7 Fun & Educational Activities to Do with Kids During the Pandemic

It’s been five months, and the coronavirus continues to be a concern throughout the nation. While most states are in the process of reopening, many families are still spending a great deal of time at home. As parents know, the struggle of entertaining kids 24/7 inside the home is all too real. How do you fill up your kids’ time to make sure they’re not bored, while also emphasizing education Fortunately, a fun activity can also be an educational activity too and won’t leave your kids bored and restless. Here are just a few options to consider. 

Care for a pet 

Caring for a pet teaches your children responsibility, compassion, and empathy.

You can ask them to put food in the pet’s bowl or teach them how to groom and walk their pet. Your children will be responsible and learn if their pet needs to be fed, or needs to go outside.

Pets can have a therapeutic effect on children, and their unconditional love reduces stress and anxiety during these challenging times.

They can even act as a playmate if you’re practicing social distancing, and your kids can’t see their friends as often.

Playing with pets will also keep them physically active, even while inside the house.

Create a family time capsule

Want your children to be away from their digital screens, even just for a morning or afternoon? Create a time capsule together and stow away memories that can be appreciated at a later time.

This is a great way to show how times have changed and will give them something to look forward to in the future.

You can collect photographs, toys, diaries, and newspaper or magazine clippings. Assemble the collection, then store them in a container that will stand the test of time.

Ask your children to write a letter to themselves to be included in the capsule. 

Write thank-you cards

This is a great, educational activity that teaches children about gratitude. It will also give the recipient a surprise and feelings of appreciation!

Stock up on art supplies and have your little ones decorate the cards for their teachers, classmates, caregivers, and neighbors.

Conduct a science fair at home

For a fun, educational activity, come up with a simple science project at home. For example, you can explain how clouds and rain form by performing a storm in a jar experiment using shaving cream and food coloring. 

Or, demonstrate how a volcano erupts using soda and mentos, or show children what a rainbow looks like with a pack of Skittles.

These are just some of the ways you can explain scientific terms in a fun and engaging way that will hold the attention of eager, young minds.

Plant a garden

It’s never too early to teach your kids how to garden. This educational activity can help them learn valuable lessons in science, nutrition, and patience. 

Invite your children to take on simple tasks such as watering plants, pulling weeds, and plucking fruits and vegetables that are ripe for picking.  

Your children will learn how plants come to life, which can help get them excited about eating vegetables.

Instill a love of music

You can create makeshift musical instruments with your kids during craft time, which they can play around with after.

The possibilities are endless: create mini drums out of tin cans, a flute out of plastic straws, or a guitar out of a cereal box and rubber bands.  

You can also come up with musical-related activities such as holding an impromptu singing contest or having a nursery rhyme time.   

Get in the kitchen

Now’s a great time to improve your kids’ prepping and cooking skills in the kitchen, and to help them set healthy habits that will carry through their lives.

Plus, meal prep can boost their confidence and improve their palate!

Even the pickiest of eaters will have a hard time saying no to the food they cooked themselves!  

Start your children with simple tasks such as mixing pancake batter, washing vegetables, or mashing bananas or potatoes. Once they’re ready to move on to more advanced tasks, you can subscribe to a cooking subscription box so they can improve their culinary skills and, at the same time, learn something about history, geography, STEM, or other subjects. Have fun and stay safe!

Home Jobs By Mom

Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.