Got a 9-year-old who's bored out of their mind at home? No sweat! We've got you covered with some super fun and easy activities that'll keep them busy and smiling.
Whether it's pouring outside or you're just looking for some cool indoor fun, these ideas are perfect for your little ball of energy.
Let's jump into some awesome stay-at-home activities that are sure to entertain and delight!
1. Family bonding activities
Family bonding activities, like massages, can help kids manage their emotions.Spend some quality time with family bonding activities through "A Story for the Brave" in Storybook app. You can guide your children in activities that allow them to express their emotions creatively. Try it today! 👀⬇️
These activities are perfect for creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. For more ideas, check out our guide on stress relief activities for kids.
2. DIY Crafts
Unleash the inner Picasso with some DIY crafts! From making friendship bracelets to creating cool paper mache projects, there's no limit to what they can make.
How about crafting your own slime? Or designing custom t-shirts with fabric markers? And let's not forget scrapbooking – it's a fancy word for gluing stuff into a book. Let their imagination run wild!
3. Educational activities
Learning can be a blast too! Try out some cool science experiments, math puzzles, or even an entertaining story that you can listen to with your child and learn together.
Try the story “Einstein and Relativity” from the Storybook App, which tells the story of the universe as we remember Einstein and explains the theory of relativity. You can try it today!
4. Indoor games
Time to turn the living room into a fun zone! Think scavenger hunts, board games, or even a classic game of hide and seek. Or get creative and make your own family trivia game. How about an indoor carnival with different game stations? Boredom doesn't stand a chance!
5. Physical exercises
Got a ball of energy on your hands? Set up an indoor obstacle course, do some kid-friendly yoga, or have a dance-off right in the living room. Balloon volleyball, jump rope challenges, or simple stretching exercises – it's all about keeping active and having fun. Plus, who doesn't love a good dance party?
6. Music and dance
Let's get groovy! Learn a new instrument, have a karaoke session, or just dance like nobody's watching. Explore different music genres, create your own songs, or have a family dance competition. Music and dance are perfect for expressing creativity and staying active.
7. Cooking and baking
Time to play chef! Let them help out in the kitchen with some cooking and baking. Simple recipes like cookies, cupcakes, or even DIY pizza can be a ton of fun. Not only do they learn basic cooking skills, but they also get to enjoy some tasty treats. It's a win-win!
8. Science experiments
Got a little Einstein at home? Channel their inner scientist with some at-home science experiments. From erupting volcanoes to making slime, these activities are both fun and educational. Try DIY lava lamps, grow crystals, or even make simple circuits. Who knew science could be so cool?
9. Reading and writing activities
Encourage a love for reading and writing. Have them start a journal, write a short story, or dive into a new book series. Create a cozy reading nook or start a family book club. Writing prompts and creative writing exercises can spark their imagination and storytelling skills.
10. Puzzle-solving
Challenge their minds with some puzzle-solving. Jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, and logic games are great ways to keep them entertained and thinking. Crosswords, Sudoku, or even creating your own puzzles can be a fun way to develop problem-solving skills. Who doesn't love a good brain workout?
11. Gardening
Got a green thumb? If you have a small garden or even some pots, let them try their hand at gardening. Planting seeds, watering plants, and watching them grow can be really rewarding. Start a small herb garden or grow flowers indoors. It's a great way to teach responsibility and plant care.
12. Virtual field trips
Take them on an adventure without leaving the house! Explore museums, zoos, and even outer space online. Google Arts & Culture offers virtual tours of famous landmarks and museums. You can also find virtual safaris and underwater explorations – it's like traveling the world in your pajamas!Need more ideas for keeping your kids entertained? Plus, if your child is dealing with social anxiety, we have tips on how to help a child with social anxiety and different types of meditations to try.
How can I incorporate learning into daily play for my child?
Incorporating learning into daily play can be both fun and effective. Here are some creative ways to blend education with playtime:
- Building blocks: Teach math concepts through stacking and building.
- Treasure hunts: Improve reading skills by setting up clues and finding hidden items.
- Educational toys: Use puzzles and board games to teach problem-solving, strategy, and teamwork.
- Everyday activities: Incorporate learning in cooking and gardening to teach math, science, and responsibility.
- Storytime: Read stories together, discuss them afterward, and engage in role-play to enhance language skills and social development.
- Arts and crafts: Teach colors, shapes, and fine motor skills through creative projects.
- Music and dance: Improve memory and coordination while having fun and being expressive.
- Interactive learning: Engage in science experiments, DIY projects, and cooking to keep their minds active and make learning enjoyable.
How long will these activities keep my child entertained?
The duration of entertainment depends on the activity and your child's interests. Simple crafts or short games might last 20-30 minutes, while more involved projects could keep them engaged for an hour or more. Mixing short and long activities throughout the day can help maintain their interest.
Children's attention spans vary. A 9-year-old might focus on one activity for 30-60 minutes before needing a change. Pay attention to their cues and switch activities if they start to lose interest.
Scheduling breaks and downtime is essential. Continuous play can lead to burnout, so allow time for rest, snacks, and unstructured play. This balance keeps them refreshed and ready for more activities, ensuring they stay engaged and happy!
Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
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