Our outdoor adventures these days have been limited to walks/bike rides in the neighborhood, playground visits and backyard play. But some days are just too cold to be outside. And some days you just run out of creative ideas for your little ones.
Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your little ones busy while you wait for the camping season (and perhaps warmer weather) to return. We spent a great deal of the first lockdown doing these activities. We've found some winners that the kids seem to love every time.
Put up a hammock or a swing in the back.
Don't have trees? A hammock can be put up between two cars if they have roof rails. Too cold for outdoor hammock play? Make an indoor obstacle course instead.
Plant seeds in pots or make a little vegetable garden.
Let your kids water them with a watering can and let them play with the soil. Not the right season for planting seeds? Make bird feeders instead by mixing bird seeds and some kind of fat/peanut butter. Put it in halved orange peels or pine cones and have your kids find a spot outside to hang them.
Wash your car!
Well, give them a bucket of water and a sponge or a brush. They can also 'paint' the house or the fence or your lawn furniture. Too cold? Fill a bathroom sink or a big bowl with water and dish detergent, and provide your little one with a straw and some toys. It's bubble galore! An alternative spin on this is 'sink or swim' with random items from your house. To make the game last longer, add a new toy every now and again.
Treasure hunt!
Hide a little box or container with a few treats or painted rocks and draw a simple treasure map. Take them on a path passed recognizable objects in your house or garden: a tree, a sand box, a chair, a flower, furniture, door, plants, toys etc. They will feel so proud and confident navigating their way and taking the lead. You can alternatively hide plastic Easter eggs around the house for them to find.
Yoga for kids
YouTube is booming with child-friendly yoga videos. We like Cosmic Kids because they tell a story while incorporating the poses. It keeps the kids engaged. But any yoga video or your own instructions would be fun and beneficial for your little ones - and you as well.
Story Hour with Grandparents
During the first lockdown we got into the routine of having grandparents read stories to our kids at a specific time every week. They sit still because the call is about them, and they love selecting the books for the grandparents to read. Sometimes they play a game or bake as well. I love this activity because it connects them to their overseas family and gives me a little breather. You can also ask family members to send a video of them reading a story with the camera showing the pages in the book. It makes for a less guilty screen time option.
Let me hear your favorite activities below!
Enjoy!