33 ways to entertain the kids at home
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon
Everywhere we currently go, whether we’re looking or not, there’s talk about the Coronavirus and it’s causing a lot of unrest. We’re in unprecedented times so it’s hard not to worry about the effects this will have on our everyday lives. Many European countries have already closed schools and are on lockdown. I do think that schools over here in the UK will eventually be following suit – sooner rather than later.
Having the boys at home for weeks on end is going to be hard – especially if we are going to be confined within our four walls without being able to go out somewhere for a change of scenery. I will also be working from home so it will be a real juggle to keep them happy and to make sure I get my work done.
I have been trying to organise and prepare for when this happens by stocking up on resources that will hopefully help them have some kind of routine each day. There’s been a Covid-19 Daily Schedule that has been floating around on social media too.
Twinkl, a UK Educational resource are currently offering a one-month membership for FREE so that we can continue to our children’s education during school closures. All you have to do is head over to www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and enter the code PARENTSTWINKLSHELPS
Here are 33 ways to entertain the kids at home
1. Grow your own crystals
We used a kit that we were gifted recently and E was very happy with the results.
2. Hatch Aqua Dragons
These are live aquatic creatures which you can grow at home and learn all about their life cycle.
3. Set a reading challenge
Reading doesn’t have to be just books – it can be any form of media. Create a checklist for the kids to go through.

4. Play board games
Dig out the board games. We have a whole stack of them including three different types of Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo and Yahtzee and more.

5. Create your own board game
This would be good for older children. Have them come up with their own board game idea which they can then make and play.
6. Play card games
There many card games you can teach your children to play from a simple game of Concentration or Snap to Rummy.
7. Have an indoor or outdoor Nerf battle

8. Print out puzzles like word searches/crosswords
9. Get them to do workbook exercises
We use CGP workbook which we have purchased on Amazon.
10. Set them a craft project to create
Let them loose on your craft bits and see what they come up with
11. Have an Art competition
Compete with everyone in your household and see who can come up with the best masterpiece
12. Raise Butterflies
See caterpillars turn into butterflies and help raise and feed them at home with a Butterfly Garden kit.
13. Set up a marble run
14. Build a Den
15. Build a train track
We have enough track to be able to build a track that goes around the whole of our downstairs!

16. Learn to make Origami figures
We bought origami paper from Amazon and looked for things to make online
17. Create a fact book of their favourite hobby/character
18. Science experiments
Create some with everyday household items

19. Learn to make your own musical instrument
there a lots of ideas here
20. Create a portrait gallery
Draw/paint everyone in your family and create a gallery wall
21. Buy some seeds and grow watercress
22. Help with gardening
See some more ideas to keep kids active in the garden here
23. Set up a Hot Wheels Track and race

24. Have a dress-up party
25. Set up a disco complete with flashing lights and make your own playlist
26. Write and illustrate their own story
27. Toilet roll crafts
We always keep our toilet roll holders for crafts projects. Now is the perfect time to get creative with them. We’ve just bought this book for ideas.
28. Bake cakes/cookies and cakes
29. Get out the Play Doh or Kinetic sand
31. Make your own Salt Dough crafts.
They could be themed to decorate the house with. There are lots of ideas in this post.
32. Set up a scavenger or treasure hunt
33. Make a LEGO creation
Bonus: Build a Tech
For kids who are interested in computers, robotics, and software, let them build their own using build-a-tech kits. A kit will contain all the materials they need to build a robot, electronic, or software. It also usually includes educational videos, guides, and further information to help your child complete the project successfully and understand the concepts behind it.
I hope you find these ideas useful. I will no doubt be using these over the coming weeks. If you have any ideas that are not on this list please do let me know and I will add them on.
Pin it for later:


![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)




