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It is 5 am and your phone rings. Everyone has been talking about the expected snow, so you know this must be the phone call. “Hi, this is the superintendent, and we have decided to close school for today.”
Geez, now what. If you are lucky, you get 1 more hour of sleep before you are expected to have a whole day of activities planned. You need ideas fast. You need ideas that don’t require a trip to the store for supplies.
Here you will find whatever you need. Whether the kids are home due to weather, a pandemic, or a holiday break, these activities will keep you and the kiddos happy all day long. For these activities, you are likely to already have everything you need.
You are guaranteed to find something everyone will like in this list of 115 easy activities to do with the kids at home. There are activities that allow you to relax, to be creative, to tire out the kids, are super simple, promote learning, and even some for bonding.
So, let’s get started because those kiddos are impatient.
For easier reference, print out the list of 115 Easy Activities here. Get an easy visual of all the activities, needed supplies, suspected length of time, and tips. For more details, you can always refer back to this post.
Activities that Allow You to Relax
Breakfast in bed
Because, why not start the day off with fun. Get an old blanket to cover the sheets and put on the kids’ favorite cartoons. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and get ready for your day at home with the kiddos.
Drive-In Movie
Make cars from all of those left-over Amazon boxes and create the perfect fort for a drive-in theater. Add on a concession stand for more fun!
I-Spy
This one is great when you need a break or time to finish that cup of coffee. Spy colors, shapes, numbers. Switch it up to keep your little one thinking.
Simon Says
A great activity to practice that listening. Simon Says is easy and can definitely use up some time.
Tell scary stories
Age-appropriate of course. This goes great with camping in your living room. Let your little ones go first to see what they think is a scary story.
Arm wrestle and thumb wars
Teach your little one all things about arm wrestling and thumb wars. It is the little things that will entertain them the most.
Build a puzzle
Need some time to relax? Find a puzzle to make with your little one. Practice their sharing skills as you build with them.
First to laugh loses
Have a joke competition (or silly faces). The first one to laugh loses. The longer you go, the sillier it gets.
Print out new coloring pages
Instead of coloring from the same coloring book, print out some new coloring pages. Ask your little one what they want to color and use your mom-magic as you find that specific thing for them.
Tattoo time
Get out the washable, non-toxic markers and let your kiddo give you a brand new tattoo. Practice the importance of being careful and working slowly. Colored pencils dipped in water also work well.
Robot voice
Remember how fun it was to change your voice using a fan. Show your kids this super simple and neat trick. See what their voice sounds like in front of a fan.
Staring contest
This one is great when needing a minute to sit and relax. All you have to do is not blink. For little kids, it is easier to say the first one to move loses.
Activities to Be Creative
Use those leftover amazon boxes
Have any leftover boxes? These make the perfect art canvases, pirate ships, dollhouses, cars, and whatever else your little one thinks up.
Build a fort
I am sure you have built many forts in your years. Show your kids your expertise and they will be amazed at what they can make with some blankets and creativity.
Go on an adventure
I bet there are some toy animals or bugs laying around. Find a moment when the kids are distracted by something else. Scatter these throughout the house. Put on a silly hat, grab the binoculars and a flashlight. Now, rush to the kids and tell them they must join you on this adventure to find amazing creatures.
Bring a book to life
What is your kid’s favorite book? Where the Wild Things Are? Go, Dog Go? If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? Whatever it is, bring it to life. Dress up if you want. Find props to use around the house. Let the kids tell the story and enhance their reading comprehension while you’re at it.
Bring a board game to life
Pick the family’s favorite board game. Candy Land? Don’t Wake Daddy? Hungry Hungry Hippos? Bring this game to life!
Operation in real life
Make operation come to life. Get the tongs, find the perfect props, and get a chance to lay down. Let your little ones practice being careful as they slowly pick up the probs. If they touch you, then take this opportunity to give them a good scare and laugh.
Design a new board game
Instead of playing the same board games over and over again, design your own. Use regular paper, or get a poster board. Use small toys for characters and dice from another game. There are many possibilities, and your little one will have many ideas.
Charades
Get those little minds working and play charades. Act out animals, family members, their favorite show. Learn what they really are thinking about these things.
Paint rocks
You choose to either let them express their creativity and paint whatever comes to mind. Or, you can provide some guidance suggesting fun ideas such as making rock pets or a rock snowman. It is up to you.
Make your own book
Staple some pages together and have the kids create their own book. Use pictures, words, or both. See where their imagination takes them and what story they can create.
Decorate desserts
Put down something to protect the table and floor, give your little one an apron, and let them be a cake boss. Bake cookies, cupcakes, or a whole cake and let your little one see what they can create.
Junior Chef
No need to figure out what is for lunch. Let your kids gather ingredients and create their own lunch. See what they have learned from you and let them use their independence to make their own meal.
Practice your magic tricks
You don’t have to have a magic box full of tricks for this one. Find a quarter behind their ear. Do a card trick. Make your thumb disappear. Amaze your kiddo with your magic skills and teach them your tricks.
Have a puppet show
Don’t worry if you don’t have puppets. Use some socks or paper bags. Build a puppet theater for the ultimate puppet show.
Make an arcade
Fill a room in your house all with games. Use games you already have or make your own games. Take it a step further and cut little pieces of paper for tickets. Create a ticket booth counter for winners to buy some candy.
Melt crayons
Make something beautiful out of all those broken crayons. Glue them to a poster board and use a blow dryer to see the colors fall.
Makeover
It is time for a makeover. Let your little one get creative and do your makeup. Let them style your hair. They will be so proud of their masterpiece.
Make music
Make your own music with your own instruments. Make drums, use pots and pans, make maracas from water bottles. When you are ready, let the little ones be loud.
Be a designer
Go through some clothes. Find any that aren’t good enough to be donated? Use these to let your kiddo be a designer. Let them cut the sleeves off, cut some holes in the shirt. Turn a shirt into a skirt. Whatever their little mind comes up with.
Tie-dye
Continue to get creative with tie-dye. See what awesome designs you can make. Display these in a fashion show.
Rearrange or redecorate
This is great for older kids. Have you ever asked how they want their room? Go ahead and try it. Honestly, they may have never even known they had this kind of power, but see what they say. Maybe they would really love it if their desk was in front of the window so they could look out during virtual learning.
Make a scrapbook
Introduce your kiddo to the magic of scrapbooking. Let them design pages based on what is most important in their life.
Make a necklace
You can use a kit you already have or get creative and use some beads or pasta. Make some just for your family or make some to give to other family members and friends.
Create a play
Let the kids create the set, the costumes, the script, and everything in between. Choose to either be a part of the play or the audience. Have some popcorn ready for the show.
Activities to Tire Out the Kids
Among Us
Make Among Us come to life. Find the imposter amongst you all. Incorporate some prizes for the winners.
Hide-and-Seek
Every kiddo loves hide-and-seek. Choose to keep it simple or make it your own. Add new educational rules such as you have to hide by something white, or you have to hide next to something round.
Sardines
This one is similar to hide-and-seek, but only one person is hiding and others are to find them. When someone finds the hider, they hide with them. The last person to find everyone hides next.
Hopscotch
Outside with some chalk, or inside with some tape. It is great any day for physical activity and learning numbers.
4-Square
This one is definitely an old one on the playground, but also so much fun. You will need to be outside for this one so pick a beautiful day, get a bouncy ball, some chalk, and go for it.
Tag
Very easy and everyone loves it. Burn some of that energy off by running around inside or outside. Great for you too as you get your exercise in for the day.
Red-light, Green-light
Another way for the kids to run around. However, they have to listen during this one too. Encourage fair play and no cheating allowed.
Wall Ball
There are so many different ways to play this one. You make up the rules. Throw a ball at a wall, preferably outside, and you decide what must be done before the next person can catch it. Does it have to bounce once? Do they have to spin in a circle? The possibilities are endless.
Car wash
Believe it or not, your kiddo will love to help with a car wash. They may leave a few streaks, but they will also have tons of fun. Instead of your car, they would also love to give their toys a car wash. Their bike, scooter, and motorized car could use a bath too.
Freeze dance
Let your kiddo practice their dancing and listening skills with a freeze dance. Need some good music? Go to Youtube and search freeze dance. You will find many different videos to dance with.
Dance party
Tired of freezing? Find some Kidz Bop and let your little one really shake out some energy while dancing. Cheer them on letting them know how great they are doing and what your favorite dance move of theirs was. Be ready for them to ask you to join.
Floor is lava
This one is great to use randomly all day for a quick laugh or find a video to play along with. See how fast your kid’s reaction time is and where they choose to hide from the lava.
Olympics
Create your own Olympic games. You choose to be inside, outside, or both. Have prizes for the winners and make sure to videotape for when an instant replay is needed.
Have a pillow fight
Because why not. Burn some of that energy with a safe pillow fight. Go ahead and remove breakables or go to the bedroom so there are no worries.
Create an obstacle course
Use toys and/or couch cushions. Create an obstacle course for your little one to think about the best way to overcome a problem.
Hula-hoop competition
Grab those hula-hoops and have a competition. Who can hula-hoop the longest? Try around your arm, neck, or leg. Try other tricks with them.
Jump rope
You can make this a competition as well, or just for fun. This is one that will definitely tire the kiddos out.
Capture the flag
Here is another great game to play outside. However, it can also be modified to play indoors. Use a flag or another object that the kids must capture and bring back to their base.
Climb a tree
Sometimes you just need to keep it easy and let the kids climb a tree. Show your little one how you used to do it when you were little. Show them how to be safe. Stay close for when they figure out they need help down.
Exercise
Find a great kids exercise routine. They even have kids Zumba. Get your 30 minutes of exercise in with your little one.
Jump in a pile of leaves
You did it when you were little or always wanted to. On a good fall day, let your kids help rake the leaves and watch them have fun jumping in them.
Activities That Are Super Simple
Scavenger hunt
Inside or outside, pick some objects for your little one to hide. Some advice, limit the number of objects to their age as they can easily forget their own hiding spot.
Go on a walk
Take the dogs with you and go on a walk. Make it more interesting by letting your little one take a scooter or bike. Do a neighborhood search while you are at it. How many white houses? Who has the prettiest flowers? How many mailboxes can you count?
Card games
You can do Uno, Go Fish, War, or Old Maid. You could make up your own or let your little one make it up.
Limbo
Test out your and your kiddo’s balance and flexibility with Limbo. The good news is they are bound to win so they will be happy in the end.
The whisper game
Also known as telephone. Let your kiddo practice their whispering and listening skills with this game. If appropriate take this opportunity to talk about how this relates to gossiping.
Indoor bowling
A soft ball or rolled-up socks or shirts make for a great bowling ball. Knock down some plastic cups for the perfect pins. Add some slippery socks, snack food, and dim light for the ultimate bowling experience.
Hot potato
Use Mr. Potato Head, a ball, or a stuffed animal. It really doesn’t matter. Play some music or find some hot potato music on Youtube.
Cornhole
Choose to use real cornhole boards outside, or make your own with boxes for inside. Use rolled-up socks as bean bags if you need them.
Bingo
Print out a bingo game or make your own. Perfect to pair with some fun prizes. Let your little one think of a great bingo idea as well.
Paper airplanes
Keep it simple with paper airplanes. See who can make the best airplane and have a competition to see how far they will go.
Be a ninja
Tape up some rope, yarn, or streamers for the perfect laser down your hallway. Dress your kiddo in all black and see if they can make it through the lasers.
Bubble bath
At 9 am, 1 pm, or bedtime. Anytime is great for a bubble bath. Throw in some colors and toys. Practice swimming skills by going underwater. Have a bubble bath focused on fun.
Karaoke
Listen to that beautiful singing voice and do some karaoke. If you don’t have a karaoke machine, it doesn’t matter. Sing along to some of your kid’s favorite songs.
Catch lightning bugs
Find the perfect container and go outside and catch some lightning bugs. Let your little one examine them up close and then let them go. Count how many they can catch.
Have a fashion show
Let your little one display their favorite looks. Create numbered signs to score each look if you’d like. Let your little one judge your looks as well.
Shadow puppets
Choose to do it as you calm down for the night, or just go in a dark room with a flashlight. Discover all the things you can make and act out.
Line up dominos
Really not sure why, but there is something so satisfying about lining up dominos and watching them fall. Work as a team to create the longest and coolest dominos line.
Shaving cream
Shaving cream can be so much fun! Let your little one pretend to be Santa Clause, or use it as a chance to practice writing sight words. If you are feeling brave, you can also add some food coloring.
Fly a kite
When it is that perfect day with the perfect breeze, show your little one how to fly a kite. If you are feeling like a supermom, you can even make your own kite.
Blind taste test
This one will take some trust and bravery. You can pick out the options and line them up on the table. Then blindfold your kiddo and see if they can pass the taste test. However, be ready for them to want to test you.
Paper plate animals
You can make anything out of paper plates. Fish, cows, pigs. Use your imagination and create a zoo out of paper plates.
Paint with water
Did you know water is the best paint? You can fill a bucket with water, get a paintbrush and your little one can paint the fence. You can also get a sponge and create different sponge designs.
Pillow walk
Test your little one’s balance as they take the pillow walk. Line up pillows throughout the hallway and see if they can make it to the end.
Indoor skating
You can use paper plates, slippery socks, washcloths, or felt squares to create the perfect skates. Dim the lights and turn on the perfect skating music.
Make a race-car track.
Use masking tape and create the ultimate race-car track. it can go on your couch, coffee table, bed, anywhere masking tape is safe.
Activities to Promote Learning
Kings and queens
Use this day to be royal. Make some crowns, put on some jewelry, wear a dress. What will your first order be as a new royal member?
Have a tea party
While you are royal, you might as well go ahead and have a tea party. Use your best manners and etiquette. See if your kiddo can do the same.
Stargazing
Show your kiddos how amazing the night sky can be. Do a little extra research if you want and try to find constellations.
Watch the sunset
You already know how beautiful the sunset can be, but does your little one? Let them watch the sunset and talk to them about what is happening and all the colors they see. Don’t forget to take pictures.
Stack
Use blocks, toys, toilet paper rolls, books. Find just about anything and have a stacking competition. Who can stack their things the highest before it falls?
Try origami
I bet your kiddo has never even heard of origami. Find some helpful videos to learn from and see what you all can create.
Magnets and a cookie sheet
Super simple and fun. Get those magnets off your fridge and let your little one experiment with them. We will always try to put two magnets together, and we will always fail.
Read a book in a new spot
You all might already read all the time. However, this time let your kids pick the book and the reading spot. It might be somewhere crazy like under the dinner table but go for it.
Spell your name in sign language
Take some time to learn how to spell your name in sign language. If the kids really enjoy it, learn some easy words as well.
Count to ten in a different language
Your kiddo might already know how to count to ten in Spanish, and that is awesome! Try to learn how to count to 20. Or, you can try in a different language.
Listen to music from different eras
Open your kid’s eyes to how music has changed. Listen to music from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and even our beloved early 2000s. See what they like the most.
Diet coke and mentos
This is such a fun science experiment. It is the ultimate volcano and if you have enough, it is always fun to see the difference 1 or 10 mentos makes.
Science experiments
Think of other small and easy science experiments. These really don’t have to be a true experiment. Your kiddo might just enjoy making a potion mixed with water, soap, Gatorade, and lotion. Let them see what happens when mixing different things around the house.
Animal walk
Get a good giggle out of your best animal walk. You pick the animal and see which kiddo can imitate it the best.
Yoga
Introduce your kids to yoga. You can look up age-specific yoga poses for your kids. See what they can master.
Activities for Bonding
Make your own secret handshake
Spend some time bonding with your little one and create your own handshake. Make something special just between the two of you.
Make and mail cards to family
Write letters or draw pictures for family members and friends. Put these in the mail and watch your kiddo anxiously wait for a response.
Camp in the living room
Get a play tent or use some blankets. Get some flashlights and a lantern. Grab a water bottle and some stuffed animals. Make the perfect camping scene right in your living room.
Create your own spa
Put on your robe and have a spa day. Get your nails done and maybe your hair. Top it off with some cucumbers for the eyes of course.
Have a fancy dinner
Make something “fancy” for dinner, spaghetti is always a great choice. Use your fanciest cups and plates, dim the lights, play some music, and get all dressed up. Let your kids pick your nicest outfit and enjoy this great night “out”.
Make friendship bracelets
You are likely to already have a bracelet making kit if you have a daughter. However, if you haven’t received this Christmas present yet, use some yarn and beads. Spend some time making each other bracelets to have forever.
Create your family tree
Your kids know the people in your family of course, but do they understand how everyone is connected. Take some time to use pictures to create a family tree
Facetime family and friends
Take some time to reach out to others. Let your kiddo hold the phone and see where the conversation goes.
3 legged race
Perfect for encouraging the kids to work together. See how well they can do when working as a team, or see what they could do better at.
Wash the dog
Because he needs a bath anyway. Lock the bathroom door to contain the mess, or opt for an outside bath. Regardless, your kiddo will think this is the funniest thing as they laugh at all your dog’s reactions.
Poster presentation
Have your kids create a poster with all their favorite things. Have them present this to the family. Give them time to talk about what is important to them while they practice their presentation skills.
Talent show
Another great show to have. Let your little ones show off their skills. Let them recognize all the special skills they have to be proud of.
Watch old home videos or look at old pictures
There is something so joyful about watching old videos. It can be from a couple of years ago when your little one was learning how to walk. It can be from your childhood when you were playing on the playground. Regardless, have fun seeing what you can find and laugh at.
Truth or dare
See what your kids can come up with during a game of truth or dare. Maybe you can even dare them to clean their room.
Two truths and a lie
Learn a bit more about each other with this game. See which kiddo is an awful liar and which is scary good.
Create a secret code
Just for you and the kids. Maybe this code means daddy is being weird, maybe it means you’re hungry or need to potty. Regardless, it will be your little secret.
Create a pickup code
While you are creating a secret code for fun, make a code for pickups. If someone else ever needs to pick up your child from soccer practice, school, or a friend’s house they should know the code. For example, the name of your pet, their favorite color, or a cartoon character.
Bury a treasure
It can be something for dad to find when he gets home. Maybe a dog toy to see if your puppy can find it. If you are feeling extra creative, you could even make a time capsule for your little one to find when they aren’t so little anymore.
You Are Ready!
Now you can rest easy knowing you have 115 easy activities to do with the kids at home. You can conquer any snow-day, sudden school closings, or holiday break.
You are guaranteed a day full of fun with happy children. No need to run to the store or pack the kids up to go somewhere to be entertained. You have all you need right at home.
For easier reference, print out the list of 115 Easy Activities here. Get an easy visual of all the activities, needed supplies, suspected length of time, and tips. For more details, you can always refer back to this post.
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