40 Ways to Entertain Children and Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic

I’m pretty sure by now you’ve heard about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (global outbreak of disease). A little background: This is an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and  has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The WHO (World Health Organization) has deemed this a public health emergency of international concern.  COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases and community spread have been detected in most countries worldwide. Due to it’s rapid spread nature, causing a surge of respiratory illnesses,  the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has recommended preventing the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing. Below I will provide 40 Ways to Entertain Children and Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic.

This has caused many businesses to have employees work from home, and children stay home from school. I’m here to help answer The big question: “What am I gonna do with these kids being home every day? and what am I gonna do for myself?” After much online reviews and recommendations from some of my favorite parent groups, I’ve put together a list of ways to entertain the family  during social distancing.

Ways To Entertain Children:

*Parental supervision needed

1. Read books
2. Bake some goodies *
3. Make homemade hand soap *
4. Take a virtual dance class or do mindful movements (ie. GoNoodle app)
5. Do a S.T.E.A.M. project*
6. Play board games, puzzles, Play – Do
7. Get some screen time whether its watching TV or doing activities on a tablet
8. Create a fort (or some structure) with building blocks or LEGOS
9. Put together a time capsule
10. Build an obstacle course
11. Write a letter to grandparents
12. Collect rocks and paint them
13. Put on a play
14. Play hide and go seek
15. Go on a scavenger hunt around the home
16. Make slime*
17. Have a puppet show
18. Decorate a plain t – shirt (with fabric markers or tye dye)
19. Create jewelry with beads
20. Play Simon says

CLICK HERE for a giant list of free educational resources for children

CLICK HERE for a giant list of indoor activities for children

Ways To Entertain Parents:

1. Binge watch a TV Show or watch a movie
2. Unplug from the media and social media, and have a regular conversation
3. If you haven’t done so already, Do your taxes
4. Work on a home improvement project that you’ve been putting off
5. British Museum, London – virtual tour
6. Guggenhiem Museum, New York City – virtual tour
7. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC – virtual tour
8. Watch the Metropolitan Opera online
9. Read an article or book together and have a discussion
10. Do some yoga, exercise or meditation together
11. BONUS: Intimacy!

Ways to Entertain Your  Family:

1. FaceTime friends and family
2. Turn on some music and have a dance party
3. Go for a walk
4. Cook a meal together
5. Make it a family movie night
6. Make it a family game night
7. Watch old family videos and pictures
8. Tell scary or funny stories
9. Make a collage or scrapbook
10. Go camping indoors

I hope you guys find these resources useful. Remember, during this time of quarantine, it’s important to maintain preventive measures:

• Don’t panic
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Frequently clean and disinfect heavily touched surfaces
• Avoid contact with others who are sick
• If you’re experiencing cough, fever, and/or sneeze into your sleeve
• Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns
• Get your updates from trusted sources like the CDC or WHO

Stay safe guys,

Dr. G