From bird watching and planting seeds to letter writing and making your own family tree, there’s a range of fun ideas to try with the kids at home.
Best of all, these activities are easy to set up and won’t break the bank! Stay safe at home with these tips and ideas for getting creative with the family.
Planting seeds
Kids love to see things develop and nurture them. Growing is possible for anyone, even for those without a garden. You can grow seeds on the windowsill at home.
Planting seeds in soil is a fun activity in itself but it will also give you a long-term project, that will last even after this period is over. It also gives children a sense of responsibility over the coming weeks, as they make sure the plants receive all the attention they need to survive.
Choose fast-growing plants such as sunflowers, so the children can watch them grow.
Create your own board game
Using vintage board games for inspiration, try making your own handmade game. Monopoly is simple to make and easy for kids to personalise.
Use the back of an old cereal box and some felt tips to create a board. You can include local places and streets in your game, as well as creating your own customised mascots and game cards.
Make a bird feeder
Encourage the kids to learn more about nature by making a bird feeder. It’s an ideal time for watching birds feed outside, especially as the environment is so quiet.
You can make your own bird feeder using just a four-pint milk bottle. Felt tips are all you need to colour the plastic, but you can also use sticking paper, feathers and other accessories to make the feeder more attractive.
Find creative online resources
Use sharing resources like Twinkl and BBC Bitesize to educate and entertain children. BBC Bitesize helps kids learn with free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes.
There are also entrepreneurs like Joe Wicks, holding family exercise classes online, as well as artists and designers sharing resources.
Bug hunt
Creepy crawlies can be fascinating and entertaining for kids. If you’ve got a bug lover then they’ll love getting outside to find some snails, slugs and any other creatures hanging around.
Encourage children to identify each of their discoveries, you can discuss your findings together and research more information online.
Making rainbows
Get creative with the Coronavirus rainbow theme. Families have been busy painting and drawing them as a display of togetherness and to give children something to spot while out on their walks.
To make your rainbow, you don’t have to stop at paint or crayons – you can make an amazing rainbow using cardboard and scrunched up crepe paper.
Stargazing
There are plenty of apps available for iPhones and Android devices to help you identify planets, stars and constellations on a clear night.
Take the children outside before bedtime and see if they can identify objects in the night sky. You can encourage them to research their findings later online.
Letter writing
Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Writing can be fun, as children learn how to compose a letter and get some extra handwriting practice. Letters can also be valuable keepsakes for kids to treasure.
You could write to relatives or friends. It’s an ideal way to keep in touch during lockdown.
Chalk drawing
Get creative with chalk drawing on the path or patio at home, it’s great fun and easy to wash off! Use shop-bought or homemade chalk – made of corn flour, water and food colouring, to create temporary art.
Children can draw their favourite TV characters, family portraits or create their own designs.
Create a family tree
Start your family tree project by showing your child photos of your own parents and grandparents. This is a great, visual way to get them engaged. You can include your child’s name and photo at the bottom of a family tree chart and build the story from there.
Making a family tree is an ideal way for kids to feel more connected, especially at a time when it’s difficult to see relatives.