Need something to occupy your bored, housebound kids? I’ve got you covered with this amazing list of projects and crafts for bored kids!
Good morning, friends! I hope you are all staying safe and healthy! We live on the edge of Chicago and schools are officially closed for the time being. And I am anticipating that being a LONG time being.
I know we are all trying to look at the positive and find silver linings (like more family time!…but also…more. family. time.) but boy, on that first day of distand e-learning when we couldn’t figure out how to edit the math homework pdf and everyone was deep in the depths of despair…it was really hard to stay positive for a minute there.
I know I am not alone in having moments like this, am I right parents?
So today I wanted to share some of the many resources and ideas I have on my site for projects and crafts for bored kids. I have about a zillion of these posts chock full of crafty activities, projects and ideas that will keep your kids occupied and I thought it might be helpful, rather than leave you to browse, to compile them all in one place.
Many of them are not specifically “kid crafts”, but I think the vast majority are totally doable for a slightly older kid (like elementary). I also wanted to share a few tactics we are using at home here to stay sane.
Finally, please bear with me, some of these posts were written a while ago, so if you find any links to other bloggers’ projects that aren’t working anymore, I’m working to update as best as I can!
Ideas for staying sane when you’re stuck at home:
- Stick to a schedule: I know, not revolutionary advice, but we’re sticking to the same timing as a regular school day for wake-up, meals etc. I think it makes everything feel a little more normal.
- Stay active. We start every morning with a walk. I got O a kids’ pedometer and he gets a reward if he makes his 10,000 step goal. He also challenged my brother (who lives in another state) to a daily step challenge and he’s really enjoying that. So far, when the weather’s been ok, we’ve averaged 4 miles a day and I think it’s really really helping. (Baby V rides about 3/4 of the way in the stroller)
- When we go for walks, I have been making Baby V short scavenger hunts by drawing a short list of things for her to find while we walk (ex. dog, squirrel, mailbox, red car, stop sign etc. ) This is nothing fancy and yet the kids LOVE it. Not every activity needs to be involved and super creative!
- We’ve been doing daily FaceTime storytime where we put Baby V on the phone and my parents read children’s books to her so I can work and O can do his schoolwork. They did storytime for an entire hour this morning with my parents taking turns reading. This is a huge sanity saver and they all love it.
- Extended family book club. My mom also checked out an e-copy of O’s favorite book and has been reading it so that they can call and discuss it together. There’s nothing he loves more than talking about his interests!
- FaceTime board games: if you have a friend or family member who owns any of the same two player board games as you do, you can each set them up and play together over a video call as well. Battleship & Guess Who would be awesome choices, but you could also do a game like chess and just have both players move both pieces on their respective boards.
- All the crafting/art projects ever (see below). There’s never a bad time for crafts (says the professional craft writer)!
- FaceTime playdates! We can’t see our friends in person right now, but we can facetime them! (a facetime playdate for preschools lasts about 5 minutes, but they love it)
- Don’t feel guilty about screens! We’re all doing the very best we can given the circumstances and many of us, if we are able, are trying to work from home with our kids. It’s a lot. Give yourself grace and a break from the screen guilt.
Projects and Crafts for Bored Kids
Projects and Crafts for Bored Kids
Need something to occupy your bored, housebound kids? I've got you covered with this amazing list of projects and crafts for bored kids!
The Best Fun, Free, (and Safe) Online Art Lessons for Kids
This list of safe and free online art lessons is sure to keep your kids occupied and inspired all afternoon!
Crafty Kids Gift Guide: The Best Supplies and Craft Kits for Kids!
I gathered up all of my favorite crafty kid craft kits and art supplies for kids from preschool all the way through high school and you can get them all delivered! Definite sanity savers for parents!
15 Fun Summer Activities for Kids
If the weather is starting to warm up where you are, these fun summer activities can get you out of the house and into the yarn to have fun!
Cardboard DIY Doll Crib
This is a fun easy cardboard craft that an older kid can do with help. A younger child can decorate it when you're finished!
Whiteboard Coloring Pages
Follow these instructions to turn these free printable coloring pages into WHITEBOARD coloring pages!
DIY Cardboard Box Toy House
We always joke that kids love the cardboard boxes things come in more than the actual toy, well here's a great use for old boxes and this one can be totally kid directed, there's no wrong way to make it!
20 Cute and Cuddly DIY Stuffed Animal Friends
These projects would be best for older kids with some help, but they are so fun and cute!
20 Out of This World DIY Sun, Moon & Stars Crafts
Get some science in with these fun outer space projects!
Freezer Paper Stenciling with Kids - Monogrammed Hankies
Kids love contributing to these freezer paper stencil projects, it's perfect for littles or bigs!
15 DIY Fabric Printing Techniques
Kids LOVE tie dye, here are few more fabric printing projects you can do at home with your kids!
15 Delightful DIY Toy Storage Ideas
We're all spending our time trapped at home cleaning and organizing, aren't we? Why not get your kids involved and customized some unique toy storage!
20 Fun and Festive DIY Bunting, Banners and Garlands
Make your home a little prettier and let your kids help!
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Man Knitting Patterns - December 13, 2024
- Peppermint Candy Cane Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
- Gingerbread Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
Matthew says
Interesting! I thin these projects make our kids busy also make some fun. Thanks for the share.