Tag: family time

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Spring Break Savers

Spring Break season is upon us, the weather is starting to get warmer, and the end of the school year is creeping up. School breaks are essential for students and teachers alike. The break from the rigors of school work gives everyone a chance to rest, relax, and mentally get ready for the next chunk of the school year. While the breaks are nice, it sometimes leaves parents trying to find ways to keep their kids engaged and entertained. Below is a list of fun, engaging, and educational activities for kids of all ages!

  • Using sidewalk chalk, make an obstacle or challenge course on the sidewalk or driveway. Include different movements (spinning, jumping, hopping, etc.) to keep kids paying attention to what comes next!
  • Head to your local library and check out a few books to read together.
  • Create a “Spring Break Challenge”– kids must complete 8/10 tasks to receive their reward (that can be whatever you choose). Give them two tasks they must do– tasks that are essential life skills– then provide them a list of other options to pick from. Tasks can include things like write a letter then correctly address it and mail it, learn to sew a pillow, learn how to mow the lawn, make a treat for someone you know is lonely, do a sibling’s chore without being asked, make a meal for the family, and so on.
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood and take pictures of anything interesting you see. Go home and learn more about the things you took pictures of.
  • Have kids draw up plans for their dream backyard.
  • Have each child learn how to do one new thing, then have them teach another family member how to do it.
  • Using a muffin tin and water, freeze small plastic animals or figures. Have the kids imagine they are scientists on a rescue mission to save the animals. Let them experiment with different ways to melt the ice– using syringes, medicine droppers, scoops of water, and so on. 
  • Go outside at different times of the day and observe the different lengths and positions of shadows. Learn why this changes throughout the day.
  • Let kids use their imaginations and creative thinking to create an obstacle course out of everyday things. Let them think through things as they come across problems.
  • For older kids, give them each $5, and send them around the store to purchase something for a family member. This gives them a chance to think of someone else, and helps them pay attention to costs of items compared to what they have available to them.

Breaks can feel overwhelming at times, but there are plenty of low cost or free activities to keep your kids engaged, entertained, and active during times away from school. Try some of these activities and let us know what you think!

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Storms Have You Stuck Inside?

Within the last week, severe winter storms have hit several cities across the United States, causing many schools to close due to cold temperatures, ice, and/or snow. If schools are closed, that means kids are home– and that can sometimes leave parents or caretakers scrambling to come up with activities for their kids to do. 

If you have found yourself in this situation before, you know that it can be a bit stressful. Below are a few fun, engaging activities you can do for free (or almost free), and with very minimal prep time. These activities can be adapted for any age and ability.

  • Save the Animals! (or Legos, marbles, tiny action figures, etc.)
    Place small animals (or any object of your choice) in a muffin tin. Fill each compartment with water. Let it freeze. Once it is frozen, you can put the giant ice cube in a bowl or shallow tray, then give your child a medicine dropper or syringe and a cup of warm-ish water. Using the dropper, they can squirt water at the ice until it is melted enough to save the object inside.
  • Don’t Touch the Carpet!
    This game is similar to Floor is Lava, but won’t require your kids to jump all over your furniture. Assign a starting point and an end destination. Give each participant two small pillows, towels, pieces of paper, paper plates, etc. Using only those two objects as their safe places to step, they must make their way from the beginning point to the end point. Usually this would be done by stepping on one while placing the other in front of you, reaching back to grab the first one, then placing that one in front of you, and so on. However, kids can get creative and can problem solve to see if they can think of any other ways to accomplish their mission. This gets their brains thinking and their bodies moving!
  • Lego Task Cards
    On small pieces of paper, write the name of several objects (one per paper). Have your child choose one paper out of a bowl, then create that object. This promotes problem solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skill development. You can also turn it into a friendly competition if you have more than one child playing. 
  • Creative Crafting
    Set out construction paper, popsicle sticks, googly eyes, kid-safe scissors, pipe cleaners, glue, markers, and any other kid-friendly craft supplies you might have. Watch the magic unfold as they cut, glue, and create to their heart’s content. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with as their imaginations run wild.
  • Machine Factory
    Using extra boxes, empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes, string, scissors, and paper, glue or tape together a working machine. As the adult, you can choose what function their machine must carry out, or you can let them get creative and come up with their own idea. This is an excellent STEM activity, as it allows kids to think about logistics, function, machine parts, and how to carry out their plan. 
  • Puzzle Time
    Jigsaw puzzles are such a fun thing to do when you’re cozied up in your house (or anytime, really!). Not only are they fun for all ages, they also keep the mind active. Puzzles promote family togetherness and problem solving together. 

Those winter storms sure can be brutal, and can push your sanity to the edge, but there are so many fun things you can do with your kids when you have nowhere to go and no place to be. Being stuck inside doesn’t have to be boring– it can be fun for everyone AND can even be educational. If you’re one who has been impacted by the recent storms, I’m sending all my best wishes your way! You’ve got this!