Lockdown Activity List to help keep children active during half-term
The government wants to support parents, carers and families even further which is why today, Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford is launching the Lockdown Activity List to provide primary-aged children with a list of suggested activities, all of which can all be done in a lockdown-friendly way over the February half-term.
She said:
“We know parents, teachers and carers have worked incredibly hard to keep children engaged and active during this challenging time. Your efforts to provide moments of joy for them during a global pandemic has been heroic.
As we approach half-term, I hope the suggestions in the Lockdown Activity List will provide some ideas to keep spirits up, whether through learning a new skill or, for example, using your daily exercise to see a local landmark. We know keeping active can have such a positive impact on wellbeing — even simple activities like reading or drawing a picture.”
The Lockdown Activity List is aimed at helping families do things together without additional expense or burden. The activities are all lockdown-friendly and do not rely on access to outdoor space or extra resources. The list includes activities for infants – Reception to Year 2 – and juniors – Year 3 to 6.
Everyday activities, such as writing a song, watching your favourite family film or making pancakes for Shrove Tuesday (February 16) are included.
Parents and carers know what is best for their children and many of you are already creating great opportunities for children to stay active in this time. The Lockdown Activity List isn’t designed to replace but is another source of support and inspiration should you choose to use it.
We will be posting activities on social media daily. Do use the #LockdownActivityList hashtag on social media to share your stories or photos and see what other families are getting up to. How many can you tick off the list?
Lockdown Activity List – checklist
[For children in Reception to Year 3]
- Create a piece of art
- Use your daily exercise to walk to a local landmark
- Perform a song, dance or show for your household
- Dress up in fancy dress
- Do some baking – or make pancakes for your family!
- Taste some food you’ve never tried before
- Create your own song, film or comic strip
- Hunt for insects or small creatures during your daily exercise – how many can you find?
- Play a board game – or design and make your own
- Learn to play a game of cards
- Build a den
- Write and send a letter to a friend or relative you haven’t seen for a while
- Draw a picture for your mum or dad to make them smile
- Look up at the stars on a clear night
- Try yoga
[For children in Years 4 to 6]
- Use a map to plan a socially-distanced tour around your local area with your household
- Pick your favourite film character and write a story about them
- Get some exercise and climb to the top of a hill
- See the sunrise or sunset
- Write and perform a show for members of your household
- Plan and cook a meal for your family
- Have a clear-out of old toys or clothes, ready to donate to charity
- Make up your own game and teach it to someone in your household
- Learn a new skill
- Choose objects to put in a time capsule
- Design and take part in a treasure hunt around the house
- Do a blindfolded taste test
- Interview someone in your family
- Help unpack the shopping and decide what to have for dinner tonight
- Watch your favourite film
