7 fun activities for keeping kids busy at home
Whether big or little, kids may find that time goes by slowly these days. Here are a few activities that are as entertaining as they are educational, so you can spend some quality family time together.
1. GET GARDENING!
The good weather is here—once again it’s time to start sowing seeds. There aren’t many things you’ll need to buy: some seeds, soil, and a few containers. For the seeds, you can collect ones from last year or order them online. You can also have your soil delivered. Start with simple flowers (marigolds, nasturtiums) and easy-to-grow vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes).
What containers should I use?
- Plastic berry containers: these transparent trays already come with holes and have a cover.
- Cardboard egg cartons: these are ideal because they keep in some moisture while allowing water to drain away.
- Yogurt containers: pierce a few holes in each container and you’re done!
3 important tips for successful sprouts
- Time: this can vary from one plant to another. The ideal time to start the seeds of most vegetables and plants is between the beginning of March and the end of April, but you can easily push back the date until May.
- Light: plan to put them close to a window, since seedlings need a lot of light. If possible, a southeast-facing window is best.
- Identification: write down the name of each plant—the perfect opportunity to work in a writing exercise!
5 steps for planting—it couldn’t be easier!
- Follow the recommendations provided on the seed packet.
- Fill your pots with soil, one centimetre from the rim, and level the surface by tapping gently.
- Distribute the seeds uniformly, without putting too many, then sift a soil mixture for seedlings on top of the seeds.
- Water the seeds by soaking the containers in water for 15 minutes, then cover them with plastic (such as another yogurt container turned upside-down).
- As soon as the seedlings appear, uncover the containers. Transplant the pot outdoors once the plant has two leaves.
2. DAY SPA AT HOME
Organize a spa day for the family—it’s perfect for anyone who needs to unwind! The day before, the whole family can join in the fun of preparing treatments and activities for your relaxing “day trip.”
A few activities to choose from
- Morning stretch session or a few quick runs around the backyard or garden!
- A healthy meal that is out of the ordinary and made to look pretty. A few ideas: brightly coloured smoothies, gussied-up grilled cheese, personalized salads, sliced fruit for the table, homemade lemonade, etc.
- Manicure/pedicure: get out your brightest nail polish for mom’s and dad’s fingers and toes!
- At-home facial: how about an avocado mask? Just mix the flesh of an avocado with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to the face and let it sink in for 20 minutes before rinsing.
- At-home hair treatment: To make an egg and olive oil hair mask, emulsify 3 eggs with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to hair, paying particular attention to the ends and any damaged areas. Cover with a towel and let penetrate for 15 minutes before rinsing and washing hair.
- At-home body treatment: make an exfoliant with sugar and coconut oil. Mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender, peppermint, mandarin, etc.).
3. RESTO TO GO
Cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, fries, and sundaes are still delicious even when you’re not in a restaurant! Transform your dinner table or change your living room into a restaurant (written menus, placemats that can be coloured in, background music, pretty dishes, etc.). Now all you need is to turn your kids into attentive servers who can take your order, refill your water glass, and bring your meal to the table! Who knows, maybe they’ll even deserve a tip.
Here’s something that will suit any taste: Try this recipe for chicken nuggets, perfect for adults and kids alike!
4. COCKTAILS FOR EVERYONE
Get dressed up and set a time amongst your friends for enjoying a drink together online. Are your kids old enough to talk on a cell? Create a video chat group just for them. It might be a bit chaotic, but still fun! Put together your favourite cocktail and make a tray of appetizers with the following Quebec products: Quebec cheeses, Pork Shop artisanal sausages, smoked salmon from Fumoirs Gosselin. Add crackers, olives and tapenade and you’re done!
5. KARAOKE NIGHT
What could be a better way to have fun than belting out a few songs at the top of your lungs? Each member of the family can choose their own songs and enjoy their time with the microphone! Prepare some salty and sweet bar snacks like: Mexican popcorn, maple cookies from Madame Labriski, and double chocolate cookies from Chocolats Favoris!
The key to a successful family evening? Popcorn done up Mexican-style!
6. INDOOR CAMPING
Kids love building forts, and the big kids love to help them! Push together a few pieces of living room furniture and make a big hut. Once you’ve finished “building” (using curtains, clothespins, and clips), hand out flashlights and invite the older children to tell a story to the younger ones, or have them play games, take naps, or enjoy a tasty meal! To feed your little campers, we suggest chili con carne with a side of corn chips and some s'mores brownies for dessert.
For your cross-legged cookout, here’s a delicious Mexican chili recipe.
7. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT ICE CREAM!
Create an ice cream bar at home! First choose your favourite flavours of ice cream or frozen yogurt from Laiterie Chagnon. Arrange a mix of toppings like mini-candies, mini-marshmallows, pecans, candied fruit, and bits of cookie dough or brownies. You can also offer melted chocolate or caramel. Have the older family members serve the younger ones!
A day at home with the family has never been so fun!