Fun and Learning for Kids at Home: Crafty Ways to Keep Them Engaged

Keeping children entertained and engaged at home, especially during times of physical distancing, can be a challenge. However, it is crucial to make the most of the time they spend indoors. This guide offers creative and educational activities to help keep kids busy and learning through play. Whether you have an infant, toddler, or pre-schooler, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time together.

Infants (0-9 months)

While infants are very young, there are still plenty of fun and educational activities you can do with them. Try these ideas:

Peek-a-boo

All you need is your hands and a sweet voice to play peek-a-boo. This simple game helps your baby understand the concept of object permanence and build emotional bonds. As your baby gets older, they may start to participate in the game, adding to their interactive playtime.

See and say

Place different objects around the home and name and describe them as you do so. For example, "See the cat. That's an orange cat." This helps build language skills and strengthen the bond with your baby.

Spouse and children band

Encourage your toddler to sing songs and create homemade musical instruments from safe household objects. Using buttons or beads in an empty bottle to create a shaker is perfect for sensory development and motor skills. The key is to be creative and have fun!

The body game

Label your baby's body parts and point to them to teach her their names. "Where is child's nose? Here it is!" You can also point to your own corresponding part to help her connect the two: "Where is mommy's nose? Here it is!"

Toddlers (1-3 years)

For toddlers, the possibilities for fun and educational activities are endless. Explore these ideas to keep them engaged:

Box auto

Find an empty box or carton and place your toddler in it safely with some light blankets. Pull the box around while making car noises, such as "vroom vroom!" This is a fun way to recreate the experience of driving for your little one, even if you're stuck indoors. You can still achieve the same result by moving the box back and forth and making noises together if space is limited.

Kitchen drummer

Turn around safe shatter-proof bowls, pots, and pans to create a makeshift drum set in the kitchen. Use wooden spoons as drumsticks. Your little rock star can have a blast experimenting with the different sounds he can make. This activity is also great for helping him develop his fine motor skills.

Free draw

Provide your toddler with crayons and paper and let them draw freely! This allows your child to unleash their creativity and enjoy independent imaginative play. After they're done, talk to them about the colors they used.

There are over 13,260 free printable coloring pages, as well as PDFs and online, to work on.

Coloring books

Another option is to use coloring books. There are many free and affordable options available for young children to explore and color.

Ball go

Catch a soft ball and roll it back and forth with your toddler. This back-and-forth play is great for building confidence and teaching your child that you will respond to their actions. For more fun, try introducing another ball and engaging your child in a discussion about which one she chooses.

Pre-school children (3-4 years)

For pre-school children, the variety of activities increases. Here are some fun and educational ideas:

Dress up

Gather some different fabrics and clothes to inspire your pre-schooler to create a costume from what you have. Then play a game together based on what he chose. Who knows what adventures you'll have!

I'm going to catch you

Engage in the "I'm going to catch you!" game around the house by playfully chasing your child through your living space. This can be a great way for a child with lots of energy to burn out. Don't forget to join her for a nap when you're finished!

Name that sound

Create animal sounds and have your child guess which animal you're pretending to be. Encourage taking turns and allow them to make some sounds too. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach them more about the animals you both choose.

Toddler challenges

Toddlers love being given challenges, especially as they are developing physically. Ask your child questions like "Can you raise your arm? Can you touch your toes?" Using the names of her body parts in context helps her learn and allows her to practice what she can do!

Conclusion

With these creative and educational activities, you can make the most of the time you spend with your children at home. Whether through virtual playdates or indoor activities, these ideas will help ensure that your kids stay engaged, entertained, and learning. Have fun exploring the world and their imaginations together!