Things to do with kids at home

So, here we are in the new ‘normal’. Spending time cooped up in the house is not my favourite thing to do. Especially as I usually work from home. Free time is all about getting outside. But while social distancing is essential, finding things to do with kids at home naturally follows.

There are plenty of homeschooling websites and support groups online, so I’m putting together some other resources for fun at home. Some of it even has a Devon twist.

Also take a look at my guide to outdoor activities in Devon that allow for responsible social distancing.

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Here’s some things to do at home that we’ll be trying out with our kids:

Have a go at our Devon quiz

I’ve put together a quiz about Devon’s people, places, food and history. Check out my facts about Devon for some hints or go straight to the quiz and try your luck. You can answer the questions online or download it to try offline with your family and friends.

Printable activities for kids

We have pulled together some Devon-themed printable activities for kids including word searches and colouring sheets. Download, print and enjoy!

Go to a virtual zoo

Zoo keepers are continuing to look after the animals in their care and some are giving virtual talks online. Check out the zoo webcams for Edinburgh and San Diego, and Cincinnati Zoo’s Facebook Live broadcasts.

Paignton Zoo is offering learning resources for primary aged children on its website.

Have reading books delivered

Some libraries are offering home delivery so you can mix up your story books. So far we have seen Exeter Library offering this service within 1.5 miles of them.

Bake some Devon treats

Nothing list the mood in our house quite like baking. Take a look at our collection of Devon recipes for inspiration.

Check out Devon webcams and virtual tours

Check out my posts about Devon webcams and virtual tours around the county. You can also visit South Devon beaches and North Devon beaches online.

Keep fit as a family

I love doing YouTube workouts with Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, and now you can do them with your kids. Joe is doing them live at 9am and you can catch up on his YouTube channel.

My kids have also been doing Cosmic Kids yoga.

Make a garden

We bought a trug before the big C kicked off and I think it’s going to play a big part in our days at home.

We have a small collection of herby plants, seeds and those Marks & Spenser seedling kits that they were giving away recently. Our neighbours passed us loads.

You can also buy packs of plug plants from Muddy Trowel. They can deliver in South Devon to the following postcodes: EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5, EX6, EX7, EX8, EX9, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL4, PL5, PL6, PL7, PL8, PL9, PL10, PL11, PL12, PL13, PL14, PL17, PL18, PL19, PL20, PL21, TQ1, TQ2, TQ3, TQ4, TQ5, TQ6, TQ7, TQ8, TQ9, TQ10, TQ11, TQ12, TQ13, TQ14.

The BBC have lots of ideas for gardening with kids including projects you can do indoors with things you might find in your kitchen cupboard.

Listen to a story

If you’ve exhausted your story books at home let a celeb take over. David Walliams is sharing stories from his collection and the astronauts from the International Space Station have a library of audio books for kids.

Go camping 

If you are lucky enough to have a garden and tent, pitch it for your own mini-festival. If you don’t have a tent, use a beach shelter.

And if the weather is rubbish then a good old fashioned sheet slung over some chairs in your lounge will do the job. You can always retreat to the comfort of you bed if the Devon weather fails you – that’s corona-glamping!

Here’s our tips for having a festival at home on my other blog, Tin Box Traveller.

Watch a show

Some theatre shows are being streamed online for free. In the family-friendly genre I’ve spotted Wind in the Willows which might help breakup your kids’ usual TV favourites. Let me know if you see any others.

Do some art

Devon artist Becky Bettesworth has created some free prints for you to download a colour.

Other colouring templates are available from artist Johanna Basford.

Take a really wild challenge

The RSPB Wild Challenge is something you can do at in a garden or out on your daily work from home. There’s even certificates to be won!

Spot rainbows and bears

This is a happy phenomenon sweeping the country. Families are putting a teddy or rainbow in their window for others to spot while walking in the neighbourhood.

You can make this as elaborate as you like (Pinterest has plenty of inspiration) and practice responsible social distancing from your front door.

Here’s the Devon Chase The Rainbow Facebook group.

Get crafty 

I’m not the craftiest person and struggle with ideas myself. But when you are looking for things to do with kids at home this has to be pretty high up the list.

Here’s some websites that give you easy guides to creating amazing arts and crafts with kids:

• Rainy Day Mum – Cerys has loads of activities to do with kids indoors and in any outdoor space you might have
• Museum Mum – Vyki is sharing where you can find virtual museum tours
• Five Minute Mum – Daisy has lots of ideas for games to play with little kids
• Red Ted Art – Maggie shares easy crafts to do with children
• Mum in the Mad House – Jen has so many ideas for things to do with kids of all ages on her blog

Find free printable crafts activity sheets on Pipity.

I can also recommend the Corona Lock Down Parents Activity Support Group on Facebook. This has soooo many ideas for parents.

Virtual travel

If you’re getting travel withdrawal symptoms then take a look at this round up of virtual getaways and days out.

Lonely Planet has shared virtual tours of world wonders, museums and national parks.

What activities will you be doing with your kids at home in Devon?

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