Keep Your Kids Entertained With These 39 Easy Home Activities

All of a sudden, the day seems to stretch out with extra hours to fill.

If you need budget-friendly or complimentary activities to occupy your children while everyone is stuck at home, consider this list a source of ideas.

Activities Kids Can Do Alone at Home

Whether you need to concentrate on remote work or simply want a little personal time, here are activities children can enjoy independently.

1. Try a science project. Crafting slime or building a baking soda-and-vinegar volcano are entertaining options.

1. Model with Play-Doh. You can whip up a homemade batch using flour, salt, water and oil.

1. Study something new online. Practice basic phrases in another language with Duolingo or explore coding through Tynker.

1. Try a yoga routine.Cosmic Kids Yoga is a well-liked YouTube resource.

1. Go on a virtual field trip. Attractions around the globe, from the San Diego Zoo to the Louvre in Paris, provide free virtual tours.

1. Learn a new dance. Follow a YouTube tutorial to pick up the choreography.

1. Invent and illustrate a story. Let imagination drive a fantastical plot and design the pictures.

1. Keep a journal. Documenting quarantine life will be amusing to reread later.

Activities to Do Together As a Family

You’re all sharing this experience. These activities will help the entire household pass the time — because let’s be honest, grown-ups get restless too.

1. Host a movie marathon. Choose a theme like comedies or classic Disney films.

1. Throw a dance party. Queue up your favorite playlist and dance together.

1. Play board games. Don’t forget to include snacks for game night!

1. Play card games. Teach the youngsters “Go Fish.” Save more complex games like poker for older teens.

1. Stage a fashion show. Mix and match the most outrageous outfits from closets and strut down an improvised runway.

1. Play bingo. Let kids decorate their cards with markers and stickers.

1. Play musical chairs. A great way for kids to burn off energy without leaving the house.

1. Organize a family talent show. Each person can highlight a special skill or trick.

1. Play charades. Discover who’s the best actor in the family.

1. Teach your kids a new skill. Share something you know — whether it’s sewing on a button or playing a simple tune on the piano.

1. Cook a meal together. Try a new recipe that everyone can take part in making.

1. Hold a bake-off. Split into teams and compete to bake the best batch of cookies or cupcakes.

1. Plan a scavenger hunt. Hide items around the house and give the kids clues to find them.

1. Create a family tree. Record stories passed down through generations as you map out relatives.

1. Make a time capsule. Collect items that capture this moment in time to open in the future.

1. Set up a virtual hangout with friends. Use video chat tools like FaceTime, Google Duo or Skype to help kids stay connected with their pals.

1. Video call relatives. Keep in touch with grandparents or cousins while you’re all sheltering at home.

1. Take family photos. You don’t need a pro — snap candid and posed group shots with your phone camera.

1. Use conversation cards to learn more about each other. Find free printable sets online or craft your own. The Family Dinner Project has several conversation starters you can use.

1. Sing karaoke. If nobody wants to sing seriously, stage a lip-sync contest instead.

Backyard Activities for Kids

Try these outdoor ideas when children are feeling cooped up.

1. Create sidewalk chalk art. Or use chalk to play hopscotch.

1. Blow bubbles. Young children especially adore this simple pastime.

1. Have a water balloon battle. A refreshing choice on a warm afternoon.

1. Do some gardening. Keep a journal to note observations as plants grow.

1. Organize a field day. Include activities like sack races or hula hoop contests.

1. Go for a bike ride. A great way to get fresh air and exercise.

1. Go stargazing. Lay out a blanket and spot constellations in the night sky.

1. Plan a backyard picnic or cookout. Enjoy an outdoor meal together.

1. Fly a kite. Save this for a breezy day.

1. Camp in the backyard. Skip the campground fees and pitch a tent at home.

1. Spend an evening by the fire pit. Don’t forget marshmallows for toasting.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at Savinly.