Lockdown Activities for Children

With lockdowns and stay-at-home orders still a reality for many families, keeping children entertained—and engaged—can feel like a full-time job. Screen time has its place, but it’s important to balance it with activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and movement.

The good news? There are countless lockdown-friendly activities that don’t require expensive supplies or elaborate setups. From printable treasure hunts and scavenger hunt kits to coloring pages and fun-filled "Would You Rather" games , you can keep kids smiling and learning—all while staying safe at home.

Let’s explore some of the best ways to make the most of lockdown with meaningful, screen-free fun.

🧭 1. Treasure Hunts & Scavenger Hunt Kits – Adventure Starts at Home

Transform your living room, backyard, or even the entire house into an exciting adventure zone with printable treasure hunts and scavenger hunt kits .

These ready-to-use game sets guide children through a series of clues, riddles, and challenges that lead them from one location to another—culminating in a surprise at the end (like a small prize, a certificate, or a special treat).

✅ Benefits:

Encourages problem-solving and reading comprehension
Promotes physical activity and exploration
Can be themed around holidays, birthdays, or favorite characters
Easy to print and customize for different ages

Whether it's a pirate-themed treasure hunt , a space mission scavenger hunt , or a detective mystery , these kits provide hours of excitement without ever leaving the house. ( and we have all different themes ;) )

🎨 2. Coloring Pages – Creative Calm in Chaotic Times

Coloring isn't just for quiet time—it's a powerful tool for emotional regulation, fine motor development, and creative expression.

During lockdown, coloring pages offer a peaceful escape for kids who might be feeling restless or overwhelmed. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile.

✅ Ideas to Try:

Themed coloring packs: Space, animals, superheroes, unicorns, or holiday themes
Mindfulness coloring sheets: Mandalas, nature scenes, or gratitude-focused illustrations
DIY story coloring books: Combine coloring with storytelling by printing short comic-style stories to color and read

Print a few pages each day or create a “coloring challenge” where kids earn stickers or small rewards for completing certain pages.

❓3. Would You Rather Questions – Laugh, Think & Bond Together

Sometimes all you need is a little conversation to spark joy and connection. That’s where "Would You Rather" questions come in!

This simple yet engaging game asks players to choose between two silly, imaginative, or thought-provoking options. It’s perfect for sparking laughter, deep thinking, and family bonding.

✅ How to Play:

Print out a list of age-appropriate "Would You Rather" cards
Take turns picking and answering
Add silly sound effects or dramatic music for extra fun

Example questions:

Would you rather fly like a bird or swim like a dolphin?
Would you rather eat spaghetti every day or never eat dessert again?
Would you rather live in space or under the ocean?

You can also turn this into a drawing activity by asking kids to illustrate their answers!

📚 4. Educational Fun with Printable Workbooks & Games

Lockdown doesn’t mean learning has to stop. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to sneak in some educational play disguised as fun.

Look for printable resources like:

Math bingo or flashcards
Word searches and crossword puzzles
Science trivia or geography matching games
Story prompts and journaling pages

Many of these materials align with school curricula and can be tailored to your child’s grade level or interests.

🎁 5. Create Themed Activity Days

To keep things fresh and exciting, try organizing themed days based on your child’s favorite topics. For example:

Pirate Day: Scavenger hunt + coloring pages + pirate jokes
Space Day: Trivia cards + coloring + Would You Rather space questions
Detective Day: Mystery hunt + clue worksheets + detective badges

Themed days add variety and give kids something fun to look forward to each week.

🖨️ Why Printable Kits Are a Parent’s Best Friend

When planning lockdown activities, printable kits are a lifesaver because they're:

Instantly downloadable and easy to access
Affordable compared to store-bought toys or kits
Reusable (especially if laminated or used digitally)
Adaptable for multiple children and age groups
Perfect for last-minute planning

You can find thousands of high-quality printable kits online, including:

Full treasure hunt packages
Seasonal and holiday-themed games
STEM-based learning printables
Mindfulness and social-emotional development tools

🛠️ Tips for Making the Most of Lockdown Activities

Here are a few final tips to help you get organized and make the most of your time together:

Create a printable folder: Save your favorite activity sheets in one digital folder for easy access.
Set up a craft station: Keep coloring supplies, scissors, glue, and crayons in a designated area.
Schedule game time: Make scavenger hunts or Would You Rather sessions part of your daily or weekly routine.
Involve the whole family: Let siblings take turns choosing the next activity or creating their own games.
Celebrate progress: Use stickers, certificates, or small prizes to reward effort and participation.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Turn Lockdown Into a Time of Discovery & Joy

While lockdown can feel limiting, it also offers a unique chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy quality time with your children. With the right mix of treasure hunt kits , scavenger hunts , coloring pages , and fun interactive games like "Would You Rather" , you’ll not only keep boredom at bay—you’ll also foster creativity, learning, and lasting memories.

So grab your printer, stock up on snacks, and get ready to transform your home into a world of imagination and adventure.

📌 Top 5 Lockdown Activities for Kids

Printable Treasure Hunt Kits
Themed Scavenger Hunts
Creative Coloring Pages
Family-Friendly Would You Rather Cards
Educational Printables & Games

Make the most of your time together—because even in lockdown, every day can be filled with wonder, laughter, and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Lockdown Activities for Children

1. What are the best lockdown activities for children?

During lockdown, it’s important to keep kids entertained, engaged, and learning. Some of the best activities include:

Printable treasure hunts and scavenger hunts – These encourage problem-solving, movement, and exploration.
Coloring pages – Great for creativity, fine motor skills, and relaxation.
"Would You Rather" games – Fun, thought-provoking questions that spark conversation and laughter.
Word searches, crosswords, and puzzles – Educational and screen-free ways to build vocabulary and critical thinking.
DIY science experiments and crafts – Hands-on learning using everyday household items.

Mixing physical, creative, and educational activities helps maintain a healthy balance during extended time at home.

2. Are printable games suitable for all ages?

Yes! Printable games can be easily adapted or selected based on your child's age and developmental stage. For example:

Ages 3–5: Matching games, simple coloring sheets, and picture-based scavenger hunts.
Ages 6–9: Word searches, mazes, basic trivia, and themed treasure hunts.
Ages 10+: Complex puzzles, space-themed trivia cards, "Would You Rather" challenges, and DIY escape room printables.

Many websites and digital marketplaces offer filters so you can find age-appropriate content with ease.

3. How can I keep my child entertained without screens during lockdown?

Reducing screen time is possible—and fun—with these strategies:

Set up activity stations around your home (e.g., art corner, reading nook, puzzle table).
Use printable games and workbooks that align with your child’s interests.
Encourage creative play with dress-up, building blocks, or storytelling.
Try indoor scavenger hunts or themed days (like Pirate Day or Space Adventure) to add excitement.
Involve the whole family in board games , cooking together, or crafting projects.

With a little planning, screen-free time can be both productive and enjoyable.

4. Where can I find high-quality printable lockdown activities for kids?

There are many trusted sources online where you can download engaging and educational printable activities:

Etsy – Custom, themed printables like treasure hunts and party kits.
Teachers Pay Teachers – Curriculum-aligned worksheets and games.
Pinterest & Blogs – Downloadable resources shared by educators and parents. (like scavenger-hunt.co)
Subscription sites – Monthly printable packs with themed activities and learning tools.

Always read reviews and preview files before downloading to ensure they match your needs.

5. Can lockdown activities help with learning and development?

Absolutely! Many lockdown activities are designed to support key areas of child development:

Cognitive Development: Puzzles, word games, and trivia boost memory, logic, and problem-solving.
Motor Skills: Coloring, cutting, and hands-on crafts improve fine motor coordination.
Social-Emotional Growth: Conversational games like “Would You Rather” promote empathy, communication, and emotional awareness.
Physical Activity: Scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and dance parties keep kids moving and energized.

By choosing the right mix of fun and educational content, you’ll help your child grow—even while staying at home.