things to do 2313

Parents may be feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty, daily news, quarantined kids at home, the prospect of homeschooling and more. San Diego Family is here to help parents navigate the new “norm”, which may be scary, but IS temporary. Here’s a list of unique things to do with kids, many of which double as educational activities. Don't miss the free, printable blank schedule below! Fill in with your own selected daily activities.

In the Kitchen (it’s math in disguise)

Have a cooking competition

Bake brownies

Enlist the kids’ help with dinner prep

Make creative snacks (get inspiration from “Snacking with Joy” posts at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-and-recipes

Fun, Educational Activities (writing, reading, STEAM)

Have a read-a-thon

Check out eBooks from the library

Write a gratitude list

Start a book club with friends (FaceTime each other to have book discussions)

Build with LEGOs

Go on an alphabet scavenger hunt (indoors or outside)

Do science experiments (find great ones at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/family-science)

Invest Time in Others

Write letters to friends & family

Write thank-you notes to healthcare workers, first responders and grocery store employees

FaceTime Grandma

Deliver cookies to the doorstep of an isolated neighbor

Write chalk messages on the sidewalk or driveway to encourage passersby (this counts as creativity and outdoor time as well!).

Take a Virtual Field Trip

Check out the live web cams at the San Diego Zoo: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

Take a virtual tour of the British Museum: https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

Explore Yosemite: www.virtualyosemite.org/

Be Creative 

Work on a scrapbook

Do arts & crafts (find tons of cute projects at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids)

Paint rocks with inspirational messages and place around the neighborhood for others to find

Get Outside

Breathe fresh air

Take a walk

Go for a hike

Lay on a blanket and watch clouds

Camp out in the backyard

Bonus Tech Time

Create a fun family video to share with friends

Have a PlayStation tournament

Playtime

Have a dance party

Plan a family pajama party

Organize a tea party

Designated Family Time

Build a fort and camp out in the living room

Watch a family-friendly movie

Play board games

Have a family check-in meeting or brainstorming session

Plan a vacation to look forward to in the future

Have the kids pick a few activities that sound fun and supplement with downtime or free play. Then print the blank fill-in-yourself daily schedule (below) and post where the kids can see it. It helps minimize confusion and questions about what to expect during the day. Try to make the most of this incredibly unique opportunity for togetherness!

daily schedule icon

_________

Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family. She’s working from home while quarantined with a graduate student and a Class of 2020 high school senior.

_________

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