such an easy indoor kids activity for those who need a challenge. All you need is a deck of cards. Put them together in triangles and try to build them up into the form of a house. This is a really good activity for kids to build resilience because it isn’t easy and takes time to perfect. See how many levels you can get.

22. Have a pamper day

Get out the hair masks, face masks brushes and creams and have a pamper day. Just like grown ups would do at the day spa, kids can have fun doing it too. This is a great activity for the whole family.

23. Blow up some balloons and play balloon tennis

This is a great indoor activity for kids to do at home that will get them moving. All you need is a couple of blown up balloons to balloon tennis with your hands or even just see how long you can keep the balloons off the floor. No need to worry about things getting broken as balloons are light, so that’s a win.

24. Write a story or make a Journal

There are so many benefits of journaling and story writing for kids. For older kids they can do this one independently, for little ones you can do it together. Check out our post on Journaling for kids with lots of ideas on how to get started.

For stories, start with choosing your characters, then choose your setting, and then go from there. Or use some of our Writing Prompts for Kids for some ideas. It is a great kids activity to do at home, and the best thing is, you can read it over and over.

25. Indoor treasure hunt

Every kid loves a good treasure hunt and it is an easy indoor activity for kids that you can prepare on the spot. Just write a list of items on a piece of paper, (or draw them for younger kids who can’t yet read), then let them go exploring the house to find them. Try our At Home scavenger hunt printable to do inside with kids.

26. Draw your body on butchers’ paper

If you have a long roll of paper a body drawing is a fun activity to do at home with kids. Have your child lay down on the paper while you or a sibling draw around them. Once you have the outline, the kids can fill in the body with all the body parts. This is a great indoor activity for kids that can take a while, so you can finish it over a couple of days.

27. Make paper planes and see how far they can fly

Such a simple easy activity for kids to do at home that will
keep them occupied for a while. Make some paper planes and let them fly around
the house. See who’s plane can go the furthest.

28. Make a time capsule to open in years to come

Decorate a box that you can fill with items from today such
as a newspaper clippings, a magazine, shopping catalogue with prices etc. Then
write some predictions on a piece of paper about how life will be in X years’
time. You could do 5 years, 10 years or longer. Put it away in a safe place to
open in the future.

29. Draw or paint a self-portrait with a mirror

For this activity you need some paper, a pencil and a
mirror. Have the kids look at themselves in the mirror and draw a self-portrait.
It’s great to see how creative kids can get.

30. Thread pasta onto wool or pipe cleaners

Threading pasta is a great activity to do at home to work on
kids fine motor skills. You can use some wool or pipe cleaners. Colour or die
the pasta first to make it more pretty and you can make a necklace or some
other jewellery.

31. Make music using pots and pans

This is quite a loud activity for kids to do at home so be
prepared. They will love it though. Just grab your wooden spoons and spatulas,
as well as your pots, pans or containers. You now have a drum kit and kids can
make their own beats.

32. Have a living room disco party

Another loud indoor activity for kids that makes noise. Turn
the lights off and leave on a small lamp. If you have a disco ball even better.
Get the kids to dress up and dance like it’s a party.

33. Make greeting cards

Have a birthday coming up, or a special occasion? Get the
kids to make some greeting cards. Get the arts and crafts out, stickers, pom
poms, or even just cut up some coloured paper and do some pasting.

34. Make sock puppets

This is a fun activity for kids at home that fun and easy. Grab some old socks, and decorate them to make puppets. If you have some plastic eyeballs you can use those, or some cut up paper will also do. If they are light coloured socks you can use markers to draw.

35. Create a magic show

Find a hat, make a wand out of some recycled cardboard and create
a magic show. For younger kids you can do it together. For older ones, have the
kids go off and practice so it can be a surprise for the parents.

36. Try on mum or dad’s clothes and have a photo shoot

Kids love to do things they are usually not supposed to do. So, if you give them access to your clothes, shoes, and accessories they will love it. Even better, have a photoshoot afterwards and let them see the photos. Such and easy indoor activity for kids to do at home when you are out of ideas.

37. Make a paper chain

Making paper chains is a super easy kids activity to do at
home or wherever. All you need is some coloured paper to cut up into strips and
some glue to stick the ends together.

38. Write a poem or song

Writing poems is a great way for kids to learn rhyming
words. Try to write a poem or even a song together and then recite it for an
audience.

39. Do mummy’s hair and make up

A little patience is needed for this activity. Mum is the client and the kids are the hairdressers and make up artists. Let the kids get creative making mummy beautiful!

40. Organise the playroom/bedroom

If you are out of ideas of things to do at home with the kids, have them help you organise their toys. Make sure that every toy or activity has it’s place. Check if there is any they can give away or donate that they don’t use anymore. This is a great activity to get the kids to help with at home, because if they don’t like it they might not complain so much that they are bored next time!

Things to do at Home with Kids in the Backyard

If you have a backyard and it’s ok to go outside, here are some fun things to do at home with the kids outside. Read more: Fun backyard Games.

41. Make a mud kitchen

If you are ok with the kids getting muddy and dirty, a mud kitchen is a great sensory activity for kids and one of the best things to do at home with kids in the backyard. Get the buckets and spades out and cook up some muddy creations.

42. Do some gardening

Planting some seeds or plants is another fun outdoor activity to do at home. Have the kids be responsible for their pot with their plant. They need to water it each day to watch it grow. Check out these easy to grow vegetables for kids.

43. Scavenger hunt

Similar to the indoor activity we mentioned, an outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun activity for kids to do at home. Write or draw a list of things for kids to find, and send them outside to find them. If you have a printer check out our free themed SCAVENGER HUNT LISTS that you can print out.

44. Party games

Have a party game day where kids can have competitions such
as an egg and spoon race or a three legged race. Another good one is putting
the ball between their legs and running around trying not to drop it.

45. Search for bugs and insects

Head out to the backyard and search for bugs. Of course, be
careful of spiders, but look for lady bugs, crickets, snails, and other
insects. Have the kids draw what they see.

46. Draw with chalk

Drawing with chalk is such a great activity for kids at home
because it goes away with water. Let the kids draw on the cement outside, or
even on the fence. When it’s all done just wash it off with the hose.

47. Paint the fence with water

Such an easy activity for kids that will keep them entertained for ages. Fill a bucket with water and give them a paint brush. Let them “paint” the fence with water! Kids get to get “messy” with no real mess!

48. Create some shadow drawings

If it is a sunny day get outside with a piece of paper and
some animals from the toy box. Put the animals at the top of the paper and make
sure the kids are facing in a position where the shadow of the animal lands on
the paper. Kids can then draw the animals by tracing around.

49. Outdoor cinema

If you can bring the TV outside, or even the IPAD, an outdoor
cinema is always fun, and something different. When it gets dark, bring out the
big pillows, cushions and blankets, prepare some snacks and popcorn, and the
kids can watch their favourite films outside.

50. Have a camp out

If you have a tent, a fun thing to do at home is camp
outside in the backyard with the kids one night just like you would in the
bush. Bring out the sleeping bags, pillows and a nightlight. Tell stories and
sleep until the morning.

Indoor Kids Activities to do at Home

We hope this list of things to do at home with kids is enough to keep you occupied day after day, week after week. Please do let us know of any other indoor activities to do with kids and we can add them to the list!

Looking for more activities to do with the kids? Check out our summer kids activity posts, see our category KIDS ACTIVITIES or follow Mum’s Little Explorers on FACEBOOK.

MOTHER:100 Screen-Free Things To Do With Kids At Home

We get it, life is completely upside down these days, and it can be tempting to hand over the iPad or laptop and let the kids zone out while you get some work done. But this can also be an opportunity to nourish their little imaginations, and even send them in to do battle with that dreaded foe from our own childhoods: boredom. We asked a few of our favorite creative mamas—including Zahra Kassam of Monti Kids and author/homeschooling mom Allie Summers—to share a few of their ideas for analog fun. So, before you surrender to the screen, pick a few activities from this list to dive into each day.

At-Home Art Class. The folks at the de Young Museum have put together 5 amazing art tutorials that will keep littles busy and utilize common supplies you likely already have at home. From creating paint out of egg yolk and spices to using paper to make sculptures—these “deYoungsters” lessons are just the thing to spark creativity on a ho-hum day. Feel free to watch the simple YouTube tutorials (which include kid-sized bits of art history) with your child. Or, if you want an unplugged experience, print out the “lesson plans” that are linked in each video.

Wash Windows Together. This may sound like a chore to adults, but toddlers love to clean! Take advantage of it and get some sparkling windows in the process. Using a small spray bottle containing non-toxic soap and water and a towel, enjoy this household chore together. Washing windows can be an indoor activity, too!

Act Out A Book. Which book are your kids obsessed with these days? Dig into the dress-up box and have them try to act out a live action version.

Make Potions. Dole out a few little cups of water, flour, corn starch, jam, or whatever else your little scientists would love mixing up, and let them start creating.

Dance Party! There’s no better way to burn off some excess energy than by turning up the music and having a dance party in the living room. It’s also a great way to shake things up when your little one is feeling grumpy. Pick a favorite album or playlist. You can even set a timer so when the music goes on, it’s time to drop everything and dance!

Make Crayon-Scrap Candles. Follow these simple steps to turn worn down crayon nubs into colorful candles.

Water Activities. Fill a plastic tub with some water and LEGO Duplos, and give your little one a strainer to fish them out. Only put in as much water as you’re willing to clean up!

Make a Fort. Whether using cardboard boxes, pillows and blankets, or an endless supply of “building” materials, a fort can provide your child with hours of entertainment. Bring a basket of books inside, along with supportive pillows and a favorite blanket. Your little one can relax in this cozy spot to read and re-read favorite books. Your child can also use the fort to simply recharge and have some time to themselves…while you get some work done! The thought of a “secret” spot is both exciting and empowering, and offers children a safe, peaceful place to hide and hangout (even if you know exactly where they are).

Origami. Looking for something new and crafty to try? Origami is always a fun, unique activity to introduce to kids. And if all else fails, attempt some no-fail paper airplanes and try to see who can fly them the farthest.

Make And Sculpt. As a mom, you probably already know what salt dough is and why it’s amazing, but if not, get ready to meet one of your new favorite kid pastimes. Why? Salt dough is a simple modeling dough made from ingredients you already have in your home. It’s great because it engages kids, is easy to make, and requires no glazes or kilns.

Learn a New Language. Check out some Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone programs via your library’s website, and listen to them while you color or work on a puzzle. Or if one person in the family is fluent, chose an hour a day where they only speak in their second language to everyone else.

Gluing Project. Artwork is an excellent fine motor activity for your little one at home. In the spirit of spring/summer, you can cut some colorful butterflies or flowers out of construction paper, and then show your child how to glue the pieces onto a larger piece of paper. Give them just a few choices, or it may overwhelm them and prevent them from settling into the work. Older children can help cut out the shapes for the gluing, and may choose to create a scene on their paper with cut-outs, and possibly even some mixed media.

Pranks. With April Fools day coming up, there is no better time to start brainstorming some good-natured pranks to pull on each other. We love stuffing dad’s shoes with cotton balls, serving someone a cup of blue milk (thanks food coloring!), or making up the bed backwards.

Be A Florist. Collect branches, ferns, and a few blooms and arrange them in a pretty jar.

Go for a Drive. If all else fails, it’s still safe to go for a drive. Consider your child’s interests. Do they love animals? Maybe you have a grassy area nearby with cows they can count as you drive by. Maybe they love cars? Take a spin past the police and fire stations as you discuss the different emergency vehicles you come across.

Raid Your Closet for Tactile Fabrics. Create a collection of like-objects from scarves of various fabrics. Let your child explore the textures. Show your little one how to wave them overhead and twirl around. Place the items in a basket within easy reach so your child can keep this activity in rotation in the coming weeks.

Throw A Bath Party. Turn off the lights, toss in the glow sticks and bubble wands, and crank the music.

Craft Collages from Family Photos And Old Magazines. Kids love cutting stuff up, so hand ’em a not-too-sharp pair of scissors and a stack of paper headed for the recycling bin and let them snip away. Add glue sticks and a sheet of cardboard and prompt them to create something new!

Play Hide-and-Seek. Before you say the house is too small and there are no places to hide, let us just say: that’s the best part! After a few rounds the kids’ creativity will kick in, and they will find spots you would have never thought of!

Sudoko. These brain boosting puzzles can be designed for all ages and skills (as long as you know your numbers and how to count 1-9). There’s even alphabet and color Sudoko!

Learn Some Magic Tricks. Whether you buy a few trick coins or cards from a magic shop, or simply practice your own slight of hand, mastering a few magic tricks is a great way to spend an afternoon and impress the friends once everyone is back together!

Rotate in Old Favorite Toys. You’ll want to make sure your child has an engaging play space. You don’t need a lot of room, often a small shelf in your family room can be the perfect spot since children thrive on being part of the community. In Montessori, it’s recommended to put out 6-8 toys or collections (which can be a tray or basket of like items) at once. This helps support your little one’s sense of order, and allows them to focus on their work and play as they build new skills. ⁣⁣⁣Maybe your child has some old favorite toys and activities in storage. Now could be the perfect time to rotate them back in, as your child will engage with the materials with fresh eyes.

Go Outside. If there is a park or wooded area nearby, just walk over and let them run free. You could also set up pinecones, sticks, and rocks as an obstacle course, choosing different body movements for them to do (jumping, hopping, crab walk, sideways slide, etc.).

Make a Toliet Paper Roll Craft. Because we know you’ve got plenty.  Here are a few fun ideas!

Tic Tac Toe. Spice up this classic play-anywhere game by making a custom board (wood+paint?) and hunting for objects to serve as x’s and o’s. Rocks? Pinecones?

Rummage the Closets for an Impromptu Fashion Show. It’s not like you will be wearing those fancy dresses and heels to a party anytime soon. Let the kids catwalk it up in the sparkly numbers they always dreamed of sporting.

Rock a Family Band. No instruments? Grab spoons and pots!

Host a High Tea and Wear Fancy Outfits and Funny Hats. Let them get gussied up in their holiday best and serve tea out of a proper pot (and let them pour—it’s their favorite part). Cut the crusts off of some cucumber sandwiches and you’re in business.

Make A Yogurt Sundae Buffet. Make a spread of all the classic ice cream toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, nuts, dried coconut, and anything else you have on hand. Let them top their creamy greek yogurt and dig in!

Let Them Flip Through Cookbooks and Pick A Recipe To Make Together. A great way to get kids to try new foods is to let them look through all those mouthwatering pictures and pick their own new dish to try!

Decopage. It’s no secret that kids love to do “big kid stuff” like using knives and scissors (cringe!), not to mention, they love glueing anything and everything together. Let them be big kids, while learning decoupage with scrap newspaper, magazines, safety scissors, and washable glue sticks. Turn the project into a mixed media piece with some buttons, colored paint, glitter, stamps, and more.

Play a Board Game. Put away the iPads, iPhones, and other gadgets, and go old school with a classic board game. From Candy Land to Sorry and Operation to Uno, there are tons of classic games to play with children of all ages and these games make for hours of good old fashioned fun.

Karaoke Competition. Most children love to sing along with their favorite tunes. Clear the living room, make a “stage,” and have the kids take turns singing their favorite songs. Don’t have a mic? Just grab a hairbrush and let loose.

Put On A Puppet Show. Another creative way to get the kids involved in a fun activity is by putting on a puppet show at home. Create a script, make a cardboard box theater, grab some old socks or brown bags (or use dolls) for characters, and put on a show!

Indoor Garden. Bring some miniature clay pots, mulch, and seeds indoors on a non-carpet floor to make an indoor garden. Make it personal by letting the kiddos paint their own pots, choose their seeds, and make some labeled plant markers for each flower and herb.

DIY Bowling. Make bowling pins out of a few leftover water bottles (or whatever tall plastic containers you have on hand), set them up in a long hallway, and use a ball of your choice. This will keep the tots entertained for a while and since the bowling set is lightweight, it’s safe activity to do indoors.

Spread Some Love. Do your relatives live far away? Have the kids write cards, make gifts, or draw pictures to their grandma, aunt, cousin, and friends just because! Or call a nearby retirement center and ask if your kids can make and mail over some cards and crafts for the residents.

Take A Family Bike Ride. It’s a safe way to be outside when social distancing. It may even be OK to ask friends or neighbors to join. Just stay on your bike and keep pedaling!

Make Your Own Puzzles. They draw a colorful picture on an entire page and then cut it into large pieces with scissors. Then you have to try to put the puzzle together once you are off your work call.

Play Simon Says. It’s a great way to get moving on days when it’s not ideal to go outside.

Do a Riddle Scavenger Hunt. Hide a collection of objects around the house and write a list of clues as to where your kiddos can find them. A rock hidden in the laundry basket? “This is where your stinky socks snuggle up and go to sleep at the end of the day.” Take turns and give the kids a shot to hide items and write clues, too. That’s the best part!

Start a Pen Pal. Pick a grandma, friend, aunt, uncle, or cousin whom you can’t see right now and write them a letter. Can’t write yet? Draw a picture. This could be expanded for older kids: how to address an envelope properly, what is your address, how to write a letter with “Dear Friend,” “Sincerely,” etc.

Yoga. Put all those solo mom classes to use and teach the littles some simple poses. You don’t need a yoga mat to do this, and starting each day with a good, peaceful stretch sets the right tone. Check out these 15 great yoga poses for kids to get started!

Spring Cleaning. Pick a cluttered corner of the house/their room and have them take everything out and go through it. Maybe they find toys they want to play with or are done with. Only put the things back that still belong after your purge.

Make Up a Song. Have them tell a story but put them into lyrics of a song. How will the tune go?

Hand Sew Something. Don’t have fabric? Maybe you have an old baby blanket or t-shirt or something that you wouldn’t mind turning into something else. Our favorite beginner project is a felt heart.

Jump On The Bed. I mean, if we are stuck inside for a while…it can be fun to make exceptions to everyday rules.

Read a Longer Chapter Book to Them. Spend 30 minutes a day on a longer story. We love Ronia The Robbers Daughter, the Little House On The Prairie series, anything by Roald Dahl, and The Neverending Story.

Make Paper Flowers. Cut them out of paper and put them in vases all over the house.

Write a Poem. Rhyming and telling silly stories are instinctual for kids. Start by creating short poems and let them fill in the rhyming blanks, Mad-Libs style, then challenge them to create their own!

Get Baking. What kid doesn’t love dessert? What kid doesn’t love to help in the kitchen? Sweeten your day with a mom-and-kid baking extravaganza. Better yet, make a themed dessert with another activity planned—pirate-themed cookies for a treasure hunt or make homemade candy for the movie later. Don’t forget the aprons and baker hats!

Write Letters to Grandma and Grandpa. Many of our favorite relatives are isolating themselves to stay safe. Your child can take pride in drawing some heartfelt pictures for your loved ones, both near and far. Your little one could also make cards for neighbors and drop them off on their doorstep during neighborhood walks. Dropping off the artwork on the same day will give a younger child more immediate gratification as they learn a lesson in compassion.

Create a Treasure Hunt. You know that candy you’ve been stashing away since October? Time to use it to your advantage. Create a fun treasure hunt for the kids throughout the house. This takes a little bit of work on your part, but like a scavenger hunt, it’s really thrilling for littles. Hide objects, prizes, and miniature candy bars throughout the house and make a map to all of the findings. Bonus points if you make an eye patch and telescope from toilet paper rolls for the kiddy pirates!

Plant Something. Snap peas are great because they grow fast and are yummy.

Turn Those Amazon Boxes Into Something Cool. Have them piece together a long maze, a race track, a skyscraper—the options are limitless. Give them tape, glue, scissors, and paper and see what they create.

Play Hair Salon. A water spray bottle, a brush, and a handful of hair elastics, clips, and headbands will keep little hands busy. Plus, the end results will bring on the giggles.

Make Up A Play. Have them create characters and a storyline and practice acting it out. If they have a sibling they could do this together or with puppets and stuffed animals. Have them act it out for you when you are done returning emails.

Zone Out To Music. Let them listen to music, and not just kids’ music—share your favorite songs with them.

Start A Chore Chart. But maybe don’t call them chores. Regular time at home is a great time to give kids a few responsibilities that they will tackle every day.

Become an Activist. What are your kids passionate about? Saving the planet? Being kind to animals? Dig into ways they can actively get involved, on a kid scale. Introduce your little activist to other young people making a difference, like Greta.

Create Chalk Art. Hopscotch on the sidewalk is a classic, but remember, chalk washes off almost all surfaces easily, including wood fences and benches. So let them go nuts!

Make A Milk Carton Craft. Usually where there are kids, there is milk. Lots and lots of milk, which means lots and lots of empty milk cartons. We say: Recycle those bad boys by rinsing them out with hot soapy water, allow them to air dry, and use them for craft time! Here are two super cute ideas to get started.

Make a List. Give them a topic: movies they want to watch, books they want to read, cities they want to visit, things to update in their rooms, friends to call, foods to try, every Fortnite skin ranked—and they’ll spend the afternoon debating and brainstorming in their journals.

Paint Little Finger and Toe Nails. Non-toxic kiddie polish is easy to clean up, so go ahead and let them take a crack at gussying up their own nails (or each others, if they have siblings).

Write a Book With Them. Have them tell you a story and you write it down. Then think about which words would be on a page together and which pictures you would draw to go with the pages. They can draw the pictures for the pages.

Armchair Travel. Was everyone excited for a trip that ended up getting cancelled? Do an art project on the locale and have them draw the things you were expecting to see or do. Research the buildings, plants, and animals that are different and write about it. Build a scene with recycled materials.

Make A Rock and Stick Garden. Do you already have a collection of rocks and sticks at home? If not, on your next nature walk collect some (responsibly) to make one.

Make A DIY Animal Charades Game. They draw pictures of as many animals as they can think of and cut them out into little squares (you can show them pictures of animals to help or have them look in one of their animal books for inspiration). Fold them, put them in a bowl and play charades. This works well for younger kids who can’t read yet, but can act out a “bear” like you’ve never seen before!

Practice With a Rubix Cube. Once kids’ get hooked on this old-school puzzle, they can spin for hours on end. The key is getting a book (or printing out instructions) on how to actually learn to solve it. We know kids as young as 5 or 6 who get the hang of it with knowledgable guidance!

Browse Some Books. Take out a stack of 10-15 books, have them look through them all independently and quietly. It sounds so simple, but kids need this quiet down time, too. If they can read, pick a few books they can read to themselves.

Create Your Own Coloring Pages. Print out simple photographs of friends, family members, or favorite memories in black and white and let the kids color them in.

Make Friendship Bracelets. Learn a few basic weaves and knotting techniques, then let them pick out their own colored string.

Draw or Paint a Self Portrait. Set up in front of a mirror and let them paint their own likeness!

Do a Selfless Act. Start a free mini library, walk an elderly neighbor’s dog, bring in a neighbor’s trash can, or simply help out a sibling or a parent. Aim to have them do one selfless act a day!

Jump Rope. This physical activity takes a lot of energy and can be done in a relatively small space. Come up with songs or movements to try. Got a big living room and a couple siblings? Double Dutch!

Teach Them a Hand Clapping Game From your Childhood. From Miss Mary Mack to Patty Cake, there is a ditty for every age group. Have them practice with a sibling or stuffed animal or wall.

Stickers. Need we say more?

Start a Collection. Speaking of stickers, starting and maintaining a collection is such a throw-back, old school tradition, but even our modern tech-loving kids seem to get into it. If you had a collection as a kid, pass it down to your kids and let them continue it. Or, just find something they like and let them add to it—rubber stamps, coins, unicorns, stickers, cool enamel pins, seashells, painted rocks, you name it.

Make Flarp. Making Flarp (a.k.a. slime) from scratch is an ooey-gooey activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus it creates a sensory material that offers hours of ongoing play! You can find a great recipe right here.

Play Jacks. This low-tech game is fun for kids of all ages, and helps them perfect their fine motor skills.

Camp In. If you’re not up for a backyard campout yet, then try camping in. Bring your sleeping bags to the living room, tell silly stories with a flashlight in the dark, and make s’mores in the fireplace (or microwave).

Take Photographs. Do you have an old camera sitting around that got forgotten after the iPhone moved in? Teach the kids the basics then set them loose. You can even print out the images and make a book.

Learn Solitaire. Remember when our own parents used to say “play solitaire!” when we were bored? Time to teach your kids how to play. There are more than 150 variations of solitaire to choose from!

Have A Puzzle Marathon. See how many puzzles you can complete and leave them all out on the floor.

Host a Soup Party. Fact: Kids love helping out in the kitchen. And while there are endless simple recipes you can try out together, when it’s cold outside, we immediately think of soup. Why not throw a soup party for the kids? Set up a toppings station complete with Annie’s bunny crackers, croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and more to take it up a notch. The kids will have a blast and warm their bellies at the same time.

For more at-home entertainment ideas, check out our piece on 10 Screen-Free Activities To Try Now, 4 Fun Art Projects Using Natural, Foraged Materials, and 10 Principles For Having A More Playful Family Life.

This article was originally published on March 19, 2020.

Children at Home — Happy Children Foundation, Krasnoyarsk

PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING POLICY

This personal data processing policy (hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”) of the Happy Children Charitable Foundation for Children (660135, Krasnoyarsk, Molokova St., 19 room 103, TIN: 2465310993; OGRN: 1142468022168; hereinafter referred to as the “Operator”, “Fund”) establishes the scope, purposes and methods of processing personal data of users (visitors) of the site: “https://happydeti24.ru” (hereinafter in the text – “Website”) and is published in the public domain in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

1. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

1.1. The legal basis for the processing of personal data is a set of legal acts, in pursuance of which and in accordance with which the operator processes personal data.

1.2. The legal basis for the processing of personal data are:

• Articles 23-24 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Articles 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 18-22 of the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “ About personal data»

• Charter of the organization Children’s Charitable Foundation “Happy Children”;

• contracts concluded between the operator and the subject of personal data;

• consent to the processing of personal data provided to the Operator.

2. User’s consent to the processing of personal data

2.1. By sending a message through the feedback forms posted on the Site, the User expresses his consent to the processing of personal data for the purposes and scope specified by this Policy.

2.2. The user can subscribe to receive email newsletters, if such an opportunity is provided by the Site. The mailing list may contain information about the Foundation’s news, events held by the Foundation, promotions, information about new services, and the like. By filling in the “e-mail” field, the User agrees to receive such mailings. The user can revoke his consent to receive the newsletter at any time. The opportunity to unsubscribe from the mailing list is provided to the User in each letter. Also, you can unsubscribe from the mailing list by submitting (or sending by mail) a written application to the Fund: 660135, Krasnoyarsk, Molokova St., 19room 103;

2.3. For the purpose of sending messages by e-mail, the Fund may transfer to specialized services for sending messages such personal data as name and e-mail address.

3. Purpose of personal data processing

3.1. The purpose of personal data processing is: organization of automated provision to users of the technical capabilities of the Site, providing the user with access to services, information, materials contained on the Site; the ability to inform the user about the services of the Operator, including by sending sms-messages, calls, e-mails; advertising of the Fund’s services; analysis of the productivity and relevance of the Site.

3.2. If the User simply browses the Site, then no personal data is processed.

4. Scope of processed personal data and methods of processing personal data

4.1. The category of personal data subjects whose information is processed by the Operator are partners, volunteers of the Foundation, as well as donors.

4.2. When filling out information about the donor, the feedback form, as well as when editing other special fields for entering information, the subject of personal data provides, and the Operator receives and processes the following personal data:

• Surname;

• Name;

• Middle name;

• Age

• E-mail;

• Phone number.

4.3. In the course of its activities, the Operator processes personal data in the following ways: collection, recording, systematization, storage, use, destruction.

4.4. The Site uses cookie processing technologies (cookies) – these are small text files into which the browser records data from the sites visited by the user. This data is used to collect information about the actions of visitors on the site, to improve the quality of its content and features.

4.5. At any time, the user can change the settings in his browser settings so that the browser stops storing all cookies and notifies them when they are sent. In this case, some services and features of the Site and Apps may stop working or work incorrectly.

5. Confidentiality of personal data

5.1. The Operator does not disclose to third parties and does not distribute personal data of Users without their consent, except as otherwise provided by federal law.

6. Personal data processing period

6.1. The data provided by the user is processed indefinitely or until the moment when the user revokes his consent to the processing of personal data, or refuses to send information, or until the Site or the Children’s Charitable Foundation “Happy Children” cease to operate.

6.2. In the event of withdrawal of consent, refusal to mail, personal data is subject to destruction (unless otherwise provided by the agreement to which the beneficiary or guarantor is the subject of personal data).

7. Rights of the subject of personal data

7.1. The subject of personal data has the right to send a request to the Fund for information regarding the processing of his personal data on the Site, in accordance with the requirements of Article 14 of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation “On Personal Data”. This request can be sent to the addresses indicated in the “Contacts” section in a written free form.

8. Protection of personal data

8.1. The Operator takes measures necessary and sufficient to ensure the fulfillment of the obligations stipulated by the Federal Law “On Personal Data” and the regulatory legal acts adopted in accordance with it. The operator independently determines the composition and list of measures necessary and sufficient to ensure the fulfillment of such duties.

8.2. Only authorized employees of the Operator have access to personal data. All employees of the Operator who have access to personal data must adhere to the policy to ensure confidentiality and protection of personal data. In order to ensure the confidentiality of information and protect personal data, the Operator maintains an appropriate IT environment and takes all measures necessary to prevent unauthorized access.

9. Final provisions

9.1. This Policy may be subject to change. The Operator has the right to make changes at its own discretion, including, but not limited to, in cases where the relevant changes are related to changes in applicable law, and also when the relevant changes are related to changes in the operation of the Site.

9.2. The Operator undertakes not to make significant changes, not to impose additional encumbrances or restrictions on the rights of personal data subjects established by this Policy, without a corresponding notice posted on the Site.

9.3. This Policy is up-to-date and is in constant public access on the Operator’s Website.

Children at home: dangerous little things

Is home the safest place for a child? Yes, if you take care of it in advance. What non-obvious dangers are there in every home, and how can they be prevented?

Babies are born explorers. Everything around them needs to be touched, smelled and tasted. They actively move, and everything that catches their eye is immediately sent to their mouth.

The task of parents is not to limit research activity, but to create the safest possible space for it.

The first step to a child’s safety is parental awareness. Indeed, many do not even suspect that this or that thing can cause harm.

Frequent hazards.

• Medicines from the first aid kit
• Contents of the needlework box
• Drinks for adults (alcohol)
• Household chemicals
• Any sharp objects (nail, needle, pin, hairpin, button)
• heavy vase
• Batteries, Coins
• On the table
• Heating instruments 9022, DURED, AREMENTARY DIRECTIONS per table The potential dangers are endless, but small objects are especially dangerous for children.

  Beads

  Amber teething beads. Such beads, allegedly helping painless teething, have become quite popular. However, there is no scientific evidence for their effectiveness. How exactly they soothe the pain is not clear.

  The main risks are suffocation (as a result of beads wrapping around the child’s neck) and asphyxia (if a bead from a broken necklace gets into the nose and blocks the airways).

  Balloon

  Children love balloons until they are inflated – they gnaw and chew thin rubber, imitate adults, trying to inflate the balloon. However, the consequences of playing with balloons are the most common cause of choking in infants, as if swallowed, the thin rubber shell can block the airways. By the way, pieces of adhesive tape are dangerous to the same extent. Balloons can only be given to children 8 years of age and older.

  Coin purse, jewelry box, cosmetic bag, first aid kit. Small objects (coins, rings, pendants, beads) can cause suffocation, and bright and shiny pills from the first aid kit can be swallowed like candy and lead to serious poisoning.

  Batteries

  Small coin-cell batteries can cause choking and even internal chemical burns if electrolyte is released. In this case, surgery may be required to save the children. The sooner the parents understand what has happened, and the sooner the child receives medical attention, the better the prognosis.

  Constructor parts a, mosaic

  Small details of constructors often end up not only in the mouth, but also in the nose.

  It may not be noticeable for a long time. The child’s nose does not breathe, and for a long time, parents attribute this to a cold or an allergic reaction.

  Magnetic balls

  Neodymium magnet toys are deadly. Getting into the gastrointestinal tract, the magnets pass through it unevenly. The balls are attracted to each other, damaging the intestinal mucosa. Even a rupture of the intestinal wall and internal bleeding is possible. In such a situation, only an emergency surgical operation can save the child.

  Pieces of food

  No wonder they say “when I eat, I am deaf and dumb”. Talking, laughing while eating is dangerous for children of any age. Pieces of food can be inhaled.

  What to do?

  Act according to the principle – lift higher, remove further, close tight.

  Keep bags and wallets away. Medicines should be stored on the topmost shelf, out of reach of the child. Store nuts, lollipops on the top shelves of kitchen cabinets. Inflatable balloons, plastic bags, adhesive tape – in those cabinets that a child cannot open. Regularly inspect the floor for small objects, buttons, dry pet food.

  The ideal option is to lock all sliding and hinged cabinets with special locks, which can be found in any children’s store.

  If you suspect that your child has swallowed something, put something in his ear or nose, seek immediate medical attention.

  If a child is choking and you realize that he cannot cough up, call an ambulance immediately.