Great Big List of Free Activities for when You’re Stuck Indoors

Mar 15 | Easy DIY, Frugal Living, Grocery Saving Tips, Money Saving Tips

Here is a great list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others!

Throughout these strange and uncertain world events as of late, I have been collecting links to activities and helpful articles. In my online world, I am always amazed to see amazing humans step out and share their knowledge to try to make these, perhaps uncomfortable, days a bit easier. Life is so much better when we can learn to come together, even in unconventional ways. (Separately, in our own homes. LOL)

In these coming weeks, I would highly encourage you to set yourself up to create positive memories to strengthen your relationships. In times of crisis or upheaval, fear and anxiety really don’t serve us well. Take the necessary precautions, find the happy moments, dream together and tell your family and friends how much you love and appreciate them.

With all that said, here is my list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others. Make a list of things you want to accomplish as a family or even some projects on your own.

Activities for Kids:

Educational:

For Everyone:

Many churches offer a livestream of their service. Try a local church or perhaps something else from around the world for some encouragement.

I’m also noticing many local stores offering free delivery. Take advantage of this and support your local small businesses!

During this time, food may also be at the forefront of many of our thoughts. Here is another list with helpful articles relating to feeding our families:

And because many of you might be finding yourself a work at home parent now, here are some resources for you:

If you have come across some great free activities or helpful links, please let me know and I’ll get them added to the list!

A Homemade Christmas Gift: No Sew Snowman T-Shirt

Nov 12 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays

It's festive, ridiculously easy to put together and the kids are sure to love this No Sew Snowman T-Shirt!

I have got the cutest DIY project for you today. It’s festive, ridiculously easy to put together and the kids are sure to love it. A No sew snowman t-shirt! Like, look how awesome it is:

How fun would they be to pull out of the Christmas boxes every year? I’ve got the big t-shirt for my oldest, now I’ve got to make a onesie for my youngest!

Here’s how you can put together the No Sew Snowman T-Shirt:

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

  • White t-shirt (try looking for one at your dollar store!)
  • Crafting felt in black and orange
  • Fabric glue
  • Iron (optional)
  • Scissors

snowman-tshirt-supplies

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by ironing out your shirt as well as the felt sheets. This step is optional, but it may help you apply your snowman face. If you choose to iron, just use a low heat and no steam.

2. Cut out the shapes you will need to create the snowman face. I cut out a large triangle for a nose using the orange felt. Then, I cut out a few large circles from the black fabric to use as the eyes and buttons. For the mouth, I cut out smaller but uniform black circles.

3. Add a small dab of fabric glue (it will help the felt adhere better than hot glue, plus it will keep the pieces together in the washing machine) to the back of the felt pieces. Assemble the face of your snowman. Press the two large circles for eyes first, then the carrot nose, then the coal mouth. Finish by adding a few large buttons under the mouth.

4. Hold the felt pieces in place until secure. Try hanging your shirt on a hanger so it has plenty of space to dry and not be bothered.

5. Once dry, your shirt can be worn and enjoyed! Wash on a gentle cycle and never machine dry. Turn inside out before washing and your shirt should last for seasons to come!

A Homemade Christmas Gift: No Sew Dish Towel Apron

Nov 4 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays, Homemade Christmas Gifts

Here's how to create a No Sew Dish Towel Apron that any chef would love to receive!

Today’s homemade gift idea can’t get much simpler. So, I happen to think it would make a perfect last-minute gift!  Simply head to your nearest dollar store, pick up a fancy dish towel and some ribbon and get started!

Here’s how to create a No Sew Dish Towel Apron that any chef would love to receive:

DIY No Sew Dish Towel Apron

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Begin by folding your towel into the size of apron you want. You can fold it down to about 8 inches by 8 inches square for a child, or simply fold the towel in half for an adult. If you wish for a longer apron, manipulate the fabric to get the shape you wish. For the sample you see here, I folded the towel once in half, then folded each end in about 2 inches.
  2. Apply a strip of iron on fabric tape OR fabric adhesive to the inside of your folded seams. Press and iron the towel if needed. The idea is to use the tape or adhesive to secure the shape of the towel.
  3. Apply a length of adhesive tape or glue to the top of your towel. Press the length of ribbon into it. Press and iron if needed. The ribbon should now be adhered to the towel, leaving you two lengths on each side for tying.
  4. Once your adhesive is dry or ironed in place, your towel can be used. Simply use the excess ribbon as ties, tying them behind your back to hold the apron in place.no sew dish towel apron 2

50 Things to Occupy The Kids this Summer

Jun 10 | Easy DIY, Frugal Living, Money Saving Tips

Summer vacation doesn’t have to equal boredom. Here are 50 fun ideas to help occupy the kids this summer.

Summer vacation doesn't have to equal boredom. Here are 50 fun ideas to help occupy the kids this summer.

Summer vacation is nearly upon us.  Here are some ideas that I came up with to help occupy kids throughout July and August!  (Or when ever they’re looking for something to do!)  Most of the ideas are free or nearly free!

  1. Make Fudgesicles or popsicles
  2. Wash the car(s)
  3. Run through the sprinklers
  4. Have a picnic in the park
  5. Backyard camping
  6. Outdoor movie nights. If you don’t have a free movie night in your area, make your own.
  7. Make giant bubbles
  8. Go on a hike
  9. Create your own treasure hunt
  10. Have a side walk chalk contest
  11. Create your own puppet show
  12. Use a Slip and Slide
  13. Have a library day.  Get books or take part in story time!
  14. Go fly a kite
  15. Play with animals at your local SPCA. Some are willing to have you walk the dogs.
  16. Make your own play dough or Slime.
  17. Go for a bike ride
  18. Stargaze
  19. Collect bugs
  20. Have a lemonade stand
  21. Tie dye some shirts
  22. Paint rocks
  23. Build a fort or tree house
  24. Write a pen pal
  25. Have a pillow fight
  26. Attend free concerts in the park
  27. Wake up early to watch the sunrise
  28. Do one of the activities in the Summer Bucket of Fun
  29. Try geocaching
  30. Have a craft day
  31. Start a journal
  32. Feed the ducks
  33. Do some face painting with the neighbor kids
  34. Bake and decorate cookies
  35. Have a movie night
  36. Teach your kids how to budget
  37. Visit a local farm
  38. Go fishing
  39. Take a walking tour of your town
  40. Play board games
  41. Make and decorate paper mache masks
  42. Learn to skip rocks
  43. Make S’Mores
  44. Play tennis
  45. Build paper boats to race down the street when it rains
  46. Visit the swimming pool
  47. Go on a nature walk
  48. Create a vegetable garden (I used to love having my own corner of my Mom’s garden to grow my own things!)
  49. Visit the zoo
  50. Finger paint

What else do your kids like to do?  What are your favourite boredom busting ideas?

Twizz The Season Treat Bags + Printable

Dec 21 | Easy DIY, Holiday Crafts, Holidays, Homemade Christmas Gifts

“Twizz the Season” Treat Bags

I have got the cutest, last minute gift idea for you! Kids young and old will love this under the tree or in their stockings! Since I supply the printable tags for free, this will be a really budget friendly and quick idea to put together. Especially if you pick up your supplies at the dollar store!

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Using scissors or a knife, carefully cut the Twizzlers candy so that the pieces fit easily into your clear treat bags with some empty room at the top.
  2. Fill the treat bags with some of the Twizzler pieces.
  3. Fold the top of each treat bag over a bit, and staple it closed.
  4. Cut out the “Twizz the Season” printable gift tag.
  5. Line the tag up on the top of the front of each bag, and staple it on in each corner.
Here is the cutest, last minute gift idea for you! Kids young and old will love this under the tree or in their stockings!

Related holiday gift ideas: