10 things you CAN do with kids in any Tier

Are you wondering how to keep the kids entertained with the current restrictions? Whatever Tier, Alert Level or Level you are in across the UK, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of cool things to do with kids in any Tier that you CAN do locally in your household group. You can even get friends involved by challenging them to do the same activity and see who does the best!  

Whether you’re sticking indoors or venturing outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 suggestions for stay local outdoors and stay-at-home friendly activities to keep those minds and bodies active: 

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Get Out There with a Treasure Trail

There’s plenty of excitement and adventure that can be found right on your doorstep, and you can discover it all on a Treasure Trail! Whether you’re a budding detective, intrepid explorer or slippery spy, a Treasure Trail is the perfect family activity no matter the weather. All you need is a sense of adventure, a curious mind and your local Trail. Not heard of us before? Watch the video above to learn everything you need to know!

Stay safe – check our top tips for safe and responsible Trailing here.

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Find a foraged feast

Foraging might seem like something for the summer and autumn months, but there are so many tasty treats out there waiting to be plucked during winter. So whether you want to get some chestnuts roasting away or get hold of those last blackberries for a gorgeous apple and blackberry crumble, there will be something out there to fuel your feast! Our friends at the Woodland Trust have some great lists of what can be foraged each month of the year, as well as guidelines on best foraging practise. Take a peek and see what else you could gather this winter.

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Get cosy

You know those grey winter days where you just want to snuggle up under a blanket and laze the day away? Do it! Put your phone down, grab your PJs, whip up some hot chocolate and snacks and get cosy with the whole family for an evening of movie marathons or board games or whatever you choose! Enjoy the feel-good feeling of cosy, quality family time. You could even make a whole event of it by baking your favourite treats or choosing a theme for your films.

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Build your own board game

Having a board game night is a great opportunity to spend time with the family away from screens. But, there’s only so many times you can play Monopoly or Cluedo before it gets a little repetitive. If you’re itching to play a new game and let your imaginations run wild, then challenge yourselves to create a brand-new board game! All you need is an idea of a game style and craft materials to build your board and pieces – you could even use existing game boards if you wanted! Plus, once it’s all done, you can have a fab time testing the game with a great sense of pride for what you’ve achieved. You can find a helpful step by step guide for creating your own board games here.

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Make sock puppets

If you’re down to the last scraps in your craft box, then don’t worry – you don’t need much to create some fantastic sock puppets! An ideal rainy-day activity to keep the kids entertained and their imaginations sparked for hours on end. All they need is some old socks, some googly eyes and whatever decorations they fancy – the possibilities are endless! For some ideas and a little bit of know-how, check out this list of instructions on how to make basic sock puppets.

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Dance the night away

We’ve missed out on a lot of parties over the last year, from birthdays to wedding receptions, but you’ve got all you need to dance the night away right in your front room! Have yourselves a lounge disco by making some space, blasting your favourite tunes and going wild. Mix it up with some fancy dress, karaoke or a good old dance off to really get some laughs going.

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Conduct a science experiment

Science doesn’t have to just be a subject that kids learn at school – it can be a super fun subject to study right in your own home. There are plenty of science experiments that your kids can conduct indoors or in your garden (some with a little supervision), and they don’t always have to be messy. Take a peek at these fantastic experiments and try one out for an afternoon of laughs and learning. They might be so intriguing that even you want to join in!

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Go wildlife spotting

Squirrels and hedgehogs have gone into hibernation, but there are still tonnes of animals out and about. Get out and explore your hometown to see what wildlife can be discovered. Live near the sea? Get out on a weekend expedition and scout around the rock pools to see what can be discovered – you can find some fab tips here. Or, why not try your hand at bug hunting or bird spotting? You might be surprised by the weird and wonderful creatures you spot in just a short time wandering around the wild areas near you.

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Scout around on a scavenger hunt

Treasure Trails may be the best way to explore your local area, but true treasure seekers don’t even need to leave their backyard to have an adventure! Set up a scavenger hunt around your home and garden to keep the kids entertained as they search for items to collect. You could be specific with your list – a feather, a petal, a pair of socks – or you could really encourage them to use their imagination through a sensory list – something smooth, something spiky, something pink.

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Get creative with nature art

Next time you go out on a walk in your local area, get your kids to take a bucket or box with them and fill it with lots of things they find on the ground – sticks, stones, fallen leaves or rogue petals. When they get home, challenge them to create a picture on a piece of paper or a sculpture in the garden using the materials they’ve found. You could task them with a specific subject – a person, a house, an animal – or give them free rein to be creative. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and keep the kid’s minds actives.

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Are you ready to explore?

Come rain or shine, a Treasure Trail is a great way to get outside for some fresh air and entertainment for the whole family!  

Grab your local Trail and gather your household; get out there on your daily walk (with a twist) and delve into some family fun to brighten up the grey, wintery days. You never know what hidden gems and twisting tales you may uncover!

 

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Get social

We hope you’ll be able to give one or two of our 10 things to do with kids a go whatever Tier you’re in. Don’t forget to check out the Treasure Trails Facebook page, or find us on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us for regular Trailing antics, weekly puzzles and lots of exploration inspiration! PLUS – share your adventures with us – we always love to see them!