Dear TMS family and friends,
In the hopes of adding some fun and laughter to our lives I wanted to provide some really fun ways to engage in easy, inexpensive family fun activities. I got these from todaysparent.com and I have to say I want to try most of these myself but not sure I can get my 22 year-old to participate although it would do us all good.
It’s not fun being cooped up because of self-isolation and social distancing, but with a little bit of effort, you can create some fun things to do at home to help the time pass and make some wonderful memories. You’ll probably have to work with what you have one hand, since so many stores are closed. But with a little creativity, we’re sure you can make most of these ideas work. You’ve got this!
If you go to todaysparent.com it will list 87 activities families can do to avoid coronavirus cabin fever. I won’t list all 87, only 20, but many seem like a total blast so I’ve listed some of my favorites. Here goes.
1. Zoom around in cardboard race cars
Let your kids zoom through the living room in their very own race car.
2. Make a cardboard dollhouse
Create your own dollhouse, as intricate or as simple as you’d like. We’ve got instructions for one that’s a series of “apartments” that can be broken up and played with however you’d like. Find it at todaysparent.com
3. Make your own drive-in movie
Make a box car for an indoor drive-in film.
4. Make your own pinwheel
This simple craft is best enjoyed in a breeze, but standing in front of a fan gets the job done too.
5. Make a portable art easel
Don’t throw away that cardboard box! Make a sturdy and portable art easel for your mini Monet.
6. Make a calming jar
Help your kids cool down and relax with these easy-to-make calming jars. All you need is hand soap, water and a handful of shiny glitter and beads to help your kids find their inner peace.
7. Blow bubbles
Go buy some bubbles at your favourite dollar store, or make your own at home. Plus, learn how to make your own bubble wands.
8. Play hide-and-seek
Another classic fun things to do at home. Who can find the best hiding spot in the house?
9. Make a bird feeder
What better spring craft is there than making a DIY bird feeder? Or try painting a birdhouse, which you can purchase at your local craft store.
10. Play a game of hopscotch
You might think this game is too simple, but it’s always a great time-killer and super fun to play at any age. I used to love this game when I was a kid.
11. Get gardening
Spend some time outdoors by planting flowers in the yard. Your little ones will love getting messy in the fresh soil and being on garden hose duty.
12. Wash your car
If it’s warm enough outside, get the kids to help you out with cleaning up your family vehicle(s) on the driveway. I so need to do this one myself!!
13. Collect and paint rocks
Go to a nearby park and collect rocks, then make a craft day out of it. Paint them with whatever paint you have at home and maybe even turn them into rock magnets for the fridge.
14. Take lots of pictures
Make sure that while living in the moment, you don’t forget to snap photos of the silly and fun times, too. Print the photos and have the kids help you finally put together that scrapbook or album you’ve wanted to make.
15. Build a fort
Any time of the year is the perfect time to build a fort. It’s great for some pretend indoor camping!
16. Draw with sidewalk chalk
Sprawl out on the sidewalk with a big bucket of chalk or spruce up your driveway with your wildest creations.
17. Have a scavenger hunt
Put together a list of household objects and see who can be the first to find everything on the list!
18. Watch the sunset
The best ending to the perfect spring day is watching the sunset with the little ones before calling it a night.
19. Get baking
Ge the most out of baking with your kids. Pretend to be bakers while practicing essential skills like reading with recipes or counting with ingredients.
20. Get silly with your kids
Take the time this Thanksgiving break to try out at least 10 and let me know how it goes. In these very challenging times sticking together and having some fun seems like the perfect ticket!!
Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe.
Dr. Bolton
