Entertain Kids During School Break - 30 Easy Ways

April 16, 2025

30 Easy Ways To Entertain Kids

If you’re feeling like you don’t know what to do with the children when school is out, you’re at the right place. Here are 6 categories of fun to fill your days and make memories. Good ones.

Ways To Entertain Kids On School Break

Who needs this? I did! 😄 For Spring Break.

And Summer Break will be here soon.

It was not an issue of needing to invent things; it was me needing to remember what worked! And with 11 years of being Grammye, I felt like I should have plenty of ideas.

This was a great week to look over my inventory, to see where the interest was, and to get into activities right alongside the kids.

You know what? It worked.

Sometimes my dreams for school breaks don’t work out like I expected. I want to entertain the kids. Out of school the kids are so glad to have the break, but so unaccustomed to the freedom to sleep late, watch TV, do nothing. And I just think they should get to do that a little. Especially the older ones.

I’ve found its good to move between three kinds of plans: Let them choose, discuss choices, or tell them I’ve chosen. We usually pick one day to go to Billy Beez, an indoor amusement place. It’s fun and exhausting. The rest of the days we try to adjust our plans based on everyone’s needs.

You’ll see that I’ve reviewed our activities and tried to organize them into categories. This may help with rainy days, different ages, etc..

Here are the categories:

DIY activities (make your own fun)
Foods To Make (with an adult)
YouTube Songs & Activities (amuse and entertain)
Movies To Watch (together time)
Toys and Games (clear the table and get started)
Outdoor Fun (sports and outdoors)

By the time you’ve looked over the list, you’re guaranteed to have seen something useful! Of course the idea is to give specific suggestions, but you know how one thing leads to another when you’re brainstorming. 😉

(A little bonus suggestion section will finish the topic, so that you actually get more than 30 suggestions.)

School Break: DIY ACTIVITIES

This is the “make your own fun” category. Even though we try to forget, you’ll remember we all refined this during the pandemic restrictions. Maybe you recognize some of these.

Cardboard fort. If you did this as a kid, you don’t need instructions. Use a big appliance box and cut a door in it. OR, use those foldable presentation boards; just tape or clip them together.
Related: Make an outdoor box fort. It doesn’t have to be a big box. Just string together a bunch of medium-sized boxes. It’s fun for little ones to crawl or run through tunnels that twist and turn. Buy or find your boxes. They don’t have to be perfect to do this.
PVC pipes and fittings. Here’s one that works indoors, but you could also do outdoors. What you’ll buy is PVC piping. Pick a diameter size, 1 inch is fine for this purpose. Get fittings that match that size — elbows, crosses, corners, tees. And one more thing: A PVC pipe cutter. (This scary thing stays put away, because it has a LOT of strength. It cuts through the pipe so smoothly and easily. I figure it can do the same thing to a little arm or finger.) What you’ll do is cut the long pipes into manageable sections — 3 feet, 2 feet, 1 foot, etc. After that, children can use the fittings to construct whatever they are imagining. (This will take your sheet fort to a whole new level.) Check out Teach Beside Me for great ideas on this. She painted hers!
Sidewalk chalk. Guess what? The size of the chalk will matter. Giant Chalk (extra large) is what I get. It’s huge, doesn’t break, and makes big wide lines. If you get the regular sidewalk chalk sizes, spring for the chalk holder to save your fingers. Look online at sidewalk chalk art ideas, and you’ll be amazed at what they do with simple drawings. Before you head outdoors, get a couple of damp washcloths and have them ready nearby. Because kids will get chalk everywhere. So will you. Better to wipe off before going back in. Rain or a garden hose will wash away your art when you’re ready.
Silly Story Game. This is for kids who are good at reading (and writing legibly). Prob second grade and over. Nothing to invest but a few pens and paper. Give everyone a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. (Before distributing the paper, fold down the top an inch or less. Then fold that down again, and keep going all the way to the bottom. Unfold the paper and hand it out.) Each person needs to start a story by writing a sentence in the small top section of the paper. It will be a phrase like, “Once upon a time there was a …___”, or “Let me tell you how ___ is made”). Then in the second section, begin a second sentence but don’t finish it. This sentence may say, “It all started with the…___” or, “You will need to find a …___”. Now, fold the first section back, so that only the second section with the beginning sentence shows. When everyone has completed this task, pass the paper to the person on your right. On the paper they now have, each person now completes the partial sentence, folds that section down, and begins a third sentence in the next section. The paper is passed again. This is the sequence you follow until at last everyone composes a final sentence in the last section. You only see the beginning of the sentence. At the very end, each paper is finally unfolded, and each complete story can be read aloud. The stories are all so disjointed and nonsensical, but kids will dissolve in laughter. The first section may promise a recipe, but the very next section may refer to car engines or giraffes. 😄

Entertain Kids: FOODS TO MAKE

Most kids love to get in the kitchen and make stuff. And when you entertain kids during school break, they want to eat. Get ready for a little mess, especially if you let them wash dishes. Ladies, it’s hard for us to give up our kitchen to a child. If you just can’t do it, I understand. If you can do it within limits, then go for it.

Fancy Fruit Picks. Get long wooden skewers and plenty of different fruits. Grapes and cubes are easy to push onto the skewers, even cheese cubes can be added. If you’re feeling adventurous, cut up shapes with pineapples and melons using cookie cutters. Berries, apples, bananas, and even chocolate can be included. When finished, the easiest way is to just lay the finished skewers on a platter. But if you’re feeling all “Edible Arrangements” by all means make it beautiful. Take a look at Juju Sprinkles website or The Cottage on Bunker Hill for some instructions that will help you get organized for it.
Chocolate covered pretzels. This pleases mine every time. And it’s super easy. I melt half a pack of white chocolate chips with a dab (1/2 tsp) of coconut oil in the microwave. When they’re almost melted, go ahead and take them out. Stir and they will continue to fully melt. Open your bag of pretzels. Use knots or squares. I prefer the smaller ones. I don’t cover them completely. Just drag them through the chocolate, let them drip off, and lay them on a foil-covered pan. When the pan is full, stick it in the freezer for just a few minutes. Less than 5. The chocolate will be set and everyone will gobble them up.
Break-and-bake cookies. These never get old with kids. If you’re not into messing up your kitchen, this is the way to go. Stock up on their favorite flavors before the kids arrive. Use parchment paper, foil, or silicone sheets to line your pans.
Easy brownies. This simple recipe never fails to please. And not a big mess. You don’t even need a mixer. Just mix up with a spoon and pour into the pan.
Congo squares. We just started making these and we can’t stop. Delicious thick cookie bars that have endless possibilities.

Entertain Kids During School Break: Movies To Watch

These are all great “together” family movies. I’ve linked each one to Common Sense Media so you can get the parent’s review. I’m not a paid subscriber there, so I could only look at a few. The same will be true for you if you aren’t a subscriber.

However, you can always look at the International Movie Database (IMDb). Search for your movie, scroll down and click on “Parents’ Guide.” Also read user reviews for more info.

Each family has their own freedoms and restrictions, so anytime someone (even me) recommends a movie be sure to check it out before watching.

Charlotte’s Web (quiet wisdom)

Mary Poppins (magical nanny)

Beethoven (huge new house dog)

The Star (about Jesus’ birth)

Because of Winn Dixie (this one has some grown-up themes; thus may not be for little ones)

Make your popcorn, turn out the lights, and cover up with a cozy blanket. Like a lot of things, it’s not just the movie. It’s being together, being quiet, finding out questions people have about life issues. Family. Have fun.

Entertain Kids at Home: YouTube Songs and Games To Play

Most kids are so familiar with YouTube these days. We try to be super careful, because there are just so many wrong turns there. But some good stuff to do also.

1. For the boys, as they get older, Dude Perfect is a great channel for them to watch. Here’s something from their website: ” A global phenomenon reaching millions of fans worldwide with the epic antics you know and love. But there’s more to Dude Perfect than just having fun. We’re about giving back, spreading joy, and glorifying Jesus Christ.”

Try their “Stereotypes” series for laughs. They are hilarious. These guys really got their start doing basketball trick shots. You’ll love their story. But check out Average Dude vs. Steph Curry too.

Or, … Looking for exercise/action videos? These are great to entertain kids on school break. Like P.E. class, but better.

2. CJ And Friends have some dance/music videos. Try This is Amazing Grace.

3. Koo Koo is a great one with Get Yo Body Movin.

4. Berkner Break is also a great group of music and action videos for younger ones. Like Waiting For The Elevator.

5. Wanting a little friendly competition in the room? Try some of the “Guess The Logo” or “Find The Difference” videos for a quick and fun game. Or try “Odd One Out” videos. Even the grownups at our house enjoy these. Actually they are all fun to do as a family. Sometimes the kids are quicker than the adults!

Entertain Kids During School Break: Toys and Games

Clear the table, and bring on the fun. These are kits and supplies you’ll have ready to go. On a rainy day, or just quiet time. These work to entertain kids during school breaks, but also just regular weekend or evening fun.

Art. The unending fun of creating. Of course you can make clay projects, glue things, or cutouts. Scrapbooking-type scissors or punches make for some fun shapes. It can all be done with card stock, felt-tip pens, paint pens, even paint and brushes. Watch a few YouTube tutorials to draw popular characters, or to find out how you can get unusual results with string or stamps. And don’t forget coloring books. I’ve actually pulled out a grown-up coloring book and colored pencils, and enjoyed a little quiet coloring time right beside them.
Waffle blocks. You may find they have used these things at school. Quiet little tiny interlocking shapes that are curiously satisfying. And did I say quiet?
Magnet tiles. Oh my, the possibilities are endless. And so many sets to choose from. Another strangely satisfying thing to do with your hands.
Board games. We love the traditional ones — Especially Sorry, Candyland, and Hungry Hungry Hippo. But did you know about the “cooperative” games from Peaceable Kingdom? Completely different, and a little less competitive. Well-made game pieces are kind of fun to handle.
Drill Kits For Kids. Saving the best for last. These have provided hours of fun. STEM Drill and Build Kits. Of course you can create cute things, but it’s the satisfaction of using the screws and nuts that makes them happy. After a small learning curve, they’ll push you aside to do it themselves. It really does feel like a grown-up activity. The tiny battery-operated drill even has a reverse. (Once you use it, it’s hard to get the whole thing back into the box. Just put each kit in a zippered bag.)

Entertain Kids During Summer Break: OUTDOOR FUN

Another thing that’s become a tradition is our driveway playing. We keep a few outdoor chairs handy for taking a break in between. We back up the cars to make a big space, and use it to play whatever comes to mind. The older ones love the basketball goal and the bicycles. Younger ones love sidewalk chalk and Cozy Coupes. But there are so many more things we do.

My little Altec Hydra Mini Speaker is so much fun. It pairs with my iPhone and we get a playlist going. No matter what we’re doing, there’s a song for it.
Various sport balls are always around, for just tossing, or for games in the yard. The older children are able to use the little pump to re-inflate them if they get less bouncy.
If your kids are into scooters, we have all loved the 3-wheel scooters. Great for getting started and learning to balance, steer, and stop.
Have you heard of the EzyRoller? Ours is the kid version, up to 110 lbs, but there’s a bigger one also. I can’t understand or explain how these work, but they do! A novelty for sure. Watch the videos to really see how maneuverable these are.
The recumbent bike. This is the one we fight over! 😄 The Mobo Triton Pedal Go Kart Trike. Originally purchased for a child recovering from hip surgery, it’s become a favorite. It sits low, steers with two upright stick/handles. If you have a special needs person, this is less likely to tip over than a typical bike. But the surprise is this: It’s so comfortable for anyone. Grownups enjoy the smooth action of riding it. Now, I’ll warn you: This one will set you back. I wouldn’t tell you to buy something this expensive unless you had the budget for it. But I would tell you it’s worth the money you pay. Because it totally is. A high-quality item we are still enjoying years later.

Entertain Kids: BONUS SUGGESTIONS

Now the big, big thing to show you today. A swingset. And listen, I don’t think you’ll buy a swingset on impulse today. 😆 Can you picture it? “Hey, I just found $2500 in my purse and we don’t need anything in the world. What will we do with this money?”

But maybe you’re actually considering it, or maybe a recommendation will be something you remember.

The one we have has been in place for years. We’ve changed out the swings based on our needs (baby swing, saucer swing, etc.), but everything has held up beautifully. We got it at Sam’s Club, but of course it’s also available at Walmart.

It’s called the Lifetime Kid’s Adventure Tunnel Swing Set with Clubhouse and Climbing Wall. If that doesn’t promise a lot, I don’t know what does.

We paid the extra fee for an assembly crew to come and set it up. Totally worth it, I promise. (We would still be putting it together if we hadn’t.) They got it so level and stable, and then gave a quick tutorial to our little one before leaving.

It’s all metal and plastic, so kids wont get any wood splinters. Everything is heavy duty so we are assured of the quality and safety. There’s never been any swaying, and no loose parts.

This thing is so great, even the neighbor’s cat saunters over to play on it sometimes. 😄

EVEN MORE IDEAS

If you’re feeling energetic or adventurous, read on.

Set up your sprinkler if you want to. Get plenty of towels together and let them go crazy. You can bring that shampoo outside and hose them off at the end.

If your community has water parks, it’s such a good time for them. Also animal parks and zoos usually have picnic areas and you can make a day of it.

Some people even set up a little community movie theater in the back yard, using a projector and a sheet. Kids can invite friends and neighbors, and let everyone relax on the lawn with popcorn. (Notice I said some people. Not me.)

SCHOOL BREAK READING

Did teachers assign summer reading? No problem!

Set up a cozy reading corner and make it a daily activity. Inside a fort with a snack, they will read. Give a pack of Smarties and tell them to eat two each time they finish a chapter. Or, give the treat after they finish. (Did you know there are Giant Smarties? Even Mega? 😲)

Never miss an chance to encourage reading. Sadly, as a society we’re losing our love for the written word. Literacy declines when this happens. So embrace the opportunity to teach them the joy of being immersed in a good story.

You know how much I love schoolteachers. They have the best advice. Best. It’s good to remember their advice during school break. Here’s some:

Keep the action going. As one activity closes, have another one lined up. This is especially helpful for little ones.
Speak softly, even whisper, to get them to calm down.
Let them move. Inside or outside, they really do need this. Varying periods of activity and rest are perfect.

Entertaining Kids Out Of School: Your 30 Ideas

So, my friend, those are your 30 ideas, plus a few extras, to entertain kids during school break.

And here’s what I want you to know: No one suggested that I present these to you.

I am totally going on our own experience and the things that have contributed to the happiness under our roof. And under the big blue sky, too, I guess.

These kind of games and habits are traditions that the children will treasure long after they outgrow them.

That’s how it always is with kids. Those little things mean so much. During the pandemic, we played outside as much as we could. For many reasons it was an awful time. But I remember so many bright stories from that time.

Here’s one:

The kids love Kona Ice. And of course that’s a small business model that suffered when public events didn’t take place. But Kona Ice was so creative. On their Facebook page or mobile app, they would notify neighborhoods of their intended route for the day. People could “sign up” and get a stop. We timed a driveway birthday party with the neighborhood kids to enjoy the Kona Ice truck. It was a really big bright spot in the middle of the strangest days. We’ve got sunny pictures of that pretty truck right in our driveway and all the kids lined up beside it.

Maybe this is waaayyy too much information for today. But I’m really trying to help you.

Make it a memorable Summer. Not because you did something significant, but because you did something together.

Yes the days are busy and demanding. But you’ve got those kids to cuddle. What if you didn’t? What if you couldn’t be there for them? 😟

You’re tired, I know. But don’t let yourself be cross. Keep it kind, keep it calm.

If you need to get something done, just say so and do it. It’s hard for them to let you do things without them for a few minutes, but you can have a plan and train them to follow it. A blanket and pillow on the floor with a stuffy can make resting with a quiet television show pretty sweet. Also there are plenty of play-alone ideas here in case you need to make a phone call or insert your coffee IV. (😆Just kidding about the coffee IV. I know some people use tea.)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but try to remember you’re really in charge. When I feel myself getting a little edgy, I make sure to rein it in. Because it’s usually my problem, not theirs.

30 Easy Ways To Entertain Kids is your buzzer, the signal to let the games begin. Drivers, start your engines.

Stock up on your art supplies, your board games, outdoor fun items, whatever you need. And make it a summer to remember.