Five Ways to Entertain Your Kids During Lockdown

Let's face it, lockdown is hard, but lockdown with small kids is next level crazy. When you're stuck inside why not mix things up a little and keep activities varied? We've compiled a list of five activities that will guarantee to keep your little ones busy for an hour at a time, at least, and you'll get enjoyment out of them too:

1. Run a Great Australian Bake-off: Diets are definitely out the window during COVID! Why not run a bake-off at home and choose a winner (or many) at the end? Cookies or cupcakes are a great choice and kids can help with making them or just assist with decorating their own at the end. You'll have a budding Gordon Ramsey in no time!

2. 'Build a Cubby' Competition: Sure, kids love building cubby houses, but why not make things more interesting by timing them or have a competition to see who makes the best/most innovative/interesting cubby house? Adding a challenge to the mix will certain keep things interesting at home. Why not suggest a colour theme, outdoor option or both? 

3. Start a Gardening Club: Budding green thumbs aside, all kids love to get dirty and gardening is a great way to do it. Get your children involved in re-potting plants and simple watering tasks each day. Even if you don't have a large backyard (we don't), buy simple pots online and replant cuttings or grab some cheap plants from a local store (Aldi and Mitre 10 have plants at the moment). They'll love the sense of responsibility, particularly as their plants start to flourish.

4. Play Monopoly - with real money: You're probably playing monopoly junior but why not swap paper money for the real deal and teach your kids about coins and notes. They're likely to get a real thrill out of using real money plus learn more about what each note or coin means in the real world. (Note: Spray all notes and coins with an antibacterial spray prior to playing, just to be safe).

5. Buy a Hammock: I won't lie here - our recent hammock purchase from Temple & Webster has been, hands down, the best form of entertainment for our kids during COVID. They play a range of games on it, from 'Banana Says' (a version of 'Simon Says'), to 'Count the Swings' to 'Camping Adventures' and more. It doubles as a great resting spot for tired parents, and let's face it, who doesn't need a lie down right now?