Top 10 At Home After School Activities: COVID Edition
This school year is truly unlike anything else we have ever experienced.
I know I’ve said it before but WOW! I just remember thinking back in March--which now feels like a lifetime ago--there is no way this is going to last through the school year, let alone the summer, but here we are. Some kids are going back in person, others in pods, and others (my family included) are going to stay online, at least for now.
So what do we do? How do we get used to this new mindset of parenting, working, and homeschooling and everything in between being required of us?
STICKY NOTES
I love these to stay organized and they’re so fun to leave around for your kids to find--give them daily tasks, goals, or just motivation and love (think cute messages, quotes or simply “I love you”).
Once you’re organized, it’s time to keep having fun! Here are my TOP 10 out of the box options for keeping your kids entertained at home that will give you some peace of mind too.
1 . GAME NIGHT (OR AFTERNOON)
Time seems to slip away when you get into any of these! Go with a classic Uno, Monopoly, or Rummikub, or try some less traditional games like: Pandemic (no pun intended) or the Logo Game.
2. TRAMPOLINE
Do you remember the feeling of freedom you had jumping on a trampoline as a kid? That feeling does not change! This is a classic, screen-free activity that you and your kids can use all day! This trampoline is even good for small apartments and is perfect for your kids to use up some of their pent up energy and shake their sillies out. As an added bonus there are so many ways to incorporate this new addition to your at-home workouts.
If you’ve got the space, splurge on a bigger one where kids can practice flips and other gymnastics tricks while they can’t go to their classes!
3 . DOT TO DOT
This is a total wind down activity in my home. There are so many options out there for toddlers through super challenging ones for adults. It’s great for fine motor, counting, lll no and just recentering in a way that is removed from devices that we are surrounded by this school year.
4 . WATER BALLOONS
It’s still nice out, so when all else fails, just open up a pack and fill ‘em up! Although school is in session, this oldie but goodie will always have you going back to those summer days. These water balloons all fill up at the same time, making it super easy & fun to prepare.
5 . PUZZLES
Another go-to in my home is puzzles. Everyone can come and go, contributing to the puzzle in any way they can.
Use discount code: GBJ20 for 20% off gamesbyjames.com for an awesome selection.
Even though summer vacation is over, creating a customized puzzle from Shutterfly can be a great way to keep the memories fresh--pick an amazing scenic picture you took, or your favorite shot of the whole family!
6 . RADDISH KIDS
For kids who like to be in the kitchen or just like to learn new things, Raddish Kids is the way to go. It comes with easy to follow recipes, new skills for your kids to learn, along with cultural and historical information from a different country and even a playlist to go along with the theme of the month. A list of ingredients and cute tools are included too. It will truly open up your kid’s mind and palette.
Use discount code 3HN6TNfor $20 off their 6 month subscription.
8 . PRINCESS FACETIME
This is one of the most amazing activities I’ve done since quarantine. It’s a personalized one on one phone call with a character of your choice--princesses, superheroes, you name it! Watching your kids talk to their favorite character and watching their face in complete awe is amazing. They offer 15 or 30 minute video chats. The character even read them a character story.
Use coupon code camplisa for $5 off a 15 minute virtual chat or $10 off a 30 minute chat.
9 . HAMMOCK
If you haven’t invested in one of these yet, now is the time. Lying in this hammock really gets you & your kids to just zone out & relax. This one can be tied up just about anywhere. Grab a book or a magazine, get cozy and just breathe.
Wise Owl Outfitters offer such great gear besides hammocks, so make sure to check them out.
Use coupon code CAMPLISA7for 7% off through October 31.
10 . HOLIDAY BOX
Get in the spirit of Rosh Hashana with this cute activity box. With many of our kids doing school online, you might feel like they’re missing the pre-holiday arts and crafts we all love. This includes great activities, cooking tools, and fun DIY
Use coupon code camplisa for 20% off a box.
I hope most of us have come to terms with the “new normal”
--it’s up to you to focus on the positives, and take this opportunity to teach resilience. It’s given us a new perspective and appreciation on life. It’s forced us to slow down and spend not just quality but the ever elusive quantity of time with our kids that we never seemed to have before. Let’s embrace it and try to use this time wisely. If you need a few extra tricks up your sleeve, my After School Activity Box, aka
“Camp in a Box”
product, which launched this summer, is just what you need! Each box is customized to best suit your kids needs and tastes and is sure to open up their imaginations.
Click here for more info on Camp In a Box
Wishing you strong coffee, beautiful weather to get outside, long baths and lots of good energy. You got this!
