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Keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some ideas to keep the kids entertained rather than just watching TV or playing video games.

- Have an art day: Draw a picture, finger paint, paint rocks, and color in a coloring book. Nick Jr. has a free online coloring page.
- Create a fort in your living room. Use blankets or cardboard boxes to create a fun play area.
- Have a reading marathon. Have your kids tell you about the book they read or act it out.
- Create stories together. Write and illustrate your own book.
- Have kids make cards or letters for friends and family that they don’t get to see often.

- Make paper airplanes and have a contest to see which one travels the farthest. Or make and play the free Planes Racer game by Disney Paper Planes.
- Learn how to make Origami, there are lots of YouTube tutorials and free sites, or buy a cheap origami book.
- Help the kids make their play-dough or slime. For hours of entertainment.
- Set up a card table and have a designated puzzle or board game area.
- Solve crossword or word search puzzles.

- Make cookies or cupcakes and let the kids decorate them.
- Make homemade popsicles.
- Make homemade mini pizzas on bagels or English muffins.
- You can learn and teach your kids how to sew, cross-stitch, crochet, or knit for free. Watch how-to videos on YouTube.
- Decorate or tie-dye an old T-shirt. Or turn an old t-shirt into a tote bag.
- Learn to make sock puppets.

Some outdoor ideas:
- Go on a hike.
- Have a picnic.
- Go on a bike ride.
- Play catch, kickball, or soccer.
- Play hide and seek.
- Create and have a treasure hunt.
- Go Geocaching
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Bestseller No. 2
Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art, Paint Your Own Suncatchers, DIY Arts & Crafts Idea, Craft Kits for Kids, Crafts for Kids & Toddlers, Toddler Arts and Crafts
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Bestseller No. 3
12 Packs Dinosaur Air Dry Clay Kit - Kids DIY Modeling Clay Set with Tools & Tutorial, Non-Sticky Magic Clay for Kids Arts and Crafts, Educational Gift for Boys & Girls Age 3+
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Bestseller No. 4
Worgree DIY Wooden Magnets, 36 pcs Wooden Art Craft Supplies Painting Kit for Kids Party Favors for Boys Girls Ages 4-8 8-12 Birthday Easter Crafts Gifts Toys Basket Goodie Bag Stuffers
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Bestseller No. 5
Aujazyble Pottery Wheel for Kids - Complete Pottery Painting Kit Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 8-12 with 3 Pack Air Dry Clay Art Supplies Toys for Girls Boy Birthday Gift for 6 7 8 9 10 11 12+
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Bestseller No. 6
Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy , Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy
- Comprehensive Craft Set: This DIY craft rock coloring set includes 10 rocks, 6 standard paints, 6 metallic paints, 5 glow in the dark paints, 2 glitter glue, 4 brushes, 8 Amusing Wiggly eyes, 2 sponges, 18 transfer stickers, 32 gems, and an instruction booklet.
- Glow in the dark: The main attraction is the glow-in-the-dark paints. When the lights go out, these paints will light up and provide beautiful designs. Imagine the look on your child's face as they watch their rock designs come to life in the dark! (Attention: Expose to a close light source for 15-30 seconds before placing it in a dark area for a better effort. The Longer the exposure, the brighter it will glow.)
- Ignite Creativity and Imagination: Our rock painting kit is crafted to ignite creativity and provide hours of enjoyable activities for boys and girls aged 6-12. Using rock as canvases offers a sturdy foundation for young artists to express their imagination and create impressive artwork.
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- Perfect Gift for Kids: Not only does our kit offer endless entertainment, but it also serves as a delightful gift for children. Encourage your kids' artistic abilities and witness their joy as they proudly showcase their glowing artwork. This craft kit is an ideal present for school classroom art projects, party favor, family crafts activity, gifts exchange, Christmas Stocking Stuffers, Easter, Halloween, coloring gifts, birthdays, and more!
