Given that schools are closed across the province and many parents are working from home while also looking after their kids, we know families are looking for creative ways to keep children happy and healthy while social distancing.
Here are five activities to try with your family:
1. Set up an indoor obstacle course
Have your kids find everyday items around the home, such as pillows, blankets, furniture, tape, string, baskets, etc., and then set up an indoor obstacle course!
This activity engages their creativity, can promote physical activity and develops fundamental movement skills such as balance, coordination, throwing and jumping. If you need some more inspiration, check out this Youtube video that features some really creative options with materials around the home.
2. Make up a dance routine to your favourite song
This one is as straightforward as it sounds! Whether you want to try it as a family or have each person make up their own, put on your dancing shoes and give a stellar performance.
3. Learn a magic trick
Inspire your children to learn a bit of magic. Check out this article from Care.com for thirteen easy magic tricks for kids ages 5 and up.
Here's one example: the "Magic Pencil Trick."
4. Try "Home-Bowling"
Can't make it out to your favorite bowling alley? Turn your house in a Bowl-o-Rama in four easy steps.
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Step 1: Designate a hallway to become your new bowling alley
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Step 2: Collect 10 pins (try empty plastic bottles or toilet paper rolls) and a ball
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Step 3: Set up your pins, designate a starting line and roll the ball to knock over the pins.
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Step 4: Set-up the pins and repeat!
If you’d like to add some difficulty to this activity, try bowling with your eyes closed, from farther distances, while balancing on one leg, with the non-dominant arm, backwards or with various types and sizes of balls.
5. Draw a Treasure Map (Yarr, Matey!)
Image by Marc Manhart from Pixabay
Draw a map that leads children through the house (and even the backyard!) and gives clues until they make it to the final location of a hidden treasure.
You can keep the activity going by letting the kids each have a turn hiding an object and designing the home treasure map.
If you’d like some help to get you started, click here.
Make Play a Part of Your Routine
Try to keep incorporating elements of recreation and play into your daily routine. Have fun with these activities, and let us know what you had the most fun doing.
Stay tuned for more ideas to come!
