35 Fun Social Distancing Activities for Kids To Do At Home While Avoiding Coronavirus
It’s no secret that people all around the world are in a panic with the ever rising number of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, cases not slowing down. Many states have mandated the closure of public spaces such as theaters, restaurants, parks and more to ensure public safety and to help minimize large public gatherings. Many businesses have also been classified as non-essential and thus have closed and sent home their staff while other essential businesses have sent their staff home to work. That all said, today, I’m sharing some fun social distancing activities that you can do while you’re stuck at home for the next several weeks. These activities are ideal for families with children.
WHY are we Practicing Social Distancing?
First and foremost, I think it’s important to discuss why we’re practicing social distancing. Social distancing helps control the spread of viruses, so since we understand that the Coronavirus has been known to spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when one who is infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, lands in the nose or mouth of a non-infected individual within a 6 foot radius or less. We also have come to learn that this virus can live on surfaces for at least 3 days, which is really scary.
Clearly the less you’re around other people, the less likely you have or spreading or contracting COVID-19. By avoiding public places, avoiding social gathering and canceling travel plans, you’re putting yourself in a better situation to not contract this highly contagious virus. Lastly, if at all possible, work from home.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home as much as possible
- Put distance between yourself and other people.
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- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
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- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
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Fortunately, the CDC and our local governments have done a great job of providing additional resources and information to help keep our families safe and healthy during crisis.
Now, onto the fun stuff. Here are 35 activities to try with your kids to keep them entertained during this crisis.
Social Distancing Home Activities for Kids:
- Build a Large Puzzle
- Board Games
- Build a Blanket Fort
- Play Hide and Seek
- Learn Coding
- Go for some Walks
- Bake Together
- Interview Each Other
- Make Homemade Popcorn
- Have an Art Party
- Write a Letter to Someone
- Play Video Games with Your Kids
- Draw on the Driveway with Chalk
- Take a Virtual Tour of the British Museum
- Make a Sticker Book
- Decorate the Windows with Chalk Markers
- Have a Nerf Gun Fight
- Try some STEM activities
- Reenact old Art Photos with Items Found in the House
- Turn Chores into a Game
- FaceTime Family Members
- Read Some Classic Storybooks
- Create a Puppet Show
- Start a Garden
- Create a Cardboard Tent
- Go on a Treasure Hunt
- Have a Picnic Lunch in the Backyard
- Have a Photoshoot
- Watch the Cincinnati Zoo Livestream or another Zoo Livestream (there are a lot)
- Film TikToks
- Make your Own Play-dough
- Get Outside
- Make Homemade Pizza
- Practice Another Language
- Make a Quarantine Time Capsule
Hopefully these activities help keep your kids entertained as we patiently wait for this virus to pass. With school being cancelled for most of the country, kids are going to go stir crazy before we know it, so any additional ideas you wish to share to help keep them entertained is welcomed, so share your ideas in the comment section!
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Keep your Distance!
