During this period of self-isolation, you might be running out of ideas to keep your children entertained, especially if it’s raining! Time will fly while their attention is focused on these physical, fun or playful games.
Charades (4 and up)
On pieces of paper, write the names of different animals (or draw them if one of the participants cannot read). Then put all the pieces of paper in a bowl. Taking turns, pick an animal to mimic. Your opponents will have to guess! If you have a big family, you can divide into teams.
Obstacle Course (3 and up)
In one or more rooms of the house, prepare an obstacle course that each child will have to race through faster and faster. Remember to time each participant’s performance. Use everything you have on hand to create the itinerary. Have them crawl under chairs, walk on a rope spread on the ground while keeping their balance, jump over the cushions, do a pirouette on the couch, throw a ball through a hoop, walk on tiptoes…
Guess that Smell (4 and up)
Tie a blindfold over a family member’s eyes making sure they can’t see anything. Then have them smell an item of food or an object: they will have to guess what it is. You can try a candle, popcorn, a bar of soap, flowers, a favourite stuffed toy, modelling clay, vinegar, fresh orange peels, hand cream, cinnamon sticks, etc.
Chalk Paths (3 and up)
The weather is nice, but your kids still haven’t found anything to do outside. If your driveway is paved, you can draw chalk paths that weave, wind and overlap. They will be able to ride their bikes, scooters or run along these roads. Add obstacles such as tree branches or animal figurines so they can develop their resourcefulness by avoiding them.
Floating Feather (3 and up)
You can play this game if you have a feather or an object at home that contains feathers such as a pillow, cushion or duvet. The object of the game is to not let it touch the ground and you can’t use your hands, you can only blow to keep it in the air. The feather will flutter from one end of the room to the other. You’ll all end up laughing uncontrollably.
Treasure Hunt (4 and up)
Plan a treasure hunt using paper clues. You should adapt the clues’ level of difficulty to the children’s ages. Here are some ideas: “The next clue is under the object where you have sweet dreams” (the child’s bed); “I’m covered in mud, where should I go?” (in the bathtub); or, “The next clue is in a box you love in the morning” (a cereal box). As for the treasure, it can simply be a plate of sweets.
Go Camping … in the Living Room (2 and up)
Sleeping in the living room (or any other room of the house other than the bedroom) is all it takes to get the little ones exited. If you have a tent and sleeping bags, set them up in an unusual location. No camping equipment? No problem! Build a cabin using sheets, blankets and furniture. A flashlight, books, a movie on the tablet and marshmallows and they have all they need to have an unforgettable time in their secret fort.
Just to Say I Love You
The rug rats probably miss their friends and family. They can prepare a gift for them to send by mail. It could be a letter, a drawing, or a craft that will be a token of their affection. And these packages will put a smile on the recipient’s face!
Live Performances
In order to bring a little joy to people’s hearts during this time of social distancing, several people have decided to entertain children online. For example, storytellers read a tale every night before bedtime, live from their home. Beloved children’s characters like Arthur L’aventurier and Ari Cui-Cui also offer live performances on platforms like Facebook.
And don’t forget this one important thing: for your children, spending all this time with you is the real pleasure. Everything will be okay!