10 Fun Quarantine Ideas for Kids!

Today was the first day your little one didn't go to their usual school (unless you're a key worker of course, in that case we are all so grateful to you!), and instead was the first day of their new "school" - did you take the obligatory "in-front-of-the-door-first-day-of-school" photo? And - the most important question - are you okay?

We understand how stressful it can be not only having to keep your children entertained, but now having to home school them too, which is why we've compiled a list of 10 Fun Quarantine Ideas that will keep them occupied whilst you have a cry into your bottle of wine* once you've finished teaching (*we here at Millie and John are not endorsing this but we totally understand)...

1. Create a family tree

Fun and educational. Find out snaps of your relatives and teach your little one(s) about their extended family. Position the photos on a piece of paper and have your child draw the lines to connect you all together.

2. Create a story sequel

Again, fun and educational. Set up a cosy reading corner for your little one - I'm talking pillows, blankets, the lot - and provide them with their favourite books. Once they've read a book provide them with paper and crayons and ask them to create the sequel. For younger children this can be via a picture, and for the older ones they could actually write a story. Prolong this activity by having them read their sequel to you once they're finished.

3. Make your own cooking show!

Get your little one(s) involved with preparing dinner by turning it into a cooking show. You could go one step further and actually record it - maybe "get down with the kids" and even make your own TikTok cooking account and make it a regular thing. Write out a simple recipe for your child to follow, let them get the ingredients out and have fun with it!

4. Have a "fancy" meal

Whilst we're on the subject of food... There's no reason your usual tea time (or dinner, depending on where you're from!) has to be boring. Inject some fun by setting the table nicely, perhaps add some tea lights, put on your best clothes and pretend you've gone to a fancy restaurant. If your child is old enough, they could even make dinner for you and serve it themselves... just be prepared for something that maybe doesn't look quite so fancy...

5. Have a scavenger hunt

I'm envisaging this in the garden on a nice, bright, sunny day, but we are in the UK so this will more than likely be an indoors scavenger hunt! Hide some of your child's favourite toys around the garden/house, maybe even leaving them in funny poses to give your child a giggle, and then have them find them.

6. Reenact your wedding

If you're married (and willing!) this could be so magical. Children imagine their mummy as a real life "princess" when in their wedding dress, so why not become a real life princess? Get your dress on and maybe even let your little on try it on too. Have a wedding video or photos? Get those out too and relive your special day.

7. Wardrobe clear out

Just hear me out on this one, okay? If you've been meaning to clear your wardrobe out for ages, now is the perfect time and you can make it fun by letting your little one try on your clothes. I used to love raiding my mum's wardrobe when I was a little girl, everything just seemed so stylish and grown up!

8. Family dance party

Exercise and fun - what more could you want? Make decorations (paper streamers, anyone?), curate a playlist, get your party frock on, and throw a family dance party. Maybe even provide snacks?

9. Write letters to the vulnerable

There are so many vulnerable people out there right now who are unable to have visitors, so why not have your children draw a picture, or write a letter, to people in your local nursing home - a sure fire way to brighten someone's day.

10. Make a time capsule

This moment in time is sure to go down in the history books, so why not make a time capsule to document it? Have your children write notes, maybe even include some photographs and newspaper clippings, and then keep it somewhere safe or, if you're feeling adventurous, bury it in your garden!

And there you have 10 fun and educational self isolation ideas for children. Loved this post and want more ideas? Just leave a comment letting me know and I'd be happy to curate some more. Have an idea that you'd like to share? Just email me at ellie@millieandjohn.com and I might use it in the next blog post with a link to your Instagram page (if applicable).

Sending love and well wishes to you and your gorgeous families. Stay safe.