The Ultimate Activity List to Survive Home Quarantine
Well 2020 has been a year to remember…already.
You’re most likely being ordered to STAY HOME during this COVID-19 crisis and wondering what in the world to do now?!
Or maybe you’ve done ALL the things and need a few more ideas and activities for yourself, the kids or your family. If so, I’ve made an ULTIMATE list of things to do while quarantined. There’s options for EVERYONE!
I hope you enjoy any and all of them!
1. SCAVENGER HUNT
This is a super easy activity and the kids love it! Create a list of things for your kids to find using words or pictures (depending on their age). I find that pictures are easier with littles. This can be done inside or outside the house as a “nature walk.” It’s a great activity to get those eyes off the screen!
2. OBSTACLE COURSE
This is another great one to rid the kids of that excess quarantined energy (ya know the wild sugar-high type of energy). This one requires a tiny bit of work on your end because you have to build or arrange it, but it’ll pay off later! Check out our obstacle course here!
3. MAKE PUPPETS
Use old socks or get crafty with brown paper bags. The kids will love making them just as much as the puppet show itself!
4. BAKE TREATS!
My kids never say no to baking treats (or anything for that matter). They really enjoy helping us cook. Our faaavorite is to bake these Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins. We highly recommend them, especially for those with food allergies! Visit post- here.
5. CREATE ART
If you feel you or the kids have been having a little too much screen time, maybe take a break and reinforce the creative outlets! Paint on paper or canvas, learn to draw, and get crafty! Youtube is a great resource with tons of videos to watch if you need a starting point.
6. BOX PLAY X3
Instead of tossing those old boxes, use them for activities! Here’s a few ideas for you:
Race Cars: Help the kids decorate the boxes with markers, stickers, paint, and other trinkets. Name your race car and push them around the house!d You can also cut holes in the bottom for them to stand in so they can run around. Happy racing!
Mini Town: First unfold the boxes completely. Tape down flaps so it is flat. Get creative and help them draw your town on the box. Include your house, roads, the store, police and fire stations, hospitals, ice cream parlor, parks, etc. My kids love using their hot wheel cars to drive around on it.
Mini Home- A bigger box is best for this activity. Place the box on its side so the flaps are the “doors.” Again, the kids can decorate the boxes with markers, stickers, paint, and other trinkets to make it their own!
7. EXERCISE
If you’re getting those quarantine blues, endorphines are what you need! Home workouts are #trending right now so the options are endless. You can do tons of equipment free workouts and programs or get outside for some fresh air! Remember, a workout a day helps keep the blues away!
8. FACETIME FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Staying connected with family and friends is necessary during this time. If you don’t have the ability to Facetime, there’s still tons of virtual options to “see” your people. Here’s a list of just a few: Duo, Zoom, Google Meet or Google Hangouts, and House Party are a few that we’ve personally used!
9. HAVE AN INDOOR (or outdoor) PICNIC
Who doesn’t love a nice picnic? When it comes to staying home, this might just break up your day a bit more, especially when you feel like you’re living in the kitchen (I know I do).
10. GARDEN
Go green! I personally enjoy this activity even when it’s not a time of quarantine. There’s just something about getting your hands dirty, planting some fresh fruits and veggies, and putting in new flowers that say, hello Spring. So it’s time to clean up the yard or rekindle those indoor plants!
11. AT HOME CAMPING
If you’re adventurous and outdoorsy, you’re probably missing those camping trips and fresh scents. Well, why not bring that fun to your backyard or living room?! Get that tent and sleeping bag out, grab some s’mores and get started on your makeshift camping trip.
12. SPRING CLEAN
Keep productivity high- Go through old clothes, declutter the house, reorganize your fridge, pantry or other drawers, clean out the garage, etc. If you’re really bored, you can also take this time to do some deep cleaning. Not the most fun, but hey it’s a way to keep those germs and viruses far away!
13. HAVE A DANCE PARTY
Alexa, play Dance Monkey. We do this on the daily! It’s fun and silly and the kids love it!
14. SCRAPBOOK
Scrapbooking is a fun creative hobby that also produces something so special!
15. POTTY TRAIN (if it’s close to that time)
When you start potty-training, you’re basically bound to the home for a solid few days so why not start while on a shelter in place order?! Just make sure you are truly prepared and have a game plan in mind.
16. VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
If you’re looking for something fun and educational, virtual field trips are perfect! Click the link below for kid friendly “trips.” Get exploring!
17. BUILD AN EPIC FORT
What kid doesn’t love a good fort? Seriously, its basically a jackpot! Forts are even better on a rainy day. Grab some sheets and blankets and get to work!
18. CHALK IT UP
Chalk provides a fun and creative outlet for the littles. Jump in the fun and help them draw hop-scotch, roads for them to follow, and any of their favorite things!
19. DECORATE FOR SPRING
Brighten up your home and get some spring décor up! Or, rearrange your furniture for a fresh new feel!
20. DATE NIGHT IN
Just because you can’t go out, doesn’t mean you can’t have a date night with your hunny. Get dressed, get ready, light some candles, watch a favorite movie, talk and reconnect, play board games, cook dinner together, etc. Just be advised, quarantine baby boom is expected to take place in 9 months 😉
21. HAND WRITE A LETTER TO SOMEONE- send it!
Hand written letters seem so outdated these days, but I’m honestly a huge fan. When we’re forced to be hundreds of miles from loved ones a hand-written letter can bring an immense amount of comfort. Take the time. Be intentional. Write a friend or loved one. Send it.
22. KARAOKE PARTY
Time to warm up those vocal cords and let loose! Hop on youtube if you don’t have a karaoke machine and type in your favorite songs to sing! This is a must for any family gathering of mine. It never disappoints!
23. LIP SYNC BATTLES
Performance time! If you aren’t quarantined with family or friends, this one can easily be done virtually!
24. SPA DAY AT HOME
Self care proves its benefits and importance time and time again. So if you’re missing the spa days (I know I am) here’s a few ideas for a perfect day of self-care. Put on a face mask. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Do a hair treatment. Take a bubble bath with essential oils. Read, journal or catch up on a favorite hobby!
25. MAKE POPSICLES
My kids won’t say no to popsicles. Instead of loading them up on high fructose corn syrup, I would prefer something a bit more healthy. First, you’ll need popsicle molds. I ordered these. Next, I gather different fruits, blend each one and then pour it into the mold. You can layer them on top of each other for a rainbow-like popsicle too! Then freeze and vuala! Healthy. Satisfying. Toddler approved. Mother approved.
26. WRITE A SONG OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
Get those creative juices flowing write your story. Sing your feelings. Beat the drum. Share your experiences. Belt it out.
27. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
If this has always been a goal of yours, now is the best time to start with the basics. Or maybe you’re that bored?! Either way, download a language app (duolingo or babble) and start your new language!
28. CREATE A STORYBOOK
Again, if you need some creative outlets, a storybook will do just the thing! Grab some paper and colored pencils. Draw pictures, write a fun story or something they are currently learning about. Then using either glue, tape or a stapler you can bind them together as a finished product!
29. MAKE A VIDEO!
Lights, camera, action! Enough said. Check out our quarantine video here!
30. WASH YOUR CAR
Stay productive friends. Those empty water bottles won’t throw themselves away.
31. MOVIE MARATHON
Ok, this one’s a given and you’ve most likely done it already. But now you don’t have to feel guilty about it! Grab the popcorn and snacks, snuggle up, and enjoy those slow lazy days!
32. GAME NIGHT
Game nights are one of the best ways to bond with the fam. They bring so much fun, laughter and conversation. Building memories is what life is all about. If it’s just you, maybe host a virtual game night with other family and friends! House party is a phone app that has built-in games if you need another option.
33. BREATH, MEDIATE, PRAY
Stay calm and breath. If you are quarantined with kids (like me), these are necessary tools in order to get through the day (or hour). It’s healthy and essential to be connected with your mind and body.
34. GO THROUGH OLD PHOTOS
Take a little stroll down memory lane. Get those old pictures out and reminisce. I love doing this because it really shows how quickly life passes, how fast kids grown, and how far you’ve come in the journey of life. It’s a perfect quarantine activity and can bring you back in the moment.
35. JOURNAL
We’re living in a unique time. Definitely one for the history books. Document your experiences, thoughts and emotions. It can be a very healing and therapeutic process.
36. TIME CAPSULE
Get something that is memorable to you at this point in life (or write a letter to yourself), put it in a box and then bury or hide it away until you’re ready to open and rediscover!
37. CATCH UP ON THE BABY BOOK
Yep, we all know you’re a little behind (me included). Take the time to finish it. You’ll thank yourself later.
38. WRITE “FUTURE” LETTERS TO YOUR KIDS
I absolutely love the idea of having letters for my kids to open when they reach a certain age or point in life. Or maybe they need a personal letter from mom and dad now. It’s important for you kids to know how much they’re loved and a small act like this can go farther than you think.
39. TOY WASH STATION
Have kids that are water lovers? I know mine are! Gather a few bowls, fill them with dish soap (the more bubbles the better), and let the kids “wash” their trucks or plastic toys. Plus it disinfects them at the same time, which I’m a fan of!
40. HIDE AND SEEK IN THE DARK
If you need a fun night time activity, this is an awesome one! It just adds a little twist to the classic game of hide and seek. *Tip: give the seeker a flash light during their hun
I truly hope you and your loved ones are all doing well during this time. Thanks for reading and try not to go too insane!
♥ Jax
Let’s share out ideas! What activities can you add to this list? Comment below!