Home is where the fun is! AT least for now during the Coronavirus quarantine pandemic.
Schools are closed and kids are home, concerts postponed, sporting events cancelled and now malls are closed. — So just what can you do? The coronavirus pandemic and spread of COVID-19 is making it a difficult time for parent and even those with no children. You want to keep kids active and entertained, however options are limited with the closures of museums and play zones. So, to help, we’ve crafted a list of things to do to keep everyone at home from going stir-crazy.
Although remaining inside is a good way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus, and is an important measure to help “flatten the curve” of daily cases that put pressure on our health care system, it could lead to a lesser evil: boredom and stir craziness. What’s there to do while stuck indoors? We’ve compiled 100 suggestions to help make your time quarantined as interesting – and perhaps even as productive – as possible.
Break out the board games and cards
Now is the time to bring out the old school, non-tv/iPad way of having fun. Dust off those deck of cards and look up new, fun ways to play games. Check out the Bicycle How to Play App, which has rules for more than 75 different card games, from Rummy to Poker to Hollywood Eights. Or invent your own card game. I’m sure someone even has some old board games under the bed, buried int he closet or even in the attic.
Hang with penguins… virtually (Really!)
Both the Pittsburgh Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo have webcams showing their penguin areas. Take a moment to watch them play, eat and swim around. Encourage your kid to research penguins so they can know more about what they’re seeing on the webcam. They can look into the different types of penguins as well — the Philadelphia Zoo penguins are Humboldts, while Pittsburgh’s are a mix of Macaroni and Gentoo penguins. Watch the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium live cam at pittsburghzoo.org/penguin-webcam. Who doesn’t love penguins??
Make coloring works of art
Love to color and be creative? Adult coloring book gifts have not only amazing coloring books and pencils, but a variety of delicious snacks too. When the pages are full and you’re still craving more – Head to coloringnature.org to print out a variety of coloring pages for a variety of different age groups.
Complete a puzzle
You know it’s been eating at you to finally complete that ever so challenging puzzle. Now’s the time to dust it off, spread out and have at it! You’ve got time, you just need a little patience. You’ve got this!
Clean out your kitchen cabinets
Most of us, me included, dread pulling everything out of cabinets and drawers. Who’s got the time? You do! Pull out old appliances that you never use and start a donation pile. Go through your pantry and toss old food products that have expired or you know you’re never really going to eat.
Clean out your closet
We’re all guilty of hoarding and holding on to clothes that are too small, too big or from the 1980’s. Donate what you really, truly don’t wear. Organize by color, or sleeve length. It’ll be like having a new wardrobe!
Find your green thumb
Now that Spring is here, it’s the perfect time to get your garden ready. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Pull weeds. Pull out last years flowers and get ready to plant new ones. If you’re able to safely spend time your yard, now’s a good time to dive into gardening. But even if you don’t have a garden or a backyard at all, you can get in on the fun with a small herb garden for kitchen. Or just order an indoor plant online.
Binge watch
If you’re like most people, your DVR is overflowing with movies and shows you never get a chance to watch. Now’s the perfect time! grab a blankey, grab some popcorn and binge away!
