Running out of ideas to keep the kids occupied at home? Try some of these fun activities to fuel imagination and creativity, while keeping the kids busy and entertained.

1. Build a Fort

Forts are a favorite for all ages! Get out your extra sheets, pillows, blankets, and chairs. Work with your kids to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to decide where and how to build the fort, and its purpose. Will it be a special place to play board games or read books? A tea party house? A castle or fortress? The options and fun are endless!

2. Not a Box

Inspired by the classic children’s book, Not a Box by Antoinette Portis, pull out as many boxes as you can plus markers, scissors, and other decorative materials. Encourage your kids as they imagine all the different things you can make with a box. And then let them transform their ideas into life as they create something that is not-a-box.

3. Create Your Own Gym

Missing your time at the Y? We miss you, too. There are many fun and creative ways to transform your home, bedroom, or backyard into your own gym. Find items around the home to replace your weights, bands, and more. Working out with your kids will allow them to release energy and stress. The more involved you can make your child is in the planning and execution, the more excited and involved they will be!

4. Bake Together

Baking is a great teaching lesson that results in treats for the entire family. Let your kids’ imagination craft up something they’re craving. Work together to find a recipe or craft up something new. The kids will have so much they won’t know that they are practicing math and science skills. Yum!

5. Sidewalk Chalk

This is an inexpensive and fun outdoor activity to get some fresh air! Write encouraging words for your neighbors, draw your own hopscotch or four-square courts, or simply express your creativity through the beauty of chalk.

6. Have a Picnic

Depending on where you live, you can do this inside or out. This is a fun way to get the kids involved in planning, setting up, and cleaning up the fun. Kids can help make sandwiches, prepare fruit, and assemble the beautiful picnic spread. Take this makeshift picnic time to play games like Would You Rather?, Twenty Questions, or other favorite games to get you talking, sharing, and connecting.