A few weeks into our nation’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” proclamation, and we’ve all become very creative at how to entertain ourselves and our families during this extended together time. Between online schoolwork, video piano, dance or sports lessons and much-needed outdoor exercise, our lives have become very different. Yet, we realize parents are still looking for ways to give their kids worry-free fun time. JCPenney has some ideas to keep the hours filled with play, especially for those extra-busy preschool to elementary-aged kids.
Let Them Act Out
We all wish we were in a magical land right now, where happily ever after is always on the horizon. Go ahead and give your kids permission to put on plays, sing, dance and re-enact their favorite movies and shows. The creativity involved in writing out lines, gathering props and making scenery will involve collaboration and many hours of the day. Perfect for these endless-seeming days. Enlist yourself as chief costume designer and fill their closets with dress-up clothes that’ll spark their creativity and lend authenticity to their make believe. Princesses, animals, superheroes—all their favorites are ready to play pretend. Don’t forget accessories too—shoes, tiaras, wands, swords and more.
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| Shimmer & Shine: Shimmer Deluxe Child Costume – Small | Plush T-Rex Child Costume |
Get Board (not Bored)
Kids love family game night. Whether you already had an established night of the week devoted to playing games or not, now’s the time to make it a routine. Dust off the classic board games from your closet or mix in a few new ones so everyone learns some new skills. There are games that require movement, concentration and quick thinking. Games can be educational with counting and reading skills encouraged. Card games can be quicker for younger kids whose attention spans aren’t quite ready for a marathon Monopoly-type game. Keep a vast selection of different types on hand to rotate out and give everyone in the family a chance to choose their favorites.
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| Mindware Conduct Dough Lights | Monopoly Fortnite |
Use Your Imagination
Sometimes all it takes is a new toy to inspire imaginative play in your kids. Add a new doll or action figure to their collection and watch the tales unfold.
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| Avengers Marvel Iron Man Action Figure | Disney Collection Moana Doll |
A playset can add the background for stories to come to life. Take the play outside to give fresh air and natural light to playtime.
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| Playmobil Take Along School | Playmobil 78-pc Ghostbusters Ecto-1 |
Encourage your kids to make their toys climb forts, dig in the dirt and hide from approaching enemy in the grasses. Nature is an easy way to incorporate some needed Vitamin D into playtime. Doing arts and crafts or other discovery-type experiments are best created outside in the backyard or on the patio as well.
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| Brookstone Sand Box | Hey! Play! Telescope for Kids with Tripod |
And, remember, Easter is nearing and all these toys and games would make ideal basket gifts as well. Stock up now to enjoy for the rest of spring.
How are you keeping your kids entertained these weeks? What is their favorite go-to toy? Show us by snapping a pic and tagging #AllAtJCP. Then follow us on Twitter and Instagram to see if you are featured.
