Author: Katie Lemons / Source: Lifehack
For energetic and restless kids, being cooped up inside can be a damper. The same toys and books can get boring quickly. It may be tempting and easy to resort to screen time to keep your kids entertained but there are so many other activities that are much more beneficial for their development and creativity.
These activities don’t have to involve expensive materials or a complicated set-up. Using many things that you already have in a new and innovative way will keep your kids happy AND keep their minds engaged, away from the screens.
1. Create a cardboard town
Do you have an abundance of cardboard boxes laying around that need to be recycled? Encourage your kids to use them to build a cardboard town.
By using different sized boxes, the town can include a bridge, a park and train tracks. Incorporate toys that you already have on hand, such as blocks, trucks and toy animals. The structures can be decorated with markers and stickers to truly make it their own.
2. Start a family band
Do your kids love banging on their musical instrument toys and making a ruckus? Get the whole family involved and play music together. You can use real instruments that you own like a keyboard or guitar.
Don’t forget to incorporate household items such as pots and pans, wooden spoons and anything else that makes noise![1]
3. Make something yummy
Help your kids get comfortable in the kitchen at an early age by allowing them to help with age-appropriate tasks when making something that they love to eat:[2]
Baking is a great group activity where the kids can help with measuring and mixing.
Tacos, pizzas and stir fries can also be very kid-friendly.Look for recipes that you and your kids will enjoy: Master Chef-To-Be: 40 Easy Recipes To Cook With Kids
4. Listen to a podcast
Podcasts are becoming a very popular platform for storytelling, comedy, news and so much more. Chances are, you already have a list of podcasts that you love to listen do.
Did you know that there are podcasts made for kids too? On Fatherly, they have some interesting podcasts for kids here.
Round up your family and spend time listening together. Have a laugh, hear a great story or learn something new.
5. Race paper airplanes
Folding and racing paper airplanes is a game that never goes out of style. See how far each child can make their paper airplane go, using their own innovative folding technique. Then, try out different designs and see which one is the most aerodynamic. The results may be surprising!
Here’re some airplanes ideas from John Collins, the Paper Airplane Guy:
6. Make handmade cards
Is there a holiday or birthday coming up? Use this time to make unique, thoughtful cards for grandparents or aunts and uncles.
Bring out the glitter, paint, stickers and other art materials to let your kids’ imaginations go wild! This will make a wonderful surprise for your relatives to receive in the mail.
7. Science experiments
What better way to teach kids about how the world works while entertaining them at the same time? Choose an age-appropriate activity for older kids and help them set…
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