As parents of two, one of the biggest challenges we face sometime is finding ways to keep our kids entertained. This is especially true during long holidays or the summer vacation. Let’s take summer for example.
For the first few days of summer, your kids have a blast entertaining themselves. But as the weeks drag on, they start to run out of things to do. Summertime is hard for many parents because you often don’t know what to do with your kids during all of this extra free time. After all, we still have to complete our other duties. As a parent, you don’t get a three-month free pass to just play with your kids.
But summer is not the only time. During other holidays or even long weekends, we sometimes find ourselves constantly having to give our kids ideas on what they can do. Getting a new toy only works for a day or 2 and then they start asking for a new one.
We knew we had to do something so we never ran out of ideas on how to keep kids entertained. This is how the below list was born. Not only do we have constant ideas but also use the opportunity to teach our kids on different aspects of life. As you know, kids are like sponges and soak up everything they see and experience. What a better way to keep them entertained and also teach them various things along the way!
If you are running out of ideas to keep your kids entertained, but don’t want to stick them in front of the TV, try one of these 101 productive activities. We have also included a printable(PDF) list at the end of this article.
Can we also ask for a small favor – if you like this list, pleas help us spread the word by liking and sharing this post. It would mean the world to us and we thank you in advance.
Table of Contents
Musical and Artistic Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained
Artistic ideas
Artistic activities take a lot more planning than sports do, but they can benefit your child’s mind and help hone their fine motor skills. Our kids love arts and crafts and this is one of the best ideas for us.
The kiddos do at least 3 of these activities per week. Included are some links for you to get these items directly from Amazon.
We are striving to provide you not only with ideas but simplify the planning and execution process as well. You can also find a paintable PDF at the end of this article.
Try some of these activities if your kids enjoy arts and crafts.
- Finger painting – Washable Paint for Kids
- Make a duct tape wallet
- Buy some temporary bath paint and decorate your shower – Crayola Bath Time Bundle
- Draw a jumbo board game using sidewalk chalk – Crayola Sidewalk Chalk
- Make a cheap bird feeder by coating a pine cone with peanut butter and seeds
- Window crayons – Window Glass 24 Color Crayon
- Learn how to make slime – Slime Kit 2 in 1
- Draw a picture
- Make a scrapbook – Eco Crafts Scrapbook
- Complete an Anti-Coloring book – Creative Activities for Ages 6 and Up
- Draw fashionable new clothes for humans and their pets
- Take a photo and try to draw it
- Go through old photos and make a cute timeline of your life
- Write and decorate letters to a friend
- Make a short movie
- Have a photography contest
Musical ideas
Another way to keep kids entertained is to help them explore the world of music. We all love to play musical chairs and one fo our kids is enrolled in piano lessons, while the other in creative drama and ballet. In our view music should be integral part in every child’s life. What do you think? Have you tried any of these?
- Set up some chairs and pretend to be on The Voice
- Make an instrument using household items and write a song
- Learn all the words to a favorite song
- Write a song or rap
- Write and perform a play or musical
- Pick up an easy instrument, like recorder or ukulele – Beginner Ukulele
- Experiment with listening to different genres of music
Cooking, Knitting & Sewing Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained
Knitting & Sewing Ideas
Not only knitting and sewing are a great way to keep kids entertained but you will also be teaching your kids some truly necessary life lessons. My mother thoughts me how to sew on a button when I was 13. This was a skill I have used countless times in my life and now we are passing it along to our kids.
– 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make
– Fun DIY Kid Craft and Sew Kits for Girls and Boys 120 Piece Set
– DADM Emoji Pillow Craft kit, for Girls & Boys
- Sew and stuff a pillow
- Latch-hook
- Cross-stitch
- Learn how to sew on buttons
- Knit or crochet
- Learn macrame
- Cut apart old T-shirts and make something new out of them
Cooking Ideas
Cooking together is another one of those great activities for the entire family alike. Based on your kids ages, you may not be able to leave them to cook by themselves. In that case, you should use this opportunity for your whole family. I promise you, cooking is a great way to keep kids entertained. Here are a couple of ideas and items that can help you with that:
– MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials Set – Kit Includes Real Cookware, Recipes and Apron
– Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)
– Curious Chef 30-Piece Chef Caddy Collection
- Bake a dessert
- Make Chex Mix
Fashion and Beauty Ideas to Keep Your Kids Entertained
Fashion and Beauty Ideas
Are your kids into fashion and beauty? Then this is a great way to keep them entertained.
Even though I am not all that much into it, I do let them give me a make over, every once in a while. Now, don’t laugh! Dads need a makeover too.
– Deluxe Jewelry Making Supplies Kit with Instructions Includes Assorted Beads, Charms, Findings, Bead Wire and Cord, Pliers, Caliper and Storage Case for Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings Making
– Mega Mermaid Makeover. Mermaid Themed Girls Makeup Kit. Starter Cosmetic Set for Kids and Tweens. Includes Case, Mirror, Eye Shadow, Blush, Mermaid Brushes, Lip Gloss, Nail Polish
– Creativity for Kids Designed by You Fashion Studio, Fashion Design Kit For Kids
- Play dress-up
- Give each other a makeover
- DIY manicures and pedicures
- Create your own jewelry
- Design dresses for Barbie dolls using duct tape and have a fashion show
Sports and Outdoorsy Ideas to Entertain Your Kids
Sports Ideas
This has to go by without saying but sport is probably one of the best ways to not only keep kids entertained but also keep them healthy and strong. When the weather permits, we are always outside either kicking a ball, throwing a frisbee or hiking in one of our local parks. I could not recommend this category of ideas enough. Most of all, it doesn’t cost allot to play sports. At the same time, you have the opportunity to teach your kids some teamwork, discipline and hard work.
Parents, do you want to be healthy, without breaking the bank? Check out our 21 Simple and Cost-Free Habits to do Every Day for Better Health. If you are interested in losing a few lbs, then read the 12 Quick and Surprisingly Easy Steps to Start Losing Weight Right Now!
- Organize a game of pickup soccer or basketball – Easy Score Basketball Set
- Learn to swim a new stroke
- Host the “Olympics” for your neighborhood
- Learn how to juggle a soccer ball – FIFA World Cup Glider Ball
- Go for a bike ride
- Take a hike at your local park
- Learn how to roller blade – ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skates for Kids and Adults
- Play a basketball shooting game, like PIG, HORSE, Around the World, or Knockout
- Master the art of Frisbee throwing – Active Life Best Kid’s Frisbee Rings
- Play Frisbee golf
- Find a place to play mini golf or create your own course – Kids Golf Club Toys
- Invest in a Pogo stick – Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick for Kids
- Learn how to do basic body weight exercises like squats, push-ups, and planks
- Run or walk a 5K race
- Walk to lunch instead of driving
- Go bowling
- Have a mock track meet
Outdoors Ideas
When the weather permits, there is nothing better then going outside and getting active. Together with sports, being outdoors is one of our family’s favorite activities. We personally enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, camping and so many others.
Want to keep your kids entertained, then go out and get busy having fun. These outdoor activities encourage your children to get social and exercise their bodies.
- Have a squirt gun fight – PEFECEVE Water Gun Super Soaker Blaster for Kids
- Play in the sprinkler
- Go to the pool
- Play capture the flag – Glow in The Dark Outdoor Game
- Play kick the can
- At night, play ghost in the graveyard
- Spread out towels and sunbathe on the lawn
- Play Twister outside with colored shaving cream – Fun House Kids Foam Soap 8 Pack
- Start a campfire at night and roast s’mores
- Pitch a tent outside and hang out in there
- Stay out late and stargaze
- Play at a local park or playground
- Go fishing – Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
- Climb a tree
- Create a fort outside with a group of friends
- Go canoeing or kayaking
- Take a day trip to a nearby lake and rent a pontoon boat
- Go to a free outdoor concert
- Create your own bowling alley in your driveway
Educational and Charitable Ideas as Kid Entertainment Ideas
Educational Ideas
Just because it’s play, it doesn’t mean your child has to stop learning. This is why, playtime is a great time to cultivate a love of learning in your children and help them get ahead. Kids learn form absolutely every they do. This is why, using specific educational activities is an even better chance to teach them on something specific.
Another great place for us to practice these is the local Science Center. If you have one nearby, we couldn’t recommend it more! They always put out some great exhibitions and the planetarium is a great place to lear about the stars, constellations and space. We visit our Science Center, at least once per month. We also have a Botanical Garden, Aquarium and plethora of museums around us.
If you don’t have such facilities nearby, then we recommend simply exploring your own or a nearby city’s downtown area. Another great place would be a monument or historical site in your county. Be creative, after all this is all about your child’s education.
- Cultivate a garden – Miracle-Gro Kids My Very Own Flower Garden
- Host a monthly book club
- Go to a historical reenactment
- Go downtown and take a tour of your own city
- Investigate the ecology of a local creek or pond
- Work through a skills practice workbook – Cut & Paste Skills Workbook – Ages 3 to 5
- Learn a new language as a family – Pimsleur
- Have a debate about a current issue
- Go to the zoo, aquarium, observatory, or conservatory
- Writing prompts – 5,000 WRITING PROMPTS
- Keep a journal of your daily activities and feelings – The Five Minute Journal
- Learn about constellations and look through a telescope – Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
- Take a book outside and read
- Play “school” where the older kids teach the younger kids
- Play a board game outside
- Attend an orchestra concert
- Take a class or do a camp at your local library
- Learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube – Dreampark Speed Cube Set
- If you’ve already mastered the basic Rubik’s cube, try a 4×4
- Learn a new card game – The Ultimate Card Game for Kids and Adults
Charitable Ideas
Giving back and helping others is the most rewarding thing anyone can do. Similarly, teaching your kids about charity and volunteering is a great way to build their character. In our family, we created a rule to complete 1 act of kindness every week. This is not only for our kids but for all of us and we do our best to follow it consistently.
If nothing else, kindness, generosity and consideration for others are some of the best virtues you can teach and instill in your child. help them become even better than you.
- Have a lemonade stand to benefit a favorite charity
- Sell cookies door-to-door for another charity
- Go through a few closets and donate old clothes
- Volunteer at a local food pantry
- Have a contest to see who can raise the most money for a charity
- Write encouraging messages on the sidewalk with chalk
- Make posters that kindly advocate a certain issue and put them up around town (in legal places)
- Start or sign a petition
Help us grow the list of ideas to keep kids entertained
With these 101 activities in your arsenal, your child will be entertained all the time, even at home. The vast majority of these activities are for groups, so if your child doesn’t have siblings, it’s important that you get to know the neighbors and friends that live nearby.
No matter who they play with, it’s important that your kids are exposed to a variety of activities and don’t just spend their day staring at a screen. Every time a child exercises their mind and their muscles, they are gaining a valuable skill that the television and the iPad can’t provide.
What about you? Do you have other activities that you would like to share with the community? We would love to hear from you and grow this list. Please use the comment box below to share your own ideas. We review and reply to all comments personally.
Finally, here is the link to download a printable version of this list:
Download the Printable PDF List of ideas to entertain your kids
Till the next time!