Days Out
10 fun things to do at home with the kids
From virtual zoo visits to online dance lessons, here are some activities to keep all the family entertained.
With the little ones already looking a bit bored and restless, we’re making things easier for those looking for family-friendly ideas and activities. From raising the roof with an online dance class to a deep sea dive at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we’ve compiled a list of ten random things to do that even the little kids-at-heart can enjoy. Check out our guide to funs things to do at home below.
Visit a virtual zoo
A number of zoo’s across the UK have opened up their virtual doors, including the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. Not only can you can take a virtual tour, you can even tune in to Panda Cam to see what everyone’s favourite, loveable panda Yang Guan is up to. Don’t worry, the tigers and penguins are also streaming live too.
Take part in some stay-at-home science
Warning: this could get messy. Who said science was boring? Well, not anymore. Stay at Home Science will be live-streaming daily, offering out fun tips and tricks on how you can recreate some exciting experiments at home.
Create a family portrait
So you’ve taken a virtual tour of the National Portrait Gallery, and now it’s time to create your own version. Pick names out of a hat to decide which family member sketches who and voila, you have your very own family portrait. Top tip: There’s loads of YouTube tutorials to help everyone paint the perfect picture. You can even do it out of clay.
Try some online dance lessons
And 1, 2, 3, 4… Don’t leave it to the professionals and learn a routine that you can show off at the next family party. Kidz Bop Daily Dance Break are streaming lessons live on YouTube, and for the older kids TikTok will offer hours of hilarious routines.
Go deep sea diving (sort of)
You didn’t think we actually meant it?! Like many of us, this year’s summer holiday may be on hold, but you can still go snorkelling by visiting the Montery Bay Aquarium… Don’t forget your goggles!
Visit a new city
Why not use all this spare time to visit a new city? Visit London has an amazing online resource that offers 360 degree views of London’s most iconic venues. Best part of all, it’s completely free! Most big cities have a similar online option, so you can complete a round-the-world trip with your family over the coming months.
Join the Harlem Globetrotters at Home
The Harlem Globetrotters are known for their high-energy, interactive family shows, so while they’re no longer able to play for you in person they’ve set up a YouTube series, Globetrotters at Home. The first episode includes an introduction to their C.H.E.E.R For Character program. Will you pass the test?
Do some P.E. with Joe Wicks
If you’re not already tuning in to P.E. with Joe Wicks at 9:00 every morning then you need to start now. The Body Coach knows how to put the whole family through their paces to get that much needed exercise. Adults, see whether you can keep up with your kids.
Learn to code your own computer game or animation
Instead of just playing video games, Scratch gives children (age 8+) the chance to build their own interactive stories, animations and games. You never know, the next Bill Gates could be sat in your house! There’s also Scratch Jnr, designed for ages 5 – 7, so everyone can get involved.
Fill a ‘to do’ jar
Finally, after all the fun and games at home, we’re sure you’ll be generating plenty of ideas for things you’d love to do back in the great wide world. Don’t let those ideas go to waste, and start a list or fill a jar with paper notes – no matter how small or big. It’s a great way to keep everyone in high spirits and looking forward to the future.
Discover more:
Feature: The best online exhibitions, museums and virtual tours
Feature: Our guide to the best live-stream gigs
Feature: Our guide to streaming the best theatre at home
Words by Georgia Williams
