Activities
ParentingAll Ages4 Comments
Sometimes the day goes awry… it just does. Lorien has 5 activities that will definitely turn the day around to make the most of it.
Here are 5 game changing activities for those days when you have been cooped up inside and everyone is climbing the walls.
Whatever the reason you are stuck inside, these activities will help you break up the monotony and burn off some energy.
Paper Plate Ice Skating
Give everyone a set of paper plates (they can decorate them if they wish but you may just want to get everyone moving) choose a carpeted area and show your kids how to stand on the plates sliding their feet to “skate”, then turn on some music and let them practice for a bit.
Once everyone has the hang of it you can turn it into a freeze game by pausing the music.
Ring Toss
Another great way to use paper plates is to cut the center from the plate to create a ring from the outer part of the plate.
Set out 3-6 small toys that the ring can easily fit over and toss or frisbee throw the rings to capture a toy!
Blanket Parachute
You need at least 3 people for this one but you can count on it being a hit! Just grab a sheet or light weight blanket to use as a parachute.
There are tons of parachute games but the easiest way to get started is simply to billow the parachute up in the air while kids crawl under or billow it around them as they sit on top of it.
Old MacDonald
Sing this classic song while your kids act out each animal.
I know it sounds so simple, but it really can capture your kids attention and best of all the only thing you need is a little room to move!
Sock War
With everyone wearing socks pull the socks loose a bit so that about an inch or two hangs off at the toes.
Now have everyone crawl around either on their hands and knees or for older kids crab crawl with their bellies face up.
The object of this game is to steal other peoples socks while keeping their own.
From Jamie: I can vouch for this one being a super giggle fest! We did this immediately after Lorien sent me this draft. Its hilarious! And the wind down she mentions next worked like magic with my preschooler.
Then… It’s Time to Wind Down
Once you have rallied everyone into some energy burning fun you may want to ease into something quite, one of my favorite ways to do that is pretending to be candles:
Have your child stand up tall, palms together above their head. Tell them that they are a candle and that you are going to light them, that you want them to imagine that they are slowly melting (you may need to talk them through the process of melting) once they have melted to the ground a few times you can ask them to rest there for a few minutes while they listen to a soothing song or a story.
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Dolores says
Thank you for all your good ideas,and your hard work
Jenny @ The Brick Castle says
I love the paper plate games, so easy and fun, and actually good for even my teenagers :)
Jamie Reimer says
Yes! I think those would be good for all ages! So fun!