Running out of ideas for how to keep the kids occupied while we’re all stuck at home? We’ve got a full list of fun boredom busters that can be put into action at home or away to silence those dreaded ‘I’m bored’s. Check them all out below!
1. Make A Cardboard Fort
Such a simple idea but here the fun can last for hours! Why not get rid of any old boxes you may have cluttering up your house or garage? Let your kid’s imagination run wild as they construct the relic of their dreams. Fairytale castle or perhaps ancient roman fort… who knows but one thing’s for sure it’ll keep them occupied for a good few hours at least.
No boxes lying around? No worries! Why not put together a sheet fort with chairs and bedsheets? Our top tip would be to add in some fairy lights for an extra cosy feel.
2. Set Up A Treasure Hunt
The great thing about setting up a treasure hunt for your kids is it can be as long or as short as you’d like. It’s an activity that can be really customisable for your own needs and you can make it as hard or as easy as you like depending on the ages of your little ones. We find hiding 10 to 20 items works best. Put them in hidden locations around the house or outside in your garden to keep kids occupied for a few hours.
3. Virtual Tours & Attractions
With many tourist attractions up and down the UK closed right now many have adapted and put virtual tours online. Sitting down to watch a few with your kids could be a great way to think about where you’d like to visit on your next staycation and help you choose the places to head to once lockdown is lifted.
Here in Devon, we’ve got loads of great family friendly tourist attractions right on our doorstep. We’ve listed a few of our favourites that have got virtual tours up on their website below.
4. Make A Pizza
The internet has been ablaze over the last 10 weeks with, what seems like the whole nation, baking banana bread. But why not try something different with the kids and get them making their own pizzas. You may want to go the full hog and make the dough from scratch. If this isn’t an option, why not buy the dough already made and each choose your favourite toppings. A great way to use up whatever you’ve got lying around the house and a fun activity for you all to do together.
If you fancy making your own from scratch, we love this easy to follow recipe from simplyrecipes.com. Try it out and send us your pictures, we’d love to see the final results!
5. Film Some Family TikToks
Ok if you haven’t heard of TikTok by now, have you been hiding under a rock for all of quarantine? This viral video app makes making your own videos super quick, easy and fun. Rope in the whole family. Now’s the perfect time to choreograph some hilarious routines. You never know you may even become an internet sensation.
6. Make Your Own Playdough
A great little activity, especially for younger kids. Need a recipe? Check out this one from I Heart Naptime. All you need are quart-sized bags, all-purpose flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, veggie or coconut oil and food colouring.
7. Break Out The Board Games
Dust off those boxes that you thought you wouldn’t need again until next Christmas and tape that broken Monopoly board back together. Board games are back! Whether it’s Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, Cluedo, Guess Who or Snakes and Ladders get them out and get the kids involved. This old school pastime is another great way to keep them entertained for hours on end. If you’re kids are feeling particularly creative, why not challenge them to invent their own. You may be surprised with what they come up with.
8. Listen To But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Ahh it’s the phrase every parent loves to hear… ‘but, why?’ Well now you can point your curious kids in the right direction. This site has some great kid-friendly podcasts that answer some of those questions. There’s even some great resources here on ways you can explain the Coronavirus situation to your little ones. Tune in here.
9. Bird Watch
With humans having gone into hibernation these last few months, wildlife seems to be making the most of our lapse into silence. Get the kids together and make the most of this influx of nature. This is a great educational task and could work well as a home schooling idea! Why not get them to identify five types of bird in your back garden or the next time you visit your local park and then research them? The perfect lockdown project to keep them occupied.
10. Chores Bingo!
If you’re feeling like getting your kids to do anything during lockdown is becoming a struggle why not turn chores into a game? Squares can include things like ‘put away your clothes,’ ‘brush your teeth,’ or ‘put the dishes in the sink,’ etc. This is a great way to get some extra help around the house. Now you’ll have more time to put your feet up with a well deserved glass of wine at the end of the day!
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Here at Riverside we know that making memories matters. For over 10 years we’ve been dedicated to providing quality family holidays directly from our family to yours.
To book your next family holiday with us give us a call on 01769 579269, drop us an email at relax@exmoorriverside.co.uk or book online here.
