Life changed dramatically this spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and parents have felt that shift most acutely. With schools closed, children are home all day and parents are balancing remote work, household duties, and full-time caregiving. Finding activities that keep kids entertained, engaged, and learning while also giving parents a moment to breathe has become essential. Below is a curated set of creative, easy-to-do projects and DIY ideas designed for families who want hands-on, screen-free ways to spend time together.
We’ve gathered a variety of art projects and engaging activities that use simple supplies and spark imagination. Pick projects you enjoy and do them alongside your children — when you’re engaged, they are more likely to stay focused and excited. These ideas are flexible and can be adjusted for different ages and skill levels. Enjoy the process as much as the finished result.
Art Projects
Art is a wonderful way to foster creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence. The projects below are straightforward, use basic supplies, and can be adapted for toddlers through older kids. Most can be done with paper, paint, glue, and a little imagination.
Watercolor Cutouts
Supply a selection of colored construction paper and watercolors. Let kids paint full-page designs and patterns, and once the sheets dry, cut out shapes for standalone pieces or assemble them into a large collage or mural. Younger children can practice simple strokes while adults help with cutting. Treat each cutout as its own artwork or combine several into a new composition.
Abstract Painting
Abstract painting is perfectly suited to kids of every age — it’s forgiving and fun. Provide heavy watercolor paper or any sturdy sheet, paints, and brushes. Encourage color blending, splattering, and mark-making. The goal is exploration rather than perfection, so let kids experiment freely and celebrate bold, unexpected results.
Ocean-Inspired Art
Create layered ocean scenes by painting a sea-colored background with sponges to add texture. When the paint is dry, use round stamps (wine corks work well) to add “bubbles” and pearly highlights. Add shiny items like sequins, small beads, or confetti to mimic shells and pearls. This project blends sensory play with visual exploration and looks great displayed on the fridge.
Smashed Paint Project
Try a simple “smoosh” painting: drop dots of paint on paper, cover with plastic wrap, then press and move the plastic to blend colors. When you lift the wrap, unexpected patterns and textures appear. This technique is messy in the best possible way and produces vibrant modern-art results with minimal effort.
Tropical Palm Leaf Art
Create a sunny, tropical composition by color blocking a blue background and layering faux leaves or paper cutouts for palm fronds. Add painted details or collage elements to personalize the scene. This project is easily simplified or made more complex depending on the child’s age and interests.
Faux Living Wall
If you have faux greenery, build a small “living wall” by attaching plants to a green backdrop or arranging them on a trellis. Faux plant panels make the installation quick, but you can also anchor stems and leaves to a board or fabric background. This project creates a lush display and is a fun decorative challenge for older kids and adults working together.
Engaging Activities
These activities emphasize process, discovery, and imaginative play. They’re great for keeping children hands-on and focused, and many double as sensory or cooperative games.
Dinosaur Eggs
Make playdough “eggs” by wrapping small animal toys in rounds of dough. Roll the outside in glitter for extra attraction. Children can dig out the toy dinosaurs or take turns hiding and finding dinos in the eggs. This is an excellent sensory and small-motor activity that encourages imaginative play and storytelling.
House Collages
Prepare simple cardboard house shapes and provide a variety of small items to glue on—fabric scraps, paper shapes, buttons, and stickers work well. For younger children, pre-draw windows and doors with chalk or a crayon and let them decorate freely. This activity encourages creativity and fine motor practice while allowing kids to create playful miniature neighborhoods.
Fruit-Themed Storage Baskets
Transform plain storage baskets into giant fruit by cutting leaves and seeds from felt and gluing them on. This simple DIY adds color and whimsy to toy storage and can be a collaborative sewing-free craft that’s satisfying and useful once finished.
Tasseled Shower Curtain
Make tassels from yarn and attach them to a shower curtain for a no-sew update. Tie or loop tassels onto the curtain rings to create a fresh, handmade look. This decor project is rewarding and can be adapted to any color scheme.
Pom Pom Easter Basket
Young kids love wrapping yarn to make pom poms, and gluing them onto a basket instantly transforms it into a festive holder. This activity is excellent for practicing hand-eye coordination and celebrating seasonal occasions with a handmade touch.
Still Life Photography
Encourage older children to arrange small household objects into a vignette and practice photographing the scene. Offer props like party decorations, toys, or colorful snacks. This activity introduces composition, lighting, and storytelling through images, and kids can edit or print their favorite shots afterward.
Festive Party Planning
Create a weekly family party to give everyone something joyful to anticipate. Plan a theme, gather decorations from around the house, and let kids design paper banners, drink stirrers (for older kids), and party playlists. Even a small at-home celebration can lift spirits and encourage teamwork through shared planning and preparation.
Make time for creativity, celebrate small wins, and use these projects to keep kids engaged and learning at home. Stay safe, stay well, and have fun making together.