There’s no denying that we’re living in strange and uncertain times. 2020 has been a difficult year to say the least but we’d like to think that we can make the best of it and take advantage of this additional time that many of us now have with our families.

Here is a list of things you can do with your family while continuing to practice physical distancing.  If you have any to add, please leave them in the comments!

And, you can download a printable PDF version of the activity list here.

Activities to Do While Physically Distancing

Board games- Haul out those old board games that have been collecting dust in the attic. Have a technology-free evening with some of the classics.

Make a fort- Turning your living room into a fort is fun for everyone.

Stargaze- Wait for a clear night, and watch the stars.

Fly a kite- Kids love kites. A nice windy day and a couple of kites flying high sounds perfect.

Search for insects- Grab your kid’s toy magnifying glass, and go find and identify different insects. Fresh air and education are great for you and the kids.

Get a sprinkler- On a steaming hot summer day, running through a sprinkler can be fun and liberating.

Movie night- Always a family classic. Get comfortable on the couch with some snacks and watch a family favourite.

Make a bird feeder- You can find cheap, and easy instructions online. Build a bird feeder and watch the different types of birds as they come and visit.

Identify plants in your yard- Go through different plants with your kids and look up what they are.

Puzzles- Another family classic. Get out a big jigsaw puzzle and work your brains.

Karaoke- Have a silly day with your kids. Laugh, dance, and sing your hearts out.

Hide and seek- Play some hide and seek inside, or outside. It’s a fun game for the whole family.

Back or front yard camping- Set up a tent on your property, and sleep outside with the kids.

Make smoothies- Smoothies are delicious. Make some healthy ones and let your kids chose what goes in. You’ll get some interesting combinations.

Make ice-cream sundaes- Another delicious treat that your kids will love to help you make.

Do some painting- Painting is very calming. Get out some canvases, paint, and feed your artistic sides.

Make and bury a time capsule- Gather a few important items, place them in a time square, and bury it somewhere that you won’t forget.

Charades- Charades will get you and the kids laughing in a hurry.

Facetime friends and family- While we know how hard it is being away from other relatives, that doesn’t mean you can’t catch up with them through Facetime.

Play cards- Get out a deck of cards and teach the kids a fun game.

Feed the ducks- Get some food for the ducks and go for a walk. The kids will love it.  

Play catch- Often times parents complain about lack of time with their kids due to work. Take advantage of the time together and play some catch.

Go for a bike ride- Get some fresh air, and go for a family bike ride.

Write a story/play- Be creative. We’ve all been in our own heads a lot lately. Put down your thoughts on paper and write a story or play.

Learn an instrument- Teach yourself and the kids how to play an instrument.

Make paper airplanes- Paper airplanes are fun. The kids will love it and it’ll keep them occupied for a while.

Scavenger hunt- Create a fun scavenger hunt for the kids. They’ll have a blast.

Go for a hike- Get some fresh air, and clean your mind with a family hike.

Bake cookies- There’s nothing better than homemade cookies.

Family talent show- Having a talent show with the kids, is encouraging, fun, and will good for some great entertainment.

Have a fun & safe time with the kids. Come out of this year with new skills, and an even closer bond with your family.