We like to plan out our weekends rather extensively. But there are always blocks of time that crop up when we find ourselves at a loss as to how to entertain the kids. Here are some tried and true, last minute, go-to activities that will keep the kiddoes engaged and happy:
- Water play: Get out those measuring spoons, small non-breakable cups, and a few straws if available! Fill one large container with clear water and another large container with sudsy water (a little dish detergent is perfect for creating suds). Place the containers on your kitchen floor and let the kids have at it. This play could evolve into a car wash with your collection of matchboxes, etc. Or it could turn into a beauty salon with some Barbies. There are no limitations! Just be prepared to mop up water and/or to change your kids out of soppy clothes. Bonus– you might just get your kitchen floor washed up with little effort!
- Cook: Tailor this experience to the ages of your kids. If under 4 years of age, consider putting them in charge of making you a PB&J. Supply them with the ingredients and a plastic knife or a butter knife. And then let them have at it. Any recipe that doesn’t require your small ones to be near very hot kitchen appliances will suffice! Other cold snacks they could prepare for you include: sliced bananas with honey drizzled on top or a bagel with cream cheese. The important thing is that your pre-schooler is creating a meal for you with no assistance. For the older kids, put them in charge of making cookies completely from scratch. Or have them scramble up some eggs and toast for your enjoyment. Again, they are in charge of creating a meal for you with no adult help!
- Shaving cream: Clear off that kitchen table or craft table and get ready for messy fun! Spray shaving cream all over the flat surface. Supply your kids with a couple of paint brushes, some matchbox cars, a few mini-figures, and let the good times begin. Your kids can draw in it, create roads, try to pile it up into mountains- whatever works for them! Tip– you could combine shaving cream play with activity #1 and have a full blown car wash experience!
- Go on a walk: Fresh air does amazing things for lagging spirits. You could really up the ante by going on a nature scavenger hunt. But even just a casual walk around your neighborhood will invigorate your family. Who knows what joys you’ll see? You can count all the red cars that go by as you stroll, or try to identify the different trees in your area. You could see who can find the houses or buildings with the most windows. Or you could try to skip over all the cracks in the sidewalk as you make your way.
How does your family find little ways to fill in an afternoon with fun?