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Writer's pictureUCP OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Indoor Adventures: Keeping Your Kids Engaged and Enlightened

Updated: Feb 7

Written By: Lacey Conner of Family Wellness Pro


As parents, we are always on the hunt for new ways to keep our children entertained and educated – especially when confined indoors! Whether it's a rainy day or a quiet weekend at home, having a roster of engaging activities can be a real lifesaver. From board games that take us back to childhood to crafts that stir creativity, there are numerous ways to turn indoor time into a fun learning adventure. Today, UCP Charter Schools shares some fun ideas to get you started.

 

Family Time with Board Games

Board games are more than just a fun pastime; they are a way to engage young minds in strategic thinking. Traditional games like chess provide an entertaining introduction to strategy. On the other hand, international classics like Scrabble or Monopoly can help kids enhance their vocabulary and mathematical skills. Spending an afternoon huddled around the game board brings the family together and sparks healthy competition and laughter.

 

Make Cards to Show Appreciation

Gratitude is one of the best traits you can teach your children, and a great place to begin is by using this free online card maker to help them show appreciation for their grandparents, teachers, or even their friends. There are plenty of templates they can use and customize as desired. This is also a fantastic way to develop their creativity and express themselves!

 

Puzzling Out the Fun

Puzzles offer a fantastic way to engage children indoors. They can improve kids' cognitive abilities, hand-eye coordination, and patience while providing them with a sense of accomplishment once completed. Plus, it is a beautiful way for children to recognize and appreciate the beauty of their homeland. Moreover, these puzzles, steeped in iconic imagery, can spur conversations about our environment, geography, and iconic landmarks.

 

A Dose of Creativity

Arts and crafts offer a colorful way for children to express their creativity. Activities such as painting a sunset, crafting kangaroos from clay, or creating beautiful aboriginal dot paintings provide a creative outlet and teach them about their culture. It's an engaging way to introduce them to the rich tapestry of our nation's artistry and indigenous heritage. Moreover, these creative pursuits can help children develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse artistic traditions that make the world so vibrant and unique.

 

Encourage Good Posture

Many children are self-conscious about their height. To help with this, you could encourage your child to stand (or sit) up straight, since good posture gives the appearance of being taller by straightening the spine. It is also a healthy habit, encouraging better breathing, healthier joints, and even reduced headaches. You can make a fun game out of it by seeing who can balance a book on their head the longest.

 

Work on a Home Repair Project Together

Another great way to spend time with your kids while also being productive and teaching them vital lessons is by working on a kid-friendly home repair project together, whether that’s changing the furnace filter, fixing a window screen, or demineralizing a faucet. This lays a great foundation for stewardship and responsibility. A quick review of the local housing market can help drive home the point that well-maintained homes are more pleasant to live in – and more valuable!

 

Starting a Business

Another excellent way to help prepare your children for the real world is by showing them the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, perhaps by starting a business! Some states have an LLC age requirement but others – namely California, Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming – do not. By going over the benefits of an LLC (which include liability protection and tax incentives), as well as the elements of a business plan and a marketing campaign, you can help prepare them for the business world!


Learning Made Fun

For parents working from home, educational YouTube videos can be a lifeline. Channels like "National Geographic Kids" and "Crash Course Kids" provide engaging content that spans various subjects, from science to geography. This digital learning experience, paired with the familiarity of the YouTube platform, can make education entertaining and accessible for children. Plus, it allows children to learn at their own pace, rewinding and re-watching as needed, ensuring they truly grasp the concepts presented.

 

Singing to the Beats

A karaoke night, belting out favorite tunes, or popular hits can turn a regular evening into a family fiesta. It is a fun way to boost children's confidence, improve their memory and listening skills, and introduce them to our rich musical history. It's all about letting loose and enjoying the music together as a family. Not to mention, it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the world’s diverse music scene, spanning various genres and decades.

 

Building the Future with Aussie Innovations

STEM-related activities can instill a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in children. Conducting simple experiments, playing coding games, or building a mini Sydney Harbor Bridge from toothpicks and marshmallows can transform learning into an exciting adventure. It's a glimpse into the world of possibilities that STEM offers, inspiring future innovators. Additionally, these activities can help children understand how STEM plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from the buildings we live in, to the technology we use.


 

Indoor activities blend fun and learning, fostering cognitive development and creativity in children. Parents working from home can keep young people engaged and help them feel more connected to their roots through board games, making cards, starting a business, helping with home repairs, puzzles, arts and crafts, reading, YouTube videos, karaoke nights, and STEM-related activities. Seize these opportunities to turn every indoor day into a fun-filled adventure!


For more information about UCP of Central Florida, visit www.ucpcfl.org 


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