Sick Day? Fun, Low-Energy Activities for Kids
Sick days can feel never-ending when kids are stuck at home, but just because they’re under the weather doesn’t mean boredom has to take over. Whether they’re dealing with the flu, a cold, or just need a cozy day indoors, here are some fun, low-energy activities to keep them entertained without overexertion.
Creative & Imaginative Activities:
🎧 Audiobook or Podcast Time – Let kids listen to engaging audiobooks (try Audible, Libby, or Epic!) or kid-friendly podcasts like Wow in the World or Stories Podcast.
🎨 Calm Coloring & Sticker Books – Coloring books, water-painting pads, or sticker activity books provide quiet fun with minimal mess.
🦸♂️ Make Your Own Comic Strip – Have kids create simple comics about their favorite characters or even their “sick day adventure.”
💌 Postcard or Letter Writing – Let them write letters or draw pictures for friends, family, or even their future selves.
🐰 Shadow Puppets Show – Use a flashlight and hands (or cutout shapes) to make shadow creatures on the wall.
✂️ Paper Crafts or Origami – Simple paper crafts like cut-out snowflakes, fortune tellers, or origami animals can be calming.
🧲 Magnetic or Felt Board Fun – If you have a magnetic board or felt board, let kids create their own scenes and stories.
Passive & Easy-Entertainment Options:
🏺 Sensory Play with Play-Doh or Kinetic Sand – A quiet, hands-on activity that’s soothing but not exhausting.
🧩 Puzzle Time – Simple jigsaw puzzles, word searches, or Sudoku for older kids.
🔎 “I Spy” from the Couch – A low-energy game where kids take turns finding objects in the room.
🎲 DIY Story Cubes or Dice Game – Roll a few dice and make up a silly story based on the numbers or drawings on the dice.
🦁 Watch a Virtual Zoo or Aquarium Cam – Check out San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, or Smithsonian National Zoo live animal cams.
🎥 Old Home Videos & Baby Photos – Kids love watching their baby videos and flipping through old pictures!
✏️ Doodle or Scribble Challenge – Start a scribble and challenge your child to turn it into something creative.
🎲 Mini “Board Meeting” – Play simple board games like Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, or Guess Who.
Gentle Movement & Relaxation Activities:
🌌 Cozy Blanket Fort & Starry Sky – Build a fort, add fairy lights, and create a calm, cozy space for resting.
🧘♂️ Lazy-Day Yoga or Stretching – Try Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube for gentle movement.
🎶 Lullaby or Gentle Music Time – Play soft music or sing along to calming songs.
🫧 Bubble Blowing (Indoors!) – Blowing bubbles is relaxing and doesn’t require much energy.
👜 “What’s in the Bag?” Sensory Game – Put different objects in a bag and let kids guess what they are by touch.
Independent Quiet Time Ideas:
🔍 Scavenger Hunt from the Couch – Have them find things like “something round,” “something soft,” or “something blue” from where they are resting.
🏗️ LEGO Build Challenge – Give them a simple LEGO challenge (build a boat, house, or robot).
📱 FaceTime or Call a Relative – A quick chat with grandparents or a friend can be a fun distraction.
🎭 Soft Clay Play or Air Dry Clay Creations – Let them mold simple figures or “pretend cookies” with soft clay.
🃏 Memory Matching Game – Use a memory card game or make your own with paper cutouts.
Sick days don’t have to be all boredom and discomfort—these activities keep kids entertained while letting them rest and recover! 💙
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
