Kids stuck at home? You need this list of activities for kids!
The 8-12 year old crowd can be a complex crowd to entertain during a long break at home. How do we keep them from excessive screen time? How do we help them from active, playing, learning and away from the dreaded board word? With activities for kids that are genius.
And trust me, these activities are brilliant.
RELATED: Looking for great multi-age activities? This list has awesome options for siblings.
What are some fun activities for kids?
These activities are amazing.
This list is so different from other lists on the Internet – it’s engaging, it’s creative, it’s actually doable for kids independent of parent help.
But there’s something special about this list.
RELATED: Journal writing is a great activity for big kids – check out this list of journal entry prompts.
This list was made by teachers.
I enlisted the help of three of my closest friends – all teachers who have taught grades 4th to 6th for years. They know their stuff and they know this age group so well.
Together, we came up with these 25 ideas for ages 8-12 years old. Proven “boredom busters” to help this group right now.
RELATED: Looking for new books for kids 8-12 years old? Check out this awesome list!
It’s not an easy age group to entertain…
But it can be done. And these activities will help.
Kids can stay busy and mentally active while away from school and they can do this using the things you have in your house.
Enjoy this list and PRINT OUT THE FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF!
25 Boredom Busters for Kids ages 8-12 years old
- Comic Book Writing: Fold paper together and make your own comic book.
- Write a Song: Rewrite the lyrics to a favorite song.
- School Games: Teach your family games that you know from school.
- “I wonder” Journal: Make an “I wonder” journal to collect thoughts. What are all the things you wonder about? Example: “I wonder why moss is so spongy.” “I wonder how plants grow.” “I wonder how concrete is made.”
- Nature art: Using materials found all around the outside of your house, create a piece of art or a self-portrait. Think leaves as hair, moss as eyebrows, rocks as eyes, etc.
- Pet Research: Want a pet? Research all the ways to be a good pet parent, present the information to your parents. Make a brochure, poster or a Power Point.
- Make a code: Create your own alphabet code and write some secret notes (example – a is z, b is y, c is x etc.)
- Expert Writing: You’re already an expert in something. Write up information on that topic and present it to your family at dinner.
- Paper Chain: Make a paper chain of days until you go back to school – write a funny joke or fun fact on each one.
- Measure the House: Find the perimeter and area of your backyard/bedroom.
- Be a Designer: Using your perimeter and area data, design the perfect backyard/bedroom for yourself.
- Survey: Create a survey for your friends and family then graph the results
- Do Interviews: Call a relative and interview them. Learn more about your family’s history.
- Write a Letter: Write a letter to someone you admire
- Ask about a Job: Write a letter to someone who has the job you want and ask them questions. Find out what it takes to have that job.
- Time Capsule: Build a time capsule to be opened in XX amount of years
- Scavenger Hunt: Make a scavenger hunt for your family.
- Be an Author: Loved a book? Write the sequel.
- Make a Treasure Map: Make a treasure map to buried treasure in your yard or house
- Learn a new card game: Learn card games like Rummy, Solitaire, and Hearts.
- Build a tower: Make a tower from playing card or Index cards.
- Make a Board Game: Design your own board game.
- Recycled City: Build a city out of recyclables.
- Paper Plane Competition: Research how to build the best paper airplanes and have a competition. Which flies farthest?
- Boat Sink or Float: Build your own boat – use paper, LEGOs, etc. – and set it in water. Add 1 penny at a time until it sinks. How many did it hold?