How to Entertain the Kids

By Lauren Thurston, Events Coordinator Now that your kids are home and school is taking place on computers, tablets and other devices how do you entertain your kids while being quarantined? We have a few fun activities that get them up and moving and allow them to use their senses and inquiring brains in other ways.

1. StReAmEr MAZe

Have your kids ever watched a movie where the heroes MUST get through a maze of lasers to get to the bad guys? Well this is pretty much the same thing but in your home. This activity creates a challenging maze using streamers (ideally), ribbon or anything you have at in your craft drawer or garage.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Setup Time: 15 Minutes of Setup (be careful not to get stuck) Fun Time: As Long as it Stays Up

What You Need:

• Hallway in your home • Painters Tape, Gaft Tape, or Masking Tape TIP: Just make sure it can be easily removed so it doesn’t pull the paint of your wall • Party Streamers (ideal) (1 roll – 81 ft or 27 Yards – more is always welcome) TIP: You can order these from any party store online or try the Dollar Store or Dollar General party sections. Amazon is a great option as well. Party streamers not easily accessible? … Here are few alternatives: Ribbon, rope, or yarn • At least one energized kid • Device to record your kid(s) tackling the maze

How To Set It Up:

1. Start at the far end of the hallway 2. Take the end of your streamer (ribbon) and a small piece of tape and tape it to the wall 3. From there tape the streamer in a zig zag pattern at different heights and angles. Once complete it should look like this:

2. WiNe & JuIcE PaiRiNg

Who says that food and drink pairings are just for the adults? Create a fun tasting with assorted cheeses and juices for your kids. See how sophisticated their palates really are.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Setup Time: 10 Minutes Fun Time: Until Cheese and Juice are Consumed

What You Need:

• Plate for the cheese • Wine Glasses (Glass or Plastic) • Cutting Board and Knife • Assortment of Cheeses (3 to 5) TIP: Lactose allergy alternative: If your kid(s) that have a lactose allergy you can pair the juice with a variety of fruits or do a blind tasting with the fruit to see if your child can name that fruit without seeing it. In that case add a blindfold. TIP: Kids not fond of cheese try chocolate or their favorite cookies or savory snacks (goldfish, popcorn, pretzels, crackers) • Assorted Juices (apples juice and grape juice work best, my son loves Orange Juice so that is what we used) *If you have sparkling cider add as a third option • Score Card/Comment Card • Piece of Paper, Markers, and Ruler

How to set it up:

1. Grab all your supplies 2. Cut cheese on cutting board with knife 3. Plate cheese (if you have fruit add as a garnish or for something else for the kids to nibble on) 4. Take the juice and pour into the glasses 5. Create a score |comment card (not needed but fun touch) 6. Time to taste! 7. Have your kid(s) sample each cheese with the different juices and see which they like the best.

They can use the comment card to mark their favorites