Surprise Activities For When Kids Stay Home

With FREE Downloadable PDF

A few years ago my husband made his firs trip back to South Korea since he was adopted. His trip was 21 days, which for us was a LONG TIME for him to be away. To give the kids something to look forward to, and to count down the days until he returned we created a Fun Chart. I’ll explain exactly what this is and how to make an activity chart in just a moment. The Fun Chart was such a hit with my kids, we used it again the following summer while the kids were at home, and I was at work. And, I plan to use it once again this summer.

Call it a “Fun Chart” or “Activity Chart”, it really doesn’t matter. Fun Chart is what we started with and that’s what stuck. This chart has pockets for each day, and each pocket holds a small piece of paper with a surprise activity on it. The activities we use include simple things such as a blanket fort with a movie as well as crazy things like a whipped topping fight! 

During the summer, I make a daily schedule for my kids to follow while I’m at work. To make the day a little more exciting, we use the Fun Chart in the middle of the day to give them something to look forward to. It also helps the kids have a better attitude about the schedule I’ve created, which includes chores and reading and what not. You can use this chart during the summer or for a countdown to a special event.

The rest of this post I’ll share with you how to make an activity chart. As a bonus, I’ve included a FREE downloadable printable with all the decorative elements you need for this chart.

How to Make An Activity Chart

First, you’ll want to download my free printables for this chart. Scroll down to grab them. All you have to do is enter your name and email, and your downloads will be in your inbox right away! I’ll give you just a moment to go do that.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Poster board
• Printer
• Scissors
• Glue and/or tape
• Paper (regular or scrapbook paper)
• Cardstock (optional)
• Markers or paint (optional)

Our first two charts were made freehand with construction paper and markers. If that’s your style, and you love to be creative, by all means, go ahead! However, if you like this idea but need a little help in the creativity department, that’s where my downloadable PDF’s come in. Download, print, cut and glue. That’s all you need, and you’ll have your own surprise activity chart.

Included with Downloadable PDF’s:

• Instructions
• Fun Chart heading, days of the week, and numbers
• Pocket Template
• 3 decorative themes
• Pre-filled activity cards
• Blank activity cards
• 40+ activity ideas

Grab Your Free Downloadable PDF’s Here!

For more activities, check out my post on 50 Easy Activities to Do When Your Kids Are Home From School!

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