Coronavirus Bucket List Family Edition
Anne Lopez
If you have kids at home, I'm sure you are trying to keep them entertained. While we recognize the seriousness of this global pandemic, we want to provide some ideas to make this a more healthy, positive and enjoyable time for the whole family.
Incredible coronavirus coloring sheet by Gemma Correll available on Badge Bomb
Plan and cook a meal together
Let the kids choose what they would like to have for dinner. Give them options based on what you have on hand. Be open-minded and creative.
Do some active activities
Play a game that makes you move, even a little bit. Ping pong can be played just about anywhere with this kit. Bust out the Jenga, Bop It!, tabletop cornhole, or Twister! Have a dance party or play Simon Says, Red Light Green Light or Mother May I.
Let the kids sleep in
It’s important to keep a routine but let the kids sleep in once and a while.
Start a family gratitude routine
There are lots of ways to do this but here are a couple: High Low Buffalo, Gratitude Jar.
Create a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts don’t have to be complicated. Here are one and two indoor scavenger hunt checklists you can print out.
Plan a family movie marathon
Settle in with snacks, pillows and blankets.
Color
Coloring is so relaxing and meditative. And much more fun when you are coloring something that inspires you. Not everyone gets excited about coloring yet another Disney princess. Color these amazing Coronavirus Reward Stickers or check out all the printable options on this site.
Help kids FaceTime their friends and extended family
Try to keep your kids connected socially by setting up times to FaceTime their friends and extended family members. Encourage older kids to interact with friends via FaceTime or by phone instead of just texting.
Have a talent show
Have your kids organize a talent show complete with signs, snacks, judges and awards. If your kids aren’t comfortable performing, they can have their stuffed animals do tricks instead. Invite extended family to participate via FaceTime or Facebook Live.
Do something for each child that means a lot to them
Here's a list of ideas.
Have a picnic
You can have a picnic in the living room or in the backyard if it’s nice out. There’s no need to overcomplicate it. Just serve dinner on a blanket.
Teach your kids how to wash their hands and reward them for it
If you haven’t yet, teach your kids the proper way to wash their hands and make sure you are modeling good behavior. Rewards can be a controversial topic among parents, but this site lists lots of ideas.
Spread some love with sidewalk chalk
Create sidewalk chalk art for passersby. Write messages like: We will be okay, Lots to be thankful for, or Smile. Or draw hopscotch or this incredible obstacle course!
Get crafty
Make a stamp, game, car track or paper bead necklace.
Have everyone learn a new skill and teach it to the rest of the family
This is a great opportunity for each member of your family to learn from each other. Get everyone involved and have fun with it.
Make and send postcards to friends and family
Make someone’s day with a postcard. Print out one of these or this blank template or make your own on a piece of card stock or cardboard.
Have a paper airplane competition
Have everyone create airplanes and fly them through a homemade game board to earn points. Get instructions here.
Make it memorable
Capture memories of this unique time. Ideas: Make a video of each member of your family answering questions about this experience. Have each person write down their thoughts about this time. Take candid photos and create an album.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers updated information.
The World Health Organization offers this advice.
Download the list and keep it handy.