8 Tips & Activities for Staying Indoors
Due to recent events, lots of parents are at home with their children 24/7. As time passes on, you might find yourself running out of ideas to entertain your kids daily while staying sane inside your house. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or you’re working from home, here are 8 easy tips & activity ideas – your kids will thank us later.
1. Enjoy an Indoor Picnic
Lay down a picnic blanket in your living room, wash some fruit, whip up a few quick sandwiches and enjoy a nice indoor picnic. This is super easy to set up and it can replace any lunch or dinner at your kitchen table.
2. Watch Aquarium Webcams
Most aquariums around the world have closed their doors to the public, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy seeing marine life in real time. Below are some webcam links from the Georgia Aquarium that your little one can enjoy while you’re busy doing something else.
3. Make a Sensory Bin
The great thing about sensory bins is that they’re so easy to make and it keeps your kids occupied for a while! Here’s how to do it:
- You will need a medium to large container (tupperware boxes, shoe boxes, plastic bins, cardboard boxes and baking dishes are all good choices)
- Choose a sensory bin filler – this could be sand, marbles, shredded paper, macaroni, rice, etc. Just make sure that whatever filler you choose is appropriate to the age of your child and the level of supervision they will have
- Find tools around the house your little ones can use. This will help them dig through to find the hidden treasures within! We recommend simple things you can find in your kitchen – jars, measuring cups, ladles, scoops, etc. are all great options
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Fill the bin with little treasures. This could be pretty much ANYTHING you want it to be! Toys, gadgets you have lying around, coins, you name it. Just remember to pick something that doesn’t have any sharp edges – you don’t want any accidents happening
4. Bake
If you’ve been itching to try out a new recipe, this is your time to shine. Cookies, pies, scones, muffins, YES! You can get your kids to help by measuring out ingredients, mixing them together and decorating after everything is baked and cooled.
5. Make a Cardboard Fort
I will be the first to admit that I’m guilty of this…I have a ton of cardboard boxes lying around (online shopping is a lifestyle). Now it’s finally time to make use of them. You can easily make a quick cardboard fort (or ship, or castle, or mansion, whatever you fancy) with your kiddos. This can be their secret hideout where they can play to their little hearts’ content.
6. Give a Recess
If your kids aren’t feeling what you have scheduled or if they’ve been doing something for a long time, feel free to give them a recess. Remember that they may not be used to this new daily routine and might just need a quick brain break.
7. Make DIY Playdough
Flour, salt, water, and food coloring/washable paint. That’s all you need. Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to make DIY playdough.
8. Solve Puzzles
Classics never fail. Puzzles are an amazing way to keep your kiddos busy and to stimulate their brain at the same time. You can help them by sorting out the pieces by color and picking out the side/corner pieces.
Extra Tip
Social distancing doesn’t always mean “stay indoors 24/7”. You can go outside, as long as you keep a safe distance from others. 5 minutes of soaking up the sun in your garden or taking a quick walk around the block can do wonders to you and your family’s mood.
Remember – even though it may be hard at times, try to be positive and see the silver lining in every situation. While there are many unknowns, we get the opportunity to create new memories and to strengthen our bonds with our kids. We will all get through this challenging time together.
If you happen to take any pictures or videos of your indoor shenanigans, we would love to see it! Tag us on Instagram or let us know on Facebook.
Happy playing!
Xoxo,
The Stonz Team