6 Resources to Entertain the Kids at Home

Yup we are back here again in Hong Kong. What to do with the kids is top of mind, but one thing’s for sure: aside from the early hikes and beach visits, there’s only so much Lego and board games we can do in a day! 

I try to have the kids read as much as possible (a book series to binge on helps!), but also wanted to share some online resources I’ve found useful. If you are like me and are racking your brains over this sudden lock down, read on. I’ve never been a fan of screen time for young kids, but as it turns out, after the last few months, I do think that a few minutes here and there can help break things up! 

Lockdown- Empty courts, pool…

Well, here’s the list:

1.     Join an author reading online. Lots became available since global lockdown and we particularly love this one “Two Songs and two stories” from Barney Saltzberg, author of over 30 kids books. Who doesn’t enjoy a spot of singing with their reading?

2.     Watch Our Planet on Netflix. Teaching young kids about climate change is never easy, but seeing how it impacts animals on screen brings it home. It teaches ME a thing or two too! Full episodes on youtube even if you don’t subscribe.

3.     Watch bits (or all!) of the musical Hamilton on Disney Plus. It was filmed beautifully and I heard that the film adds to the experience of seeing it in the theatre (I only saw it home for the first time a couple weeks back). You can subscribe to Disney Plus, watch it every night for a month, and then cancel your subscription. Of course there are plenty of Marvel and Disney titles all included in that subscription too!

4.     Get them moving at home! There’s a whole range of free videos online ranging from yoga to Marvel exercises that we do, but download the Les Mills app to get some freebie dance and exercise videos for the kids (and yourself) too! 

5.     Printouts. Running out of new exercise and coloring books? Print some for the day! I found this list by Brightly quite useful and fun and Booktrust has a ton of resources ranging from printouts to readings.

Resting my eyes..

6.     Listen to a story. Rest the eyes and relax. Especially useful when they refuse to nap! Calm Kids provides short meditations and stories that we love. Get a free 30 day guest pass here or just tap into free resources here.

Do let me know what you think of the above and please share with me other resources that you’ve found useful- I need the help too! 

Jane

p.s. Our favourite board games at the moment are Candy Land, Bingo, and Ludo- how about you?