2020 was the year of spending time indoors. But just because we’re inside doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Entertain yourself and your kids with these fun and family-friendly pastimes.
Indoor Activities for Families
Next time you hear anybody say, “I’m bored!” whip out a few of these crafty ideas and let the fun begin!
Cook Together
Cooking with your kids isn’t just a bonding activity; it’s also an independence-building exercise and a life skill that will serve your kids well. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor. Baking is ideal for little ones because there are no sharp implements involved, but you can teach your older kids how to handle knives and heat in a supervised environment. Let your kids try out new recipes and explore different kinds of cuisine – it’s an easy way to expand their tastes. And who knows, you might even end up with the world’s next Jamie Oliver on your hands!
Arts & Crafts
Try your hand at some cool at-home art projects. Teaching your kids how to express themselves creatively is an excellent tool to encourage problem-solving and creative thinking, and you might get something out of it too. Don’t underestimate the power of creative expression! Try some of these Martha Stewart-approved crafts for yourself.
Build a Fort
If you have younger kids, why not build a fort and let your imagination run wild? This is an age-old source of fun, and there’s no easier way to have a good time at home. You don’t even need to buy anything: gather your couch cushions, blankets, pillows, and maybe a few cardboard boxes, and let the good times roll.
Board Games
It’s easy to find board games for all ages if you know where to look! Maybe that means throwing it back to the classics from your childhood: how about a round of Sorry, Trouble, Chutes and Ladders, Operation, or Connect 4? But there are also tons of newer games that the whole family can enjoy, like Richard Scarry’s Busytown, the Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, and Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride are just a few that got the NY Mag stamp of approval. If your kids enjoy a bit of strategy, try Settlers of Catan, Monopoly, or Scrabble.
Puzzles
Whether you’re putting together a 1,000 piece jigsaw or a colorful, kid-friendly picture, puzzles can be an endless source of entertainment. Ravensburger offers some truly gorgeous and unique puzzles for all ages, interests, and abilities. Feel like you’ve outgrown the classic jigsaw? Why not try one of the mind-bending 3D puzzles? You can build anything, from a Porsche to the Eiffel Tower!
Outdoor Family Activities
Face it – we all need to leave the house every once in a while!
Hit the Road
Ready for a change of scenery? Try taking the kids on a car trip. It doesn’t have to be far; in fact, staying closer to home is probably better for fussy or hyperactive kids, lest you start hearing “are we there yet?” from the back seat. But there’s something about going on car rides when you’re a kid that’s kind of exhilarating. Listen to some music and sing along, or play I-Spy, Punch Buggy, or Mad Libs. Take a drive through a scenic area, enjoy the sights, visit a local landmark, or just circle the block. It’s scientifically proven that long drives can put a baby to sleep, so if you’re desperate for some peace and quiet, a car ride with your infant might be just the thing.
Go on an Adventure
This car trip has a destination! Although indoor group activities are kind of off-limits, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature. Go for a hike with the kids, visit the beach (not ideal in winter, but always lovely for walking), or find a hill and go sledding. Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate, or even a whole picnic spread when the weather gets warmer. Ever heard of geocaching? It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, and it’s the perfect outdoor activity for both kids and adults. The world is your oyster – so long as you’re steering clear of crowds.
Build a Snowman
It’s not every day that you get the perfect weather for building a snowman, so when it happens, why not make the best of it? Get your carrots, your funny hats, and your corncob pipes, zip into your snowsuit and prepare to create your winter masterpiece.
Let the Games Begin
Oh, the fun you can have in your very own backyard! Buzzfeed has assembled a thorough (but not comprehensive) list of outdoor games you can play this spring and summer. Enjoy an old family favorite, or try something new. Just head outside and get active!
What are your favorite family fun activities? We’d love to hear your ideas; Reach out today, and let’s talk about it!
