Sometimes it can be difficult entertaining little kids… so as a mom, I am always looking for fun activities.  Bonus if it is easy to put together!  This is ESPECIALLY true on school holidays.  A few months ago I planned an activity that was pretty simple to put together, and that could easily be adapted for different ages.  A scavenger hunt!

For my kids, I drew a very simple sketch of our house, bird’s eye view.  I made a few copies, and then put an X on each one in a different spot.  I then hid a new map at each spot that I had marked on the map.  We started in my bedroom, and I gave Chris his first map which showed an X by the front door.  The next map showed an X in the garage.. and so on.

Anna was a little young to follow the map, but she enjoyed running after Chris

The final map led him to the treasure, which was hidden in the mailbox and consisted of a bunch of dollar store treats and some candy.  (And by the way, the pirate hat was his idea!).

You could easily adapt this activity to use words or riddles to lead them to the next spot, or even pictures for really young kids.

And here is one other idea that I just saw that I love: set an alert on your phone to hug someone.  I just set mine to go off at 4:00.. usually at that time I am taking care of my kids and just trying to survive until Mark gets home and we can put them to bed!  So when the phone beeps, it will be a reminder to hug the nearest kid.. or kids.. and remind them that they are loved.

Have a great weekend!