Being stuck at home with nothing to do can be a real drag for families. There’s only so many times you can binge SpongeBob or read Dr. Seuss before the kids start crying that they’re bored.
Metro Parent has spent years compiling fun ideas for families to do around the house — and to help you out even more, we’ve put all of those activity ideas together in this convenient spot so that you can bookmark it and look for craft or cooking inspiration, backyard fun when the weather is nice, indoor options when it’s not and much more.
Take a look and find something new for your kids to do and check back in often because we’ll be adding fresh content to it periodically.
Have fun!
Indoor Entertainment | Virtual Activities | Kid-Friendly Recipes | Books for Kids | Crafts and DIY projects | Fitness and Exercise | Backyard Fun
Indoor entertainment
Is the weather outside a bit frightful? These indoor ideas will help you shake up the fun that can be had inside your house including kid-friendly podcasts, new binge-worthy shows on streaming services like Disney+, Netflix and Hulu, tips for tea time, best forts to build and much more.
- Educational YouTube Channels for Kids to Watch
- Podcasts To Listen To With Your Kids
- Best ’80s Movies For Kids to Watch Today
- Best ’90s Movies for Kids to Watch
- Watch This, Do That Series
- Fun Board Games for Families to Play
- How to Build a Fort Indoors with Your Kids
- Cabin Fever Busters
- Best Family Movies and Shows That Just Hit Streaming Services
- Lava Lamp Experiment
- 9 Cool Science Experiments to Try at Home
- Six Classic Kids’ Games to Play With Your Family
- Building an Indoor Obstacle Course at Your House
Virtual activities
The great thing about living in the 21st century is that technology brings us closer together with our friends and family — even when we can’t physically be together — or enjoy an attraction in a far away place. Here are some ways that you can use the technology that you already have to keep the kids entertained at home.
- Virtual Family Vacations You Can Enjoy at Home
- Interactive Family Games to Try Over Video Chat
- Virtual Roller Coaster Rides
Kid-friendly recipes
Tired of takeout or the same old meals week after week? Add a little spice to your family’s food routine with a new recipe or two. Whether you’re looking for new ways to mix up breakfast, lunch or dinner, we’ve got you covered with unique recipes that your kids will love — including meatless, gluten-free and dessert ideas.
- Hidden Vegetable Recipes
- Hot Chocolate Bomb Recipes
- How to Bake Your Own Bread
- Easy and Healthy DIY Snack Recipes for Kids
- Yummy DIY Road Trip Snack Recipes
- Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Copycat Restaurant Recipes to Make at Home
- Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding from Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
- Fun Pizza Recipe Idea Kids Will Love
- Homemade Oreo Cookie Recipe From Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
- Recipe for Apple and Cherry Mini Pies for Pi Day
- Sloppy Josephines Recipe from Family Vegetarian Cookbook
- Blueberry Cheesecake Pop Recipe
- Gluten-Free Meals for Kids
- Coney Island Style Chili from 3-Step Slow Cooker Book
- Recipes for Vegetarian Sliders
Books for kids to read
Reading is a great hobby for kids to pick up. It helps them expand their imagination, vocabulary and other important skills, and it’s also an excellent way to keep them occupied while at home. If you need a few more books to add to your shelves, consider some of these options that you can check out of your local library or find at an independent bookstore.
- Michigan’s Top Librarian Shares Best Kids Books of The Year
- Books to Read During Black History Month
- 11 Children’s Books About Coronavirus
- Must-Read Books By Southeast Michigan Authors
- 10 Kids Books About U.S. Elections
- 14 Bilingual Picture Books for Kids
- 10 Children’s Books for Young Hamilton Fans
- Books to Help You Explain Racism to Kids
- Multicultural Children’s Books That Showcase Diversity
- Classic Children’s Books All Kids Should Read
- Elena Reads’ Diversity Books: A List of 20 Titles for Kids
- The Legend of Long Leg Larry
Crafts and DIY projects
A day at home can be the perfect opportunity for kids to tap into their creativity and make something out of common household items such as paper plates and toilet paper tubes. Take a look at some of these fun craft ideas, gather your supplies and spend the day making a masterpiece with your kids.
- 6 Easy Recycled Crafts to Try
- How to Make Your Own Flubber
- Free Coloring Book Pages for Kids
- How to Make Pony Bead Hearts
- How to Make a Mini Owl
- How to Build a Mini Snowman
- Rainbow Crafts for Kids
Fitness and exercise
One good way to pass the time at home is by doing a little bit of exercise or physical activity. While you probably won’t get the kids to participate in a family version of Buns of Steel, they might be more willing to join if you turn exercise into a game or activity — or who knows, maybe your kid will find a new hobby or love of yoga or running.
- Virtual Races to Add to Your Running Schedule
- Free Online Workouts To Keep Your Family Energized
- Yoga Poses for Kids: Three Moves to Try
- Ways to Make Family Walks More Fun
- 10 Easy Exercises for Kids That Are Fun and Effective
- Ways to Keep Kids Active Indoors
Backyard fun
Being home doesn’t mean you have to be indoors. If the weather is nice (or even if it’s not, kids like mud puddles) your backyard or neighborhood park can supply you with plenty of opportunities for family fun. Get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and quality time outdoors with these fun ideas.
- Summer Scavenger Hunt
- Holiday Scavenger Hunt
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt
- 30 Boredom-Busting Outdoor Winter Activities to Try With Kids
- Outdoor Fall Activities
- Backyard Pool Tips for Families
- 7 Steps for Backyard Camping Success
- Ways to Celebrate Earth Day from Home
- Old-Time Summer Fun Games for Kids
- Painted Rocks Craze in Southeast Michigan
