Whether your a full-time homemaker or work outside the home, being a parent is no easy task. There are days when you feel like a rampaging “no monster” and others when you’ve got your nose to the grindstone checking off To-Dos. With so much on your plate, it can be tricky coming up with fun activities to do with your kids. But it’s definitely worth the effort! According to the article “The Importance of Play: Having Fun Must be Taken Seriously,” emotional control, social competency, personal resiliency and curiosity accrue through developmentally appropriate play experiences.”
Not sure where to begin? Here are 31 ideas for being a fun parent to get you going!
-
- Make paper airplanes. Who knew a simple sheet of paper could be so much fun? Check out Fold ‘N Fly’s Easy to Expert paper plane tutorials and print-outs.
- Learn card tricks. You can either learn card tricks solo to amaze your kids or learn them together. Either way, it is guaranteed to be a good time!
- Have an impromptu dance party. The sillier the better!
- Build a pillow fort. An Architect’s Tips for Turning the Living Room into an Epic Pillow Fort is a great resource for getting started.
- Have a picnic. This can be in your living room, at the park, or in your backyard. Whatever the location, it’s a fun change of pace!
- Doorbell ditch a plate of treats. Not only will it get everyone’s heart pumping, but it’s a great act of service.
- Wash your car. A chore that’s actually fun! Children love playing in the water and getting the car exterior sudsy. Plus, you get a clean car to boot!
- Visit the library. Not only a great place for books, but public libraries are often venues for free events!
- Make and fly a kite. Don’t let the kids in Mary Poppins have all the fun! My-Best Kite features tutorials on everything from simple to elaborate kites.
- Visit a local museum. Even a small town is bound to have a little museum tucked away somewhere!
- Bake and decorate sugar cookies. EatingWell consulted professional bakers and decorators to compile a list of 10 Genius Cookie Decorating Hacks Your Kids Can Easily Master.
- Plant a garden. Whether its a few herbs growing on a window sill or a vegetable patch outside, this long term activity can bring hours of fun and lots of hands-on learning experiences to boot.
- Go to the park. An oldie but a goodie.
- Let your kid choose and help make dinner or dessert. Children love to help prepare food…and make a mess 🙂 Take a look at FoodNetwork’s Kid-Friendly Recipes for inspiration.
- Share your musical talent. Anything from playing the guitar, singing, or rocking the kazoo can turn an ordinary day into a memorable one.
- Have a tea, hot chocolate, or milk party. Dressing up in fancy or silly clothes and drinking from fancy cups adds a little sparkle to the day. You can even serve your beverages with tea sandwiches and biscuits!
- Bubbles! Bubbles are always a good time and you can easily find them at the dollar store or make your own.
- Story time! There are always fun books to be found at your local library. Holding story time outside or in a pillow fort can make the occasion extra special.
- Have an electronic device-free day. For you, that means no checking emails, scrolling through Pinterest, or binging on Netflix. For your kid, no games on your phone or television shows. Put your electronic devices down and give each other some undivided attention!
- Go for a walk. Even a simple trip down the street can be great fun! It’s a chance to get some fresh air, sunshine, and to move around.
- Make slime. A super fun, tactile experience that’s sure to win some giggles. Here’s a recipe to help you make your own.
- Make flower origami. Use them to decorate your child’s bedroom or give away as gifts.
- Stop for a treat after running errands. Running errands is tiring for everyone, especially young children. Surprise your little one with a treat after a long shopping trip!
- Water balloon fight. Kids love throwing things and water. Combine the two in an epic water balloon battle!
- Give your kid a glow stick lit bath. You can either hang the glow sticks throughout the bathroom or let them float in the water. Don’t forget to turn off the light!
- Roll your child into a blanket burrito. Simple and inexpensive, this activity abounds with giggles and helps release the wiggles.
- Chalk drawings. Trace your child’s silhouette or draw a flower garden. It’s a creative way to enjoy a beautiful day.
- Go for a swim. Not only is swimming a good skill for any child to develop, but a dip in the pool or lake is a great way to cool off in the summer!
- Jump in puddles together. Why should kids have all the fun? Put on some galoshes and jump in every puddle you can find!
- Play hide-and-seek. A perfect game for when it’s too cold or wet to go outdoors. And, it doesn’t cost you a thing!
- Look for cloud animals. Not only is it a relaxing way to spend time together, but your child gets to work his imagination muscles as he searches the skies for shapes he recognizes.
