Here are a variety of ideas for activities you can do with kids on a PA day, ensuring they stay engaged and entertained
- Nature Walk or Hike: Choose a local trail or nature reserve and go for a walk or hike. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and maybe even learn about local flora and fauna. Local conversation park is always the best!
- DIY Craft Day: Set up a craft station at home with supplies for painting, drawing, or making simple crafts. You could also try a specific project like building a birdhouse, making homemade slime, or creating friendship bracelets. My kids love to go to Dollar Store or Michaels to pick their own materials to make their craft work.
- Cooking or Baking Together: Pick a recipe and cook or bake together. This could be something as simple as decorating cookies or as elaborate as making a pizza from scratch. It’s a fun way to teach kids basic cooking skills and enjoy a tasty treat! Please do not feel guilty to buy prepared one, such as pizza dough, baking mix from the grocery store!
- Visit a Museum or Science Center: If there’s a museum, science center, or children’s museum nearby, a PA day is a perfect opportunity to visit. These places often have interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational. Our family have a Science Center membership with ASTC Travel Passport Program. It saves a LOT of money for the admission fees. I will post about ASTC Travel Passport Program later.
- Library Visit and Story Time: Many libraries offer special events for children, like story time or arts and crafts activities. Even without a special event, spending time at the library choosing new books to read can be a fun outing. Please no worries if you don’t get the event! Kids will love your story time as well!
- Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in the backyard and have a mini-camping adventure. You can even include a picnic, stargazing, and storytelling for a full experience. My kids loves Basement Camping. It can work anywhere, like your basement or living room. Kids just want to stay in the tent.
- Board Game Marathon: Spend the day playing a variety of board games or card games. This can be a fun way for the whole family to bond and engage in some friendly competition. My elder one does not like to board game, but he loves to make his own board game. Sometimes, it takes several hours to make it. You can relax while your kids are making one! Click here for more informations of Board Games.
- Movie Day: It is the best things I like to do! Create a home cinema experience with a selection of kid-friendly movies, popcorn, and comfortable pillows and blankets. You could even let the kids make their own movie tickets and snacks.
- Art Gallery at Home: Encourage your kids to create various pieces of art throughout the day, and then in the evening, set up an art gallery at home where they can display their work for the family.
- Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt either inside your home or in your backyard. Create a list of items or clues for your kids to find, offering a small prize or treat at the end. I used to do the Scavenger Hunt with the left over Halloween candies.
- Local Community Events: Check if there are any special events or activities planned in your community for PA days. Sometimes local community centers, parks, or recreation areas have special programs. There are some paid PA camps for busy parent. Check your local kids Martial Art, robotic and art studios.
- Educational Online Programs: Enroll them in a short online workshop or class that aligns with their interests, whether it’s coding, art, science experiments, or a new language. My elder son had an online Pokemon drawing class. He had a blast!
These activities not only keep kids occupied but also encourage creativity, learning, and physical activity. Tailor these ideas to your child’s interests and age for an enjoyable and memorable PA day!
