It’s all we are hearing about. COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has wreaked-havoc on travel plans, is closing schools, and is changing work patterns in many communities — forcing us to find indoor and home activities.
You and your families may be looking for some activities to do at home to keep your children busy (and you sane) for the foreseeable future.
We’ve compiled a list of indoor and home activities for you to peruse as you plan your days at home.
Home Activity Ideas for Kids (+ Mom, too!)
Activities and Crafts
Keep those hands busy! From fort building and hide-and-seek, to crafts and dance parties, here’s a list of rainy day activities that feel relevant in this metaphoric rain. Additionally, try some of these craft ideas, including some with recycled toilet paper rolls (too soon?). Check out these ideas for creating sensory play at home, too. Get creative with your own spring themes.
Apps
As parents we want to do our best to limit screen time, but if some of you are working from home with children at home, that might be easier said than done. There are many apps available for educational purposes — so we can feel better about using those. Check out these app recommendations. Bonus: there are some ideas for mom to enjoy, too.
Baking
There’s something comforting about the kitchen. Invite your kids to join you for an afternoon of baking. Try some of our favorite cookie recipes, including the “most perfect” chocolate chip cookies. If you are looking for something simple, try these cake mix cookies.
Board Games
While this was originally written as a gift guide, consider it a gift to yourself as you look for new family games to play while stuck at home.
Cleaning and Organization
With extra time at home, you may find yourself looking for some ways to stay busy. Check out these mom hacks for cleaning and organizing, closet specific organizing, and spring cleaning tips. Consider putting these methods into play at your house. Better yet, enlist some of your kids to help execute.
Podcasts
Looking for something to listen to? Here are seven podcasts by moms to add to your playlist, along with another list of a local mom’s ten favorite podcasts.
Reading
Books are a great way to pass the time for both you and your family. While you may be hesitant to visit your local library, or favorite book story there are many reading apps available to bring your favorite books or must-reads right to your finger tips, including a free digital catalog available to Johnson County residents.
In addition to apps, we have many reading recommendations from our writers — Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature after all.
- Reading Harry Potter with your Kids
- Books for Tough Conversations
- Board Books for Babies
- Children’s Books Ages 2-5
- 7 Books to Add to Your Kids’ Collection
- A Feminist Booklist for All Ages
- 16 Cozy Winter Book Read-Alouds
- 8 First Chapter Books Read-Alouds
And for mom, here are some resources and lists to find your next read, in addition to recommended parenting books and cook books.
TV and Streaming
These kids programs come highly recommended from a mom who’s been at it for 17 years (and counting!). If you have older kids at home, these live-action recommendations are for you.
If you haven’t taken the plunge on Disney+, here are some reasons why one local mom did. Plus, Frozen II is available. Now may be the time to consider it . . .
And of course, we won’t leave you hanging, mom. Here are some shows worth-revisiting and some YouTube recommendations for you (best part they are free!).
Did we miss anything? Share your indoor and home activities in the comments below!
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