Social Distancing, what the heck is that? This is exactly what we all would have said a few months back. In the last couple of weeks, we have all become very familiar with this term. Social distancing is basically staying away from other people. Keeping 3 feet apart at all times and avoiding public places when possible.
So how do we keep from going insane while we are all basically stuck inside but better yet what do we do with these kids!!! I came up with 10 activities to do with kids during social distancing.
Movie Night
This one is a bit of a no brainer right? At our house, it’s Nexflix and Hulu. Nope, we don’t have cable, but who does these days. My goal is to not spend our whole social distancing time binge-watching TV. But, a little TV won’t hurt us. On movie night each person picks a family-friendly show or a movie to watch together. We watch every other day so we don’t spend too much time in front of the TV. Each movie night we make a special snack, popcorn with white chocolate, or homemade ice cream shakes.
STEMMMM!!
Even though our little bundles of joys are not at school we still need to make sure they are learning something. We will be adding in special academic times throughout our day. One thing we will be doing is performing is a read aloud each day. Yes, I said performing, funny voices and all. As a teacher at heart, this is one of my favorite things to do with my kiddos. My 7 and 11 year old still love it! Choose a book to read aloud each day or choose a chapter book and read a chapter or two each day. Just make sure the book is fun and entertaining. You can even have your kid read to you.
Read a book aloud
It’s beginning to sound a lot like school around here… But who cares as long as school is fun! Nothing blows more kids’ minds then STEM and STEAM activities. Build something, break something and put it back together, or figure out how something works. You can choose a hypothesis and perform trial and error experiments until you are blue in the face. My boys go crazy for STEM and STEAM Activities. These can be as crazy or as easy as you want. For beginners, I suggest paper rockets. For more advanced projects check out Science Max.
Build a fan fort
I’m sure everyone has done this but its soo fun! What kids don’t love building a fort? I know mine sure do. They pull out every blanket, every pillow chairs and whatever furniture they can move. So while we’re distancing, were gonna do some things we don’t normally do. So gather all the blankets and pillows and get to work. This works best with a box fan but any fan will work. Be sure NOT TO LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN UNSUPERVISED. If your fan and sheets are not secured they could get caught in your fan creating a fire hazard so be careful and stay close. Check out these fan fort directions.
Cook Together
Let the kids create the menu. Then let them help you make it. Depending on your kids’ age you can supervise or be totally hands-on. My kids usually pick their favorites so there are lots of french fries, chicken nuggets, and pancakes on the menu. This is exciting for the kids and also one less thing for you to worry about, dinner done!
Have a Scavenger Hunt
I love scavenger hunts but I haven’t done one since I was a kid. For this scavenger hunt, we’ll be staying inside but going outside isn’t out of the question especially if you don’t have close neighbors like us. I’ll hide something fun like a favorite toy or supplies for an activity we will do later in the day. Make up your own clues or try these out.
Gameday
Every year at Christmas my kids get at least 1 board game, which rarely gets played. So we will be pulling out the board games and that twister game that I never want to play. So pull out those old games, and have some fun!
Build a race track
Not just a regular race track a monster race track, I mean a floor to ceiling race track. Okay, it doesn’t have to be that big but I’m sure the kiddos will love building a race track with you. You, being the most important part. If you don’t have boys this may not be something you want to do. But my boys love this kinda stuff. You will need cardboard or something similar markers scissors and maybe a box cutter.
I bet you can’t Challenge
This is a funny little idea to pass the time. Grab a jar or any sort of container. On strips of paper lists some tasks that the family must try to do. We will be doing these in-between activities or when someone says I’m bored. Just pull out the I Bet You Can’t Jar. Here some examples. “I bet you can’t do 100 jumping jacks in 3 minutes.” “I bet you can’t touch your tongue to your nose.” Make sure your “I Bet You Can’ts don’t send anyone to the ER.
Video Game Challenge
Just about every household these days has some sort of video game system. I’m not knocking you if you don’t, but I freaking love video games!! Play video games as a family, take turns or play as a team. Either way, you will have a good time hanging out and beating the kids or they will have a good time laughing at you!!
I know It’s hard out here right now. I know, I feel it too, a little stressed a little worried a tiny bit panicked on the inside. But there is nothing we can do about it today. This is a waiting game and waiting is all we can do. While we all wait enjoy and cherish the people you love. Enjoy your children, relax and stay safe.
