Try These At-Home Activities for Kids to Get Through the School Closures

Times, they are uncertain. And the reality of coronavirus is that we may find ourselvescooped up with our kidsfor quite some time. But let’s do our best to make lemonade out of lemons, shall we? If we’re going to be together—or outdoors practicingsocial distancing—we might as well get creative. Here, 19 at-home activities for kids that will delight everyone from yourtantrum-prone toddlerto your too-cool-for-schooltween.

The toddler/preschool set is particularly challenging, since they require eyeballs on them at all times. But there are quite a few activities (indoor and out) that will keep them occupied with minimal effort on your part.

1. SET UP A TAPE ESCAPE WITH THEIR TOYS

What you need: washi tape or painter’s tape. What you do: Tape their fave tiny toys (thinkMoanafigurines) to a wall or table—any place that’s within their reach. (Thanks forthe brilliant idea, @themamanotes.) Peeling the tape is a fun challenge that not only promotes dexterity and fine motor skills but also keeps a kid entertained for many minutes.

2. GET CREATIVE WITH SORTING BINS

Muffin tin? Check. Various pasta shapes? Check, check. Now, encourage your toddler to get to work sorting everything into its own compartment in the tray. (You can also use bowls if you don’t have a muffin tin.) Your job: Sit in close proximity and keep tabs while they develop this math skill, which, BTW, teaches them to analyze data, find relationships between objects and apply rules to groups. (Find loads of ideas for moreobjects to sorthere.)

3. USE DECONSTRUCTED BOXES FOR LARGE-SCALE ART

Depending on your situation, you may still have time to order aroll ofkraftpaperfor your kids. If not, it’s time to get crafty. Grab a box from the recycling and break it down. Then lay it out—and tape it up if you have to—so your kids can color, paint and create. The bigger the canvas, the longer they’re entertained.

4. TURN THE TUB INTO A WATER PARK

Parental supervision required, but the bathtub doesn’t have to be reserved for bath time only. Let your minis wear bathing suits as they hit the “pool” for some water play with their favorite toys. You could even use kitchen items to let them set up somepouring stations.

5. THROW A PUZZLE PARTY

这个年龄段有很多难题,他们可能have even mastered some. For a fun new (and time-consuming) challenge, take out every single puzzle and mix all the pieces together...then ask your child to put them back together. This task helps toddlers learn shape recognition, concentration and goal setting. And we speak from personal experience when we say it keeps ’em engaged.

6. HIT UP THE ACTUAL PARK

You’ll need to steer clear of the playground equipment for now, but it’s A-OK to let them burn off some energy in a wide-open field. Bring a ball, a Frisbee or their go-to scooter (we love theMicro Mini)—just skip the finger-food snacks while you’re out and be sure to wash everyone’s hands for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home.

7. CUE UP ‘DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD’ OR ‘SESAME STREET’

The news youdesperatelyneeded to hear during this time:TV for toddlersis OK as long as you are selective with the type of content they’re consuming. For example, bothDaniel TigerandSesame Streetprovide loads of interactivity for little ones, whether it’s through question-and-answer segments or vocab and math lessons (all hail the letter of the day!). And if it gives you a much-needed sanity break, that’s incredibly valuable, too,” says Lindsay Powers, author ofYou Can’t F*ck Up Your Kids: A Judgment-Free Guide to Stress-Free Parenting.