50+ Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids to Ease the Burden of Social Distancing

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As we navigate these challenging times, it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected families around the world. Lockdowns and social distancing measures have left many children feeling isolated and frustrated. Even those who typically enjoy their own company crave interaction, whether it’s a weekly visit from grandparents or a fun day at the park. While shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger do their best to address these feelings, they can’t solve everything. With months of limited social interaction, keeping your little ones happy is essential. Here are over 50 fantastic social distancing activities designed to lift their spirits and keep them entertained.

Even when a coronavirus vaccine becomes widely available, returning to normal will take time. Thankfully, introducing some fresh and enjoyable activities can help distract kids from their circumstances. These ideas range from solo activities to options for socially distanced playdates. Some of the activities may require coordination with another parent, but the joy they bring your child will be worth it!

Looking for more ways to keep your kids engaged indoors? Check out our pages on indoor games, staycation ideas, and fort-building fun!

Social Distancing Activities for Toddlers

Toddlers may not fully grasp the changes in their routines, but they still need interaction. Set up video calls with family members and try these engaging activities:

1. Sticker Sorting: If your little one is learning about colors, create a sorting game using colorful dot stickers on matching sheets of paper.
2. Tower Stacking: Encourage your toddler to stack various objects while sharing the experience through a video call. Their laughter will be contagious!
3. Ribbon Tugging Box: Create a simple tugging box with ribbons for a fun and educational distraction.
4. Lacing Cards: Make your own lacing cards for fine motor skills development. Decorating them can also be a fun activity!
5. Obstacle Course: Set up a mini obstacle course in your living room or backyard using safe items for your toddler to navigate.

Social Distancing Games for Little Kids

As children grow, they begin to miss their friends more. Here are some games to play via video calls or in larger outdoor spaces:

1. Sound Guessing Game: Kids can mimic sounds for others to guess, whether it’s animal noises or everyday objects.
2. Coloring Together: Print multiple copies of coloring pages for a virtual coloring date with friends.
3. Sand Bin Letter Tracing: Use sand in plastic containers for letter tracing, allowing for individual or shared play.
4. Simon Says: A classic game that can be played online or outdoors with designated spaces for each child.
5. Follow the Leader Dance Party: Host a dance party where kids can take turns leading the moves.
6. Hide & Seek: Play a modified version by hiding objects instead of people, making it a fun challenge.
7. Kickball: Keep it safe with a no-contact tagging rule.
8. Popcorn Storytime: Kick off an imaginative storytelling session where each child contributes to the tale.

Activities for Bigger Kids

As kids enter their pre-teen and teen years, they might require more creativity to keep engaged. Here are some ideas to encourage safe social interactions:

1. Jump Rope: Perfect for keeping distance while having fun—consider getting everyone their own rope.
2. Noodle Tag: Hand out pool noodles for a fun twist on tag.
3. Outdoor Kickball: A great way to engage in physical activity while maintaining distance.
4. Scavenger Hunts: Kids can create clues for friends to find items around their home or yard.

Additional Fun Activities

1. Rock Painting: Paint rocks to leave for others to find outdoors.
2. Draw Together: Set up a still life or draw each other for a creative challenge.
3. Crafts: Get crafty with various DIY projects to keep their hands busy.
4. Virtual Museum Tours: Explore museums online for a fun educational experience.
5. Wild Kingdom at Home: Enjoy live streams from zoos and learn about animals.
6. Nap Time: Encourage rest with cozy pillow forts for those much-needed breaks.
7. Secret Handshake: Create a fun, non-touching handshake that can become a special tradition.
8. Couch Culture: Have a family movie night or binge-watch kid-friendly films.

These activities can help bring joy and connection to your kids’ daily lives during these tough times. If you’re interested in more resources, you might want to check out this informative post on home insemination kits. Also, for those looking to boost fertility, Make A Mom offers great insights. And for anyone curious about the IVF process, this resource is an excellent read.

In summary, keeping kids engaged during social distancing is crucial. With a variety of fun activities, from games to crafts and virtual interactions, you can help maintain their spirits while ensuring they stay safe.