How to Create a Fun Work-from-Home Environment for Kids: 20 Activity Ideas

This one is for my fellow work-from-home parents. Those attempting to juggle conference calls with sibling drama…or those trying to keep little ones fed, safe and entertained while also meeting deadlines. I see you. It is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, it does get easier as the kiddos get older. In the meantime, I’ve picked up some tricks along the way to make working from home with kids easier.

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Here’s a list of 20 independent activities that’ll keep your kiddos happy and occupied without breaking the bank or your concentration while you work from home.

Bonus: many of these activities teach valuable lessons about money and mindfulness!

1. Create a “busy box” filled with dollar store finds. Kids can explore independently.

2. Set up a listening station with audiobooks or podcasts for kids.

My kids adore their Toniebox Audio Player for listening to music and books. Check it out here. It’s a kid-friendly audio player- great for bedtime stories, music or education. I find my kids snuggling on the couch just listening and relaxing…and it has naturally cut down screen time, which is plus!

3. Set up a personal reading nook. Encourage quiet time with books.

4. Provide a sketchbook and art supplies for free drawing time.

5. Offer puzzles or brain teasers appropriate for their age.

6. Set up a simple sensory bin with rice, beans, or sand.

7. Give them a kid-friendly journaling prompt each day.

8. Create a scavenger hunt list they can complete around the house.

9. Provide materials for string art or friendship bracelet making.

10. Set up a “loose parts” play area with buttons, fabric scraps, etc.

11. Offer modeling clay or playdough for sculpting.

12. Create a “tinker tray” with safe household items to explore.

13. Set up a simple science experiment they can observe over time.

14. Provide materials for origami or paper crafts.

15. Set up a listening station with audiobooks or podcasts for kids.

16. Create a “sort and count” activity with buttons, coins, or other small objects.

17. Offer pattern blocks or tangrams for independent play.

18. Set up a nature observation station near a window.

19. Provide a kid-sized “office space” for imaginative play.

20. Create a simple indoor obstacle course they can use repeatedly.

21. Set up a mindfulness corner with guided meditation cards or calming activities.

Try these Meditation Cards for Kids for some relaxing quiet time.

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These activities encourage independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They also touch on financial concepts (like sorting coins) and mindfulness practices (like meditation or nature observation).

The key is to set these activities up in advance and rotate them to keep things fresh. This way, you’re not constantly interrupting your work to entertain the kids. Plus, many of these activities use items you probably already have around the house, keeping costs low.

Punctuate the day with lunch and snacks and you just may have a productive work day that does not make you question all of your life choices.

Remember, it’s okay if the kids get a little extra screen time on busy workdays. But having a toolkit of engaging, screen-free activities can help create a better balance and work from home experience for everyone.

What self-directed activities work well for your kids? Share your ideas in the comments below!