Quarantine activities for kids does just have to be distance learning. Life in early Summer 2020 looks a bit different now that we are flattening the curve of the pandemic. Yet we are memory-making nonetheless. Here in Canada, my family and I have been social distancing, working from home and finding activities for the kids to do to pass the time.
So, here it is. A bunch of quarantine activities for kids that I am suggesting you can do as long as you feel comfortable doing so. However, please do what is right for your family, their needs and your particular situation. As you know, we all have different needs during this time. Hopefully, you will find an activity you can do with your kids that you have not yet tried. Here we go!
Camping Activities in Quarantine
- Set up a tent in your backyard. My kids did this a few weeks ago when the weather was warm and perfect for outdoor slumber. From setting up the tent, unrolling sleeping bags and searching for working flash lights – the kids set it all up themselves.
- Make s’mores! We have a gas stove so instead of starting a fire in the backyard (totally not permitted here!), I roasted marshmallows on the stove. If you aren’t sure what a s’more is – its so simple! Roast a marshmallow, squish it between two graham crackers, and squeeze in a square of chocolate. Let sit for a minute while it all melts and then enjoy!
- Try star gazing. You can get an app like this one to see constellations, planets and special astronomy events.
Walk in the Park Activities for Social Distancing
- Bring a notebook, pencil, and blanket and walk to the park. Next, find a quiet place to sit and spread out your blanket. Take some time to write in your notebook. You can write a story, doodle, write your grocery list, or try nature journaling.
- Find some wildflowers to press inside some heavy books for a few months.
- Make dandelion or daisy-chain necklaces. Try this: Challenge your kids to make patterns in their designs. Beware – some kids may have sensitivities to different plants so pay close attention if they are picking new plants.
Quarantine Activities for Kids in the Neighbourhood
- Go on a bike ride! This is our absolute favourite family activity to do. Each and every day we go on at least one bike ride to the local pond. In addition to the fantastic exercise, everyone enjoys it, and we are learning so much about the eco-system at the pond.
- Scavenger Hunt There are so many variations on scavenger hunts! It is hard to know where to start, which one to do, and which one is appropriate for my children. I created The Ultimate Scavenger Hunt Collection and it’s chalk full of fun, engaging hunts for you to do with your children. It’s free! Download the collection here.
- Have you tried geocaching? This is on our list of things to do and we are so excited about it. Let us know your best tips and tricks for geocaching in the comments below. Tips for newbies needed, please!
Active Brain, Working Hands
- Keep your hands and your watering can busy by planting seeds and growing a garden. In our garden this year we have tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, carrots, lavendar, chamomile, chives, basil, mint and echinacea. My personal garden goal is to make tea out of my own homemade plants.
- Spread positivity by writing an inspirational quote or silly joke on a sidewalk. When passerby’s read your message, you will warm their hearts.
- What new skill have you wanted to learn? Perhaps now is the time you try to knit a scarf, sew some badges on a Brownie sash, or learn how to perfect cooking the macaroon.
Creativity During Quarantine
- Learn to draw, paint or sketch by watching videos online. In addition to free drawing, my own kids and my students both love this website because the creator is a gifted at teaching people to draw. From ewoks to spring trees, there’s something for everyone. Check it out!
- Play a board game. In addition to social skills practice, you and your children can perfect strategy, too. Our favourite games are Set and Blokus. We have yet to finish our tournament! However, one of my kids is a clear winner, has a solid strategy and can beat us every time! What’s your favourite board game right now?
Quarantine Activities for Kids
Ultimately, our jobs are to keep our kids safe, healthy and happy. Whether they are developing their academic skills through distance learning or not, there are plenty of activities for them to discover. Our absolute favourite quarantine activity has been baking (and eating!).
My kids have enjoyed baking a lot. In this blog post, we share about a day we baked lemon squares. They were so yummy! If you decided to make the recipe, be sure to tag me @TheCactusClass on Instagram or Facebook. Here they are so proud to share their process:
