Fun, Educational Activities For Kids Who Are Stuck Indoors

Submitted by Jenny Wise

Photo via Pixabay by Free-Photo

For many stay-at-home parents, inclement weather often means a headache. Whether it’s too cold for the kids to play outside or it’s been raining for several days in a row, it challenging to keep stress and anxiety at bay when you have to find ways to entertain and educate your little ones indoors. This is especially true for parents who work from home; how can you be expected to get your work done when there’s chaos at every turn?
 
Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can help your child find fun and learn a little something at the same time. From picking up a musical instrument to doing a science experiment with common household items, there are tons of things for kids to do when the weather won’t cooperate. 

Having a plan in place for bad weather days is important, so create a list and keep it handy. This way, when the kids say they’re bored, you’ll know right where to go. Keep reading for some great tips on how to get started.
 
Keep them active
One of the best things about the kids being able to play outside is the fact that they get in a workout while they’re having fun, which keeps them healthy and helps to tire them out a little. When their energy levels go up indoors with no way to release it, trouble is bound to follow. Help your kids work out some of that pent-up energy by finding fun dance tutorials on YouTube, pushing back the living room furniture, and having a dance-off. If you have time, you might show them your favorite moves from high school! This is also a great way for you to release stress and have a little bonding time with the little ones, meaning you get to practice self-care and keep them entertained at the same time.
 
Allow them to choose an instrument
Playing an instrument has many benefits for kids, from helping them boost their math skills to keeping them social in a group setting, such as playing in the school band. Playing an instrument also a great way to help your child stay entertained during bad weather because it doesn’t necessarily require electricity. What better time to get in some extra practice than when it’s raining outside? If you do plan to get your child started with music, it’s important to find the right instrument. Many kids start in the woodwinds section since there are so many different types to choose from; the saxophone and clarinet are great instruments to start with. And even if your child is just starting out with an instrument, online instruction can easily be found when the weather is uncooperative.
 
Get creative
Allowing your kids to get creative is a great way to help them find a calm, relaxing activity that you can do with them. Art therapy is a wonderful tool for people of all ages, because it reduces stress, anxiety, and the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Look online for drawing tutorials, such as this one, and gather some fun tools like glitter pens, colored pencils, watercolors, and colored paper. Offer them an opportunity to think outside the box too. You never know what they might come up with.
 
Introduce them to science
Kids of all ages love science experiments; they’re a great way to merge creativity with real-life skills they may already be talking about in school, which can certainly help ease any worry you may have about helping them boost their grades. You likely already have several ingredients at home for an experiment or two, or you can use toys and other small household items to show your little ones how to use science in everyday activities. Check out Earth Science Jr. for some great ideas.
 
Finding fun, educational ways to help your kids pass the hours on a rainy afternoon doesn’t have to be stressful; in fact, it can be fun for everyone. Whether you want to join in or just need a few minutes to yourself, these ideas are great for those days when everyone is stuck indoors. 

Article by Jenny Wise-  jwise@specialhomeeducator.com specialhomeeducator.com