Activities That Will Keep Your Kids Occupied

Two children engaged in activities using a magnifying glass.

If you have kids, you know how much fun it is to play with them. Your children always want your attention, and, of course, you always want to give it to them. If you’re tired of doing the same activities, and your kids are equally as bored with them, don’t fret because there are plenty of new things to try. Here are some activities that are sure to keep your children entertained.

Create a Treasure Hunt

Kids love to hunt for things. If your children are old enough to read, write clues and put them in envelopes so your children can find whatever you’re hiding. A treasure hunt takes time to plan out, so think about how you want to do it and set up clues accordingly. Pick a time to secretly set up for the game so you’re kids don’t suspect anything. Because kids try to make up rules as they go, make sure that you have regulations in place before you call the kids out to play.

Create a theme for the game, such as searching for hidden treasure, and have the kids look for coins you’ve hidden in the house or the yard. For this theme, you could even pretend that you’ve just gone on Mexico cruises and are looking for a long-lost treasure in the ocean, using a kiddie pool to represent the sea. Hide coins in the pool and let your kids collect the money. The child who makes the most money wins. 

Build a Fort

Whether it’s an outdoor snow fort or an indoor pillow fort, challenge your kids to use their creativity to make their own secret bases. For an outdoor fort, dress everyone in their finest winter gear and show them how to pack snow to make bricks. Use these bricks to build a perimeter. If you have at least two children, encourage each one to build a fort and join in on a snowball fight.

A room designed with activities that will keep kids occupied, including a tent in the middle.

If the weather is cold, but there isn’t snow, make an indoor fort. Give your kids blankets and pillows and let them build a couch fort. Kids love to make forts because these secret spaces allow them to feel cozy and safe. With such big imaginations, kids can play for hours. If you want to add a twist to building a fort, ask each child to develop their own fort and judge which one is the best.

Make Crafts

Kids love to create artwork; the messier the products, the more kids want to use them. For example, if paint is involved, your kids will definitely want to design art. Keep a box of essentials, such as markers, crayons, paper, glue sticks and scissors, handy just in case something unexpected comes up, and you need to keep your children occupied for a short amount of time. 

A woman and children are engaging in crafts at a table, keeping the kids occupied.

If you’re looking for something to work on with your children, research age-appropriate art ideas and purchase the essential materials. Set time aside to create the craft as a team. Working together is a great way to bond with your kids.  

Plan Family Movie Night

Pick a few age-appropriate movies and let your kids choose one to watch on scheduled movie night. If your kids are stuck between two movies, negotiate by watching one now and the other at a later date. Prepare your kids’ favorite drinks and snacks and turn the lights off while enjoying the film. Try to make this occurrence a weekly or monthly ritual. 

A family engaging in activities with popcorn and a remote.

Go on a Picnic

Pack the kids’ lunches and go on a picnic. While you can go elsewhere, such as a park, it isn’t necessary. The kids will love taking their meals out to the backyard. Let them help you prepare the food and choose healthy snacks. They’ll be happy knowing that they helped to create a special meal for the family.

A family enjoying activities in the park with a picnic blanket.

Try new things rather than participating in the same games and activities with your kids over and over again. Changing up the routine will give your children exposure to new, exciting things, which will help them learn and thrive.

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