Things to do with kids at home

Here we go again! 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 and exploring. But while social distancing is essential, finding things to do with kids at home naturally follows.

Love Devon? Join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!

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 you can do in Devon over lockdown. There’s lots of ideas for places you can visit during lockdown to allow for responsible social distancing. Always check what’s open before you travel and stay local.

Here’s some things to do at home that we did during the first national lockdown and will be rolling out again at the weekends:

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

I 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 broadcasts.

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

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.

Keep fit as a family

One of the very best things about the series of workouts Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, did before the summer is that you can access them at any time. Catch up on his YouTube channel.

My kids also enjoy doing Cosmic Kids yoga.

Click and collect pottery

The Something Lovely pottery studio in Sidmouth, East Devon, is offering click and collect pottery kits that kids can do at home.

Make a garden

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 someone else take over. Astronauts from the International Space Station have a library of audio books for kids.

Go camping 

Unlike the first lockdown the weather isn’t really right for back garden camping, so pitch up indoors.

Sling a sheet over some chairs, grab a torch and brew some hot chocolate.

There’s some more tips for having a festival at home on my other blog, Tin Box Traveller.

Do some art

Devon artist Becky Bettesworth has created some free prints for you to download a colour, as has Visit Plymouth and the National Trust.

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 on a walk from home. There’s even certificates to be won!

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
• Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee – Helen is very much like me when it comes to crafts. She has pulled together lots of easy craft ideas for parents who hat crafting!

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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