UK Edition
How to keep the kids entertained at home - 65 fun ideas to end boredom
As families across the country gear up for the summer holidays, here are the best things to do with the kids now lockdown has lifted
We already have guides on how to work from home with kids, and how to keep them active, but keeping them entertained is a whole other chore.
There are at least 12 waking hours in a day. Once you’ve balanced home learning plans with perhaps a TV programme or film in the evening (see our pick of the best available on Netflix, Amazon, the BBC and other streaming services now), you’ll need other activities that make time fly.
From crafts to online learning resources to at-home workouts, you’ll need a variety of tricks up your sleeve to ensure that you all stay occupied. So we asked some of our favourite writers who are parents to contribute their tips for ways to manage family life during lockdown.
With thanks to: Abigail Blasi, Ian Douglas, Matthew Hampton, Lucy Jones, Hattie Garlick, Sarah Rodrigues
Things to do with pre-schoolers
Social distancing doesn’t mean house arrest. There are lots of ways you can entertain yourselves in nature.
1. Head out on a bug safari
We’re going on a bug hunt, we’re going to catch a big one. Turn over logs and peep underneath for worms, centipedes, woodlice. Look for sleepy bumblebees in heather and crocuses (they might even sleep there at night). Spy ladybirds awakening on leaves and branches. LJ
- Read more: How to talk to your kids about coronavirus
2. Colour wheel
Find flowers to match all the colours of the rainbow. Spring flowers are coming out and there’s plenty of colour on show. If it’s your garden, you could press the flowers between heavy books or make a rainbow picture with petals. LJ
3. Look for signs of spring
Get out on a walk and look for frogspawn, the earliest lime green leaves peeping out, long yellow catkins, birds singing and making their nests, the first bright yellow brimstone butterflies, daffodils, crocuses, wild garlic (you could take some home to make a soup). LJ
4. Witch’s potion
Grab a bucket or bowl and head out on an adventure to find ingredients for a ‘witch’s potion’: grass, leaves, pine cones, petals, fallen feathers, beech seeds, lingering acorns. Don’t forget to mix with a big stick. LJ
5. Nature mobiles
Let the baby touch and explore leaves, sticks and bark, to feel different textures and the movement of the branches and leaves as they grip and wiggle. LJ
6. Move and shake
The first thing my children learnt in nursery, after friendship, was yoga. Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube is what their teacher used, and it instills mindfulness and focus in 10 minute segments aimed at children ages 3 and up. SP
7. Giant colouring roll
Allow your children to express themselves on a giant colouring roll which often mixes in illustrations, lettering, tiny details, and a huge sense of humour for the entire family to enjoy. These posters can also double up as a tablecloth, wall paper, or can be just for pure coloring fun. The possibilities are endless.
Things to do with primary aged children
Now's the time to divert egg boxes, tins, jars, cereal boxes and loo roll tubes from the recycling and into a big bag of free art supplies. But don't forget to keep wriggly children active - this is a chance to break with the sedentary aspect of school.
8. Visit London Zoo
Why not visit the world where wildlife thrives with your children? London Zoo has reopened safely, and have introduced a number of measures to help maintain social distancing and ensure an enjoyable visit for all.
9. Go on a treasure hunt
Yo! Ho! Ho! We’re going on a treasure hunt. Perfect for groups big and small – a treasure hunt tests your seeking skills in the wild and is lots of fun too. Work together or make it a competition. Could you be the ultimate treasure hunter among your family? Either do this in your home, or in an outdoor space. Arrrrr! Off we go!
10. Complete a puzzle
At the start of lockdown, there was a clear obsession with puzzles. But that’s no surprise, as they provide heaps of learning opportunities for all. The satisfaction of putting the final piece of a puzzle into place is timeless.
11. Loo roll tube Koinobori
These are colourful, carp-like Japanese windsocks. Paint with a fish scale pattern, then cut a dozen strips of tissue paper to glue around the base. Punch two holes in the opposite end and thread string for hanging in the breeze. HG
12. Egg box caterpillars
Cut a row of cups from the carton, to make its body. Paint, then draw eyes and glue on pipe cleaner antennae. HG
13. Jam jar lanterns
Stick shapes of coloured tissue paper to the outside of your jar with a mix of glue and water. Wait to dry, then pop a tealight inside. HG
14. Cereal box puppet theatre
Cut the back panel from your box, leaving the top, bottom, sides and front intact. Cut a large, square window into the front panel. You’ve made your proscenium arch. Now paint your theatre. HG
15. Lolly stick finger puppets
You will need these for your theatre. Use the discarded cereal box card to cut out characters and then glue lolly sticks to their heads (they will be lowered in from the top of your theatre). HG
16. Tin can planters
Glue goggly eyes, a pipe-cleaner mouth and bottle-top nose to your can (being careful of sharp edges). Then fill with compost, plant seeds, and water on a windowsill. HG
17. Newspaper fort
Lay three sheets of this paper on top of each other. Starting at a corner, roll tightly into a long tube. Tape securely and repeat till you run out. Take three tubes, and staple into a triangle. Repeat. These triangles are surprisingly tough structures. Add them together with tape and/or staples to build forts and more. HG
18. History tours
The archaeologist Darius Arya is doing a daily insta-live discussion for kids about Ancient Rome. AB
19. The Literacy Shed
The Literacy Shed is a resource beloved by KS2 teachers, with animations and suggested questions for sparking literacy lessons. Give the films a quick viewing to check for content beforehand, and then use this as a jumping-off point for writing projects. AB
20. Writers & their work
Poet and former child laureate Michael Rosen, has lots of poetry readings online, and Oliver Jeffers (Lost & Found, the Way Back Home) is reading a daily story daily live on Instagram at 2pm. If your child has a favourite author, there’s bound to be activities and readings of their work online; for example Tom Gates has daily challenges and ideas to make, bake and doodle. AB
21. Write a letter or email to your favourite author
Think of an author, look at their books, and think about what you’d like to ask them. Find the contact details and write to them about their books and why you like them so much. AB
22. Geography
Scholastic has created a 20-day learn-from-home programme about subjects from place-names to eating bugs, with questions to provoke discussion. The content is America-focussed but there’s lots of interesting topics of use for literacy lessons. AB
23. Stem challenges
Crest offers challenging real-world projects for young people aged 5-19 in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). Choose a level and receive a challenge pack for children to work through (eg, 8 x 1-hour challenges); fees start at only £1. , The Royal Institution has science lectures online for older kids. AB & ID
24. Science mysteries
US site Mystery Science supplies lessons featuring short films and fun activities on science for a range of different ages, such as: Why does a woodpecker peck or how do germs get inside the body? (extra points for being rather topical). AB
25. Garden tasks
At Pawprint, you can download free challenge packs on a variety of subjects, from VE Day to Gardening, with plenty of information and suggested activities. Children can work towards bronze, silver and gold badges. AB
26. Be a detective
Get out in the garden or a nearby woodlands to create your own forest school with the Woodland Trust’s Nature Detectives. These activities are especially good for the early years age group, with activities such as maths with conkers and handprint art. AB
27. Maths fun
Oxford Owl is superb for KS1 maths, with materials from early years (age 3 and up) to age 11 SATs, including games and challenges and simple ‘how to’ videos, plus ideas for combining cooking with maths. AB
28. Get physics-cal
Excellent for all subjects at secondary level, Khan Academy also has maths and computing for all levels. Again, it’s US-based material, but with crossover, such as in Physics, topics such as motion and energy, followed by practice questions. AB
29. Foreign tongues
Learning must go on when schools are closed. Duolingo is a really first-class way to learn a language. See this is a great preparation for when you’re able to travel again. ID
30. Travel from your sofa
Virtual reality headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR or Oculus Go are finally worth using. Google Earth VR or Realities.io for tourism and flying are spectacular, but the sense of space is what you’ll really appreciate after about day 10. ID
31. Play DIY hopscotch
You can either create your own hopscotch play mat or draw the outline on the ground outside. The objective is to be the first player to successfully hop from point A to point B - and back again - without hopping on any of the lines or losing your balance.
32. Camp in your living room
Being stuck inside the house doesn't mean your children can’t enjoy an outdoors-style adventure. Why not encourage them to set up camp in the living room or their bedroom, it’s the perfect indoor activity for children on a rainy day.
33. Make some slime
Homemade slime is a gloopy variation of playdough, easily made from common household ingredients. Why not give this a go?
34. Visit a safari park
Safari parks are now able to provide a safe, fun and much-needed family day out, from the comfort and safety of your own car. This approach allows for social distancing and ensures staff and visitors remain safe during this time.
Things to do with tweens
35. Create a coloured scooby-doo bracelet
Scooby-Doo is a fashion of the early 1960s, which was revived in the 1980s using soft colorful plastic tubing. The strands are braided to make keyrings, bracelets, shapes, and necklaces. Try the fun and exciting way.
36. Create a beaded bracelet
People of all ages can make their own beaded bracelets, even children. They can be fun and easy to make, and also provide opportunities for bonding.
37. Accentuate the positive
When I was growing up, the neighbours had a “Joy and Think” board, onto which they pinned inspirational messages and cheery clippings from newspapers and magazines.I mocked it at the time, but I’m thinking of stealing the idea and passing it off as my own. MH
38. Reading, yes; but what?
A little history of the world (EH Gombrich) is back off the shelf; Mythos, by Stephen Fry is on order. Round up all your local parents and organise a book-swap. And a video game-swap. Wipe everything down afterwards, obviously. MH
- Read more: best kids books for 2020
39. Recipe books
Based on whatever food is left at the shops, everyone can learn a new recipe for each week of isolation. Freeze portions for elderly neighbours; Instagram the results to friends. MH
40. Signs of life
The garden is just coming back to life – we have bulbs to plant in the beds that were destroyed by the storms. The vegetable patch may hold longer-term significance. MH
41. Cards
Poker is a great mental workout; Texas Hold 'Em is easiest to learn. For younger kids, Spoons is brilliant. Wipe the spoons down afterwards, obviously. MH
42. Basketball, tennis and cricket
These can all be played at distance and in smaller numbers. The streets are a bit quieter, so we’ll be out on our bikes, picking up whatever we can for dinner, stopping by the park for net sports. Wipe the balls down afterwards. MH
43. Barter, with time
I say every minute helping with chores earns you two back in “fun”, be it TikToking or shooting stuff up online. MH
44. Make music
Buy a guitar. A Fender Squier Stratocaster is a great beginner’s guitar: the Bullet edition is available from £109 with delivery. There are dozens of free tutorials online; the weekly Fender Play series costs £9.59 per month. MH
Cool things to do with teenagers
This is the trickiest group in some ways: they seem incredibly independent. But this is a scary situation for everyone, and the uncertainty will be bothering teens, too. So make sure that you schedule a few group activities each day, when you can.
45. This is a marathon
Sports training and matches are off, so keep activity levels up by getting into running as family (matching tracksuits not advisable). Short burst intervals boost cardio, while longer, steady jogs will impact stamina. SR
46. Nurture your young Spielberg
Make screen time about creativity, rather than passivity: apps like Procreate, Auxy and iMovie can be used to make art, music and short films. (We’re devising a script around a haunted hotel and creepy self-playing piano.) SR
47. Junior bake-off
Turn mealtimes into a cooking club, of sorts, with kids responsible for the creation of the menu, as well as the prep and clearing up. It’s not a bad time for them to develop some life skills (and for you to have a break from being Chief Caterer!) SR
48. Prove their mettle
Get kids to be responsible for their own revision as much as possible, with the help of online resources, where necessary. Parents can step in with quizzes and testing along the way, but this is an opportunity for kids to learn some self-discipline. This is that resilience stuff schools are always mentioning, but IRL..SR
49. Mindful teens
Taking some time together to practise mindfulness, breathing and yoga may meet with some eye-rolling and resistance, but is definitely worthwhile. Apps like Smiling Mind and Headspace may be useful here. SR
Things to do with the whole family
50. Create an outdoor cinema
With spells of warm weather on the way and cinemas across the UK still closed, now is the perfect time to transform your garden into an outdoor cinema. While creating an outdoor cinema can be easily done using items you have lying around the home, remember you'll have to invest in a portable projector first. Make movie nights even better during lockdown.
51. Meeting grandparents in the park for a picnic
Grandparents who have had to rely on photographs or Skype calls to see their grandchildren growing up are now finally able to see them in the flesh again, if they are not in the shielding category. Why not pack a hamper and feast on food at one of London’s best picnic areas with them?
52. Socially distance BBQ
Although experts have asked people to consider one-way systems of travel around the grill and to encourage guests to bring their own condiments. Who else is ready for a social distance BBQ?
53. Have a water fight
It's a given that the children will get restless. What could be a more perfect time to play some kids’ water games – or better yet, have an all-out family water fight?
54. Play giant jenga
A giant version of the fun traditional family table top stacking game, is intense, requires much patience and brings out the competitor within. This size of the tower is ideal for children as well as adults, and is suitable for playing indoors and out. Perfect for BBQ's, parties, family gatherings or just a little fun in the garden.
55. Re-create your favourite restaurant dish
If you love cooking and someone who used to eat out frequently, why not try to recreate some restaurant dishes at home? Some restaurants have been made aware of cravings and create DIY meal kits.
56. Get out while you can
The National Trust is making open spaces available to visitors for the time being. Take walks and explore nature - just stay at least eight feet away from other people. SP
57. Keep a diary...
These are strange times. They will inevitably prompt a series of dystopian novels. Make sure your kids - and you - have notes to refer back to. Americans call this “journaling”. We call it five minutes of quiet. SP
58. ...and a visual record
Set up a still life and paint. Like the diary, this is a great way of keeping a log of what on earth goes on during a lockdown. Google Arts and Culture is a treasure trove of inspiration. My family is working on a patchwork quilt using scraps of the children’s old play clothes. SP
59. Party!
Singing and dancing are great mood boosts. Download Just Dance for the Nintendo Switch and Lucky Voice Karaoke for iOS or Android and belt it out together for the good of your mental health.ID
60. Your own Gogglebox
Film night with friends can go on using the Netflix Party Chrome extension. Watch together anywhere and keep a group chat going at the same time. Keep a running list of the films you’d like to watch together, so when the evening comes and everyone’s patience is at its end, you will have an easy answer to: What shall we watch? ID
61. Play book dominoes
The book publisher PenguinTeen went viral on TikTok by building a giant book domino game. Of course, loading the books back into the shelves will help you Marie Kondo (and dust) your shelves, so win-win. SP
62. Play Jelly Belly Bean Boozled
When ten delicious Jelly Belly bean flavours have been paired up with ten lookalikes in weird and wild flavours, such as vomit or canned dog food, who dares to take the risk? Play this with your family's adventurous eaters.
63. Play Twister
Twister is a game of balance, played on a large plastic mat that is spread on the floor or ground. Try this simple classic party game for 2-4 players, and develop some physical skills.
64. Read out loud
I don’t care how cool your kids are. Reading aloud is calming and makes you focus on words in a novel way. Choose a chapter book or get out a copy of The Rattlebag and read one poem each, out loud. Since social distancing, we’ve been doing this at cocktail hour, which helps pull the group together. SP
65. And embrace silence
Finally, noise cancelling headphones. Alone time is very important. ID
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