Fun Things to Do at Home With Kids

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids entertained at home before the school year kicks off? From creative crafts to exciting outdoor games, here are some great ideas.

Benefits of engaging in fun activities at home

It brings families closer together

Early childhood expert Stefanie Shurer emphasizes that fun activities at home strengthen family bonds and create a nurturing environment. She states, "Engaging in activities with children is crucial for building strong connections and fostering a safe, accepting home."

Encourages imagination and discovery

Shurer says that having tea parties or creating obstacle courses in the backyard can help kids. "These activities encourage children to use their imagination and explore new things," she explains. "These activities also improve kids' communication skills.

Boosts growth

Getting kids involved in activities at home is important for their growth. Shurer says, "It fosters learning, creativity and problem-solving skills beyond classroom experiences. This engagement also helps prevent boredom and negative behaviours."

Indoor activities for kids 

Arts and crafts

Lisa Marino, a parenting expert and founder of Dopple, recommends arts and crafts like painting, drawing, and origami as great indoor activities. She explains, 'These fun projects help kids use their senses and improve their hand skills."

Cooking or baking

Marino also suggests cooking and baking with your kids. "It's more than making tasty treats; it's an opportunity for them to learn cooking skills and discover new favourite foods," she says.

Indoor scavenger hunt

Marino recommends a quick indoor scavenger hunt using household items. "In five minutes, have everyone find specific items like something they love, something they are proud of, their favourite book, and something that annoys them. Then, share and explain your choices," she suggests.

Board games and puzzles

Board games and puzzles are great choices for family activities. As Marino points out, "They help everyone take a break from phones, computers, and TVs."

Blanket forts or indoor camping

"This easy activity boosts their creativity and helps them learn to solve problems," Marino says. "And it's a fun way for them to enjoy a 'camping adventure' right in their living room!"

Outdoor activities in the backyard

Gardening and planting

Fun activities at home with kids can include outdoor options. Sam Thomason, founder of Simple Everyday Mom, recommends gardening and planting projects as a great family activity. "It allows everyone to get their hands dirty, learn about nature and see where our food comes from," she says.

Water play

Thomason suggests having fun with backyard water activities like running through sprinklers, throwing water balloons or playing in kiddie pools.

Backyard obstacle course

"Backyard obstacle courses are a unique way to challenge everyone in the family," says Thomason. "Plus, it is a great way to get everyone moving and laughing together."

Nature-based activities

By watching birds or collecting bugs, families can learn to slow down, observe, and enjoy the small wonders of the natural world. Thomason explains, "These hobbies help people become more aware of the environment and the creatures that live in it."

Outdoor games

Playing active outdoor games like tag and capture the flag helps families bond. "They also provide a fun way to get exercise and use up that extra energy," says Thomason.

Educational activities at home

Science experiments

According to Ally Ireland, middle school assistant principal at California Online Public Schools, science experiments at home are a great way to foster curiosity and help students engage with the world around them.

"Some great starter experiments include making homemade butter or ice cream and creating a volcanic eruption by mixing baking soda with vinegar," she says.

Storytelling

Storytelling is another way to engage with your kids as it can spark their imagination while helping them learn and develop their language skills, says Ireland. "Give your kids a prompt every day or week and ask them to come up with their own story that they can share before bedtime."

Math games and puzzles

Math games and puzzles are other great educational activities to consider, as Ireland says they help engage kids' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Geography and cultural exploration (e.g., virtual museum tours)

"You can embark on virtual adventures right from your living room," she says. "Visit famous museums, experience 360-degree videos of places like Machu Picchu, or use Google Maps to explore ancient wonders like the Roman Colosseum."

Learning a new language or skill together

Learning a new language or skill as a family is another great activity, says Ireland. "Kids see it as fun rather than 'homework,' strengthening bonds and boosting confidence," she explains.

Family bonding activities

Game nights

"Game nights give families a great chance to spend time together, relax, and have fun," says Thomason. "They also help create special memories and traditions that everyone will look back on with joy."

Family history

Exploring family history strengthens the bonds between family members. According to Thomason, "Finding out about the common traits and stories of our relatives, whether they lived recently or in the distant past, helps us feel connected and increases our love for each other."

Family time capsule

Putting together a family time capsule is an easy way to bring the family closer. Thomason says, "The thrill of putting in personal items and thinking about the day it will be opened brings kids and parents together, creating a feeling of togetherness and shared excitement."

Art projects

Thomason thinks making art projects together as a family is great because everyone can add their unique touch. When the artwork is finished, the whole family can look at it together, noticing all the little details and feeling proud of what they created as a team.

Volunteering

According to Thomason, volunteering quickly strengthens your love for your family or community. "It makes both children and parents feel valued and satisfies our natural urge to help others."

Tips for making activities fun and engaging 

Customize activities based on interests

"Kids are much more excited and invested when they're doing something they love," Thomason says. "This makes the experience more rewarding for the entire family."

Focus on creativity and open-ended play

Although structured learning is important, Thomason believes that free play is just as vital for children's growth. "Creativity and open-ended play let kids explore and express themselves without limits, helping them discover new things and boosting their natural curiosity."

Get rid of digital distractions

Thomasson recommends putting away your phones and devices to show your kids that you enjoy and value spending time with them. "This makes the time you spend together more meaningful and fun," she says.

Balancing structure and free play

Just as a healthy and balanced diet is essential, kids thrive on a balanced diet of fun, too. According to Thomason, structured activities are like the veggies — they help kids learn new skills and get used to routines. Free play is the dessert — it lets their imagination run wild and teaches them to make choices. "A healthy mix of both helps kids grow up well-rounded with different skills and abilities," she adds.

Experts

• Sam Thomason, a parenting expert, founder and creative blogger behind Simple Everyday Mom
• Stefanie Shurer, an early childhood expert and director of Franchise Training at Celebree School
• Lisa Marino, a parenting expert and CEO of Dopple, a company focused on parenting-related products and services
• Ally Ireland, a middle school assistant principal at California Online Public Schools