Household quarantine imposes that everyone stays at home as much as possible.  With no schools, daycares, sports, or even playgroups scheduled for the rest of the COVID-19 Household Quarantine period, kids may feel lonely, confused, or also anxious.  To combat these negative feelings, we, as parents, can use this time to bond with the kids and engage them in enjoyable yet productive activities at home.  Spending quality time with them can help them cope with the stress brought about by the changes and uncertainties of the situation. 

Fun and Exciting Activities for Kids at Home

1. Do physical activities

During this challenging time, it is essential to put our focus on our kids' overall well-being.  The kids need to have regular exercise routines or physical activities to keep their body healthy as well as to keep their mind alert and optimistic.

• Yoga

Yoga is an excellent physical activity for the whole family.  It helps promote body awareness, flexibility, physical strength, concentration, and calmness.  There are many videos and printable poses online that can be used as a reference, and it is easy to include it in the kids' daily routine. 

• Dance

Dance provides freedom of movement and self-expression.  You can support them by providing them enough space to move around, turning up the volume, and allowing them to choose their own dance music.  You can also dance along with them to make it more fun.

• Indoor or Outdoor Obstacle Courses

Young toddlers and preschoolers will appreciate their own obstacle course.  You can re-use and be creative in using regular household items.  If you have a backyard, you can set up wherein kids can zigzag on pails, hop on sack, or cross a beam.  While indoors, kids may crawl under a chair, jump over cans or walk over a string. 

• Play Outdoors

A daily dose of sunshine and vitamin D is needed to boost the kids' immunity and overall well-being.  As long as the government permits you to go outdoors, then go ahead but always practice social distancing and take extra precautions. 

You may go for a walk within the neighborhood if you have a wide space, play at your backyard, or even at the park.

While you are out with the kids, ensure that they keep a distance from other kids and advise them to wash hands or sanitize immediately.  Ask your kids to have a shower as soon as they are home. 

2. Have fun with music

Music is beneficial, especially during these times when kids adapt to the new norm.  It can help them have a positive mood and help them focus on other activities.

• Listen and sing their favorite songs

Singing along helps with self-expression, vocalization, and language development.  It can be included alongside activities like drawing and completing house chores to make the activities more enjoyable. 

• Create your own music band

Pretend to be part of a music band.  You and the kids can create your own instruments like can drums, plastic egg maracas, or shoebox guitar.

3. Learn Online

Across the globe, more companies, groups, and individuals are sharing free online resources to provide kids and even adults resources during this period.  Here are some great activities you can share with your kids.

• Go on a virtual tour of the museums

Museums across the globe may have closed down temporarily, but you may still introduce artworks and artists to your kids by taking a virtual tour of the museums. 

• Take an online class

Local schools have gone digital and have started to offer online lessons during the school closure.  For instance, you may take ballet lessons from Amsterdam Dance Centre or in youtube you may subscribe for free at The Little Gym Amsterdam

• Listen to audiobooks

The kids may also explore free Audiobooks available in different languages.

4. Play with toys on rotation

Let your kids have time to freely play with their toys at home.  Open-ended toys like blocks and pretend play toys like cooking set, or race tracks are ideal because these toys can help develop their  imagination, creativity , and language.

While it can be tempting to put out all their toys all at once, it is best to only put out several sets at a time and replace it when they lose interest.  When there are fewer toys available, the kids tend to be more engaged and attentive.  When it is time to bring out new toys, their interest is renewed.

5. Make your own toy

Another parent and child activity to try is making new toys at home.  Creating bubbles solution and play doughs are great examples of quick toys that can be made at home.  These are great endless fun and sensory play.

6. Engage in arts and crafts activities

Bring out the paper, crayons, markers, paints, and any other art materials at home and let them unleash their creativity.

• Create cards for family members, frontliners and COVID patients

Get them inspired by asking them to make "I Miss You" cards for family, "Thank You" and "Get Well Soon" card for patients.  For sure, the kids will happily create the cards knowing how much the recipients will appreciate it. 

• Draw, Color, and Paint

Let them create their own masterpiece of doodles, stick figures, sceneries, or anything under the sun.  For sure, they will spend endless hours playing with color combinations and creating their artwork.  Aside from coloring books, you may also print some printable sheets for the kids. 

• Create art from recycled materials at home

Get creative in turning household materials like egg cartons, pencil shavings, or even leaves outside into artwork. 

7. Playing family games

• Play Board Games

Whether you have games like Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, or Backgammon, use it for a game night at home.  Board games teach kids about how to strategize, follow the rules, and practice communication skills.  It helps teach patience and sportsmanship too.

• Bring out the classic games

Draw a donkey and a tail.  You've guessed it right! Time to play Ezeltje prik.  Set up the obstacle course and prepare the spoon and eggs for a game of Eierlopen with the kids.

8. Reading

• Reading aloud and storytelling

Reading aloud to your child fosters the love of reading.  It also helps the child develop their cognitive and listening skills.  You may also ask them to read to you instead so they can practice their pronunciation, intonation, and confidence.  After reading, you can also ask their thoughts and feelings about what you or she/he has learned.

• Reading during quiet time

Giving your kids a quiet time to read will let them immerse themselves  entirely in the book they are reading.  It can help them concentrate, tune out, and imagine the new world they are exploring.

9. Have fun in the kitchen

Bring out the culinary genius in you and the kids.  Bond together by baking bread and pastries or cook up a special feast for the family to share.

10. Assign responsibilities in the house

House chore assignments can provide them with a sense of ownership and accomplishment.  Just make sure you assign an age-appropriate chore and that you provide assistance as necessary.

We hope the list of activities inspire you to spend quality time with your kids and develop a stronger bond together.  Enjoy and stay healthy!