With two kids at home, it’s no wonder I’m always on the lookout for ways to entertain children. Over the years, I’ve learned that children are much happier with unnecessary things you’re set to throw out than with the most pricey toy on the shelves of the store. So, if you have kids and don’t know how to entertain them without videogames and TV, check out the following ideas:
1. A blanket fort
Take a few blankets and help your child to create a blanket fort. Lay some blankets over the furniture in your child’s bedroom and use some clothespins or books to hold them in place. Crawl into your fort with several flashlights and a few good books and spend the evening reading to one another. You can also add a few sleeping bags for a fantastic overnight adventure. This is one of the best ways to entertain your child without relying on technology.
2. A magic box
Perhaps, it’s the easiest way to entertain your child without having to spend money. When you are a child, a cardboard box may be a great toy. You can entertain you child for hours if you give a good cardboard box to them. It can become a rocket ship, a car, an underwater grotto, or a cave with almost no effort. Just let your child color their magic box as they wish and they are sure to stay entertained the whole evening.
More: 8 Things Every Mother Desires for Her Kids
3. Fill up your bathtub
If you have a little kid, they will definitely enjoy sitting in the warm water (make sure the water is not hot) and pouring water in and out of measuring cups, bowls, water bottles, spoons, and egg separators. If your child is older, they can give their doll or stuffed animal a bath. They can also build a soap tower using the bubble bath.
4. The entertaining, recycling bin
The recycling bin is incredibly entertaining for children. Obviously, you should throw away anything with glass, sharp edges, and anything that can be dangerous for kids. Give your child a strawberry basket or an oatmeal container and they will turn it into something fabulous and entertaining. Cereal boxes and milk cartons are other great items. If it is warm outside, your child can use all those containers to build a sand castle in your backyard.
5. Digging
Digging in the dirt is something any child enjoys doing. My little ones like it and I’ve decided to dedicate a whole corner of the backyard for them to dig anytime they want. Give your child a trowel or large spoon and let them dig. I like burying some pennies for my kids to discover. Give it a try, too. Your child will have a lot of fun, I promise.
More: 7 Important Reasons to Involve Your Children in Daily Routines
6. Fabric scraps
Since I’m fond of sewing, I have a few bins full of leftover fabrics which I use to entertain my kids. If you also have some leftover fabrics, give them to your child when they get bored. Your child can make pillows and blankets for their dolls and stuffed animals. Or, maybe your kid is creative enough to create some mini masterpieces.
7. Make your own movie
Kids like watching themselves on tape so why not make your own movie? You can use a toy camera and pretend that you record video. Or, you can use your smartphone to make a movie to entertain the whole family later. Have your child rehearse a short play or song, and then record it. You and your husband will have as much fun as your child will.
Sometimes it’s hard to entertain kids, but with a little creativity you will keep them entertained until dinnertime. How do you usually entertain your children without TV, videogames and computers? Which of these ideas do you want to try?
