In between loud screaming and grimy fingers, kids can be a lot to handle. Although TV is always a distraction throughout the chaos, there are many alternatives to keep kids entertained that give you a break from the pandemonium. Here are my top five activities to do when babysitting kids to keep them entertained all day.
Taking a walk to the park
Taking a walk to the park is refreshing but also allows the kids to let all of their extra energy out. The park is an activity for all ages and the endless amounts of activities, games, and toys keep kids entertained. Not only that, but parks are incredibly beneficial to children. They offer a free and open space to let them run free while giving you a break. From winter to summer, children can make up their activities with their spontaneous brains, making taking a walk somewhere such as a park the perfect activity for the little ones.
Arts and crafts
This next suggestion depends on the kid for whether or not this activity will work. The little kids I babysit love to draw and make crafts. Showing appreciation to their loved ones, like their parents or friends, is always a heart-warming, kind activity for the kids to do. I have received numerous drawings and cards, along with many other customized gifts, from their creative minds. Making art with kids as you babysit also takes you back to when you were a little kid. I find it nice to sit and draw with a crayon or a marker, making this activity for both you and the kids to participate in.
Making a pillow fort
Pillow forts are an amazing choice when trying to entertain little kids. They combine the use of pillows and blankets to create tent-like structures that they can use in games. From my experience, pillow forts were a highlight of my childhood. Pillow forts create endless amounts of fun with various opportunities for the kids to play games inside. When I was younger, my neighbors and I loved to construct these tent-like structures. There is not just one game you can play but an endless amount. Forts are a great way to let the kid’s imagination run free.
Drawing with chalk
Throughout the warmer seasons, drawing with chalk is a great activity for younger children. Without the hassle of staining clothes, unlike ink markers, chalk is an easy activity to engage in. These colorful drawing sticks can be used to create beautiful pieces of easily removed artwork but also to create games like four square or hopscotch. Chalk overall is a great activity for all ages to participate in, and it has been a favorite for the kids I babysit.
Lemonade Stand
Lemonade stands are fun and allow the kids to experience business skills at a young age. When I was younger, my neighbors and I would make lemonade stands throughout the summer so that at the end of the break, we could use the money we collected to have a pizza party. The ability to save up and feel a sense of accomplishment made the lemonade stand all the much better. Lemonade stands are good for letting the kids be innovative as well. Making the signs out of poster board or just a plain sheet of paper allows the kids to be inventive but also work together to create a piece of artwork that will appeal to the cars that drive by. Overall, making a lemonade stand is an all-inclusive activity that is great for summertime fun with the little ones.
As a babysitter myself, it is very tempting to allow the kids to occasionally have more screen time than normal to get a break throughout all of the craziness. With these activities, it will be fun for both you and the kid you are babysitting to participate. Not only that, but they allow the kids to be imaginative, learn responsibility, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
