Living in Queensland it’s inevitable that at some stage there will be a power outage. Rather than sigh and worry about how you will entertain the kids without a device or TV, use it as an opportunity to have fun and reconnect as a family.
This handy list can be used to ignite your creativity when you are experiencing a power outage. But don’t just abandon the list when the power comes back on – keep it handy for when you are camping, or if you want to pretend there’s no power to give the kids (and you) a break from devices.
We ask you to use adult discretion when it comes to these activities and whether or not they are suitable for your family.
Unique Ways to Entertain Children When There is a Power Outage
Be a reporter in your own home – Emulate your favourite TV host – discuss a bedroom design like you are from The Block, explore the backyard like you are on Better Homes and Gardens or critique art and homewares like the host of Antiques Roadshow.
Construct a Mystery Meal – Take turns to provide a meal, snack or plate of food to other members of the household, using only what is in the cupboard or fridge (this is a great way of using up food that may spoil without power). Who knows – someone may uncover a hidden talent or find a new favourite dish!!
Form a band – Get musical! If you don’t have any traditional musical instruments improvise with a container of rice, pots and pans, buckets and anything else that makes a noise. You could even rehearse and put on a show for other members of the family (or the neighbours if you are really game).
Get Happy in a Laughter Circle – Exercise your muscles and release endorphins by creating a laughter circle. Stand, sit or lie in a circle and laugh. It might be hard to begin with, but trust me, once someone starts snorting, or high pitch giggling there is no stopping the laughter. You can take turns at laughing or introduce movement to coincide with your laughing.
Hold a LEGO Challenge – Decide on a theme or goal and let your imaginations run wild. Who can build the tallest LEGO tower, a ball made out of red LEGO, or a fun LEGO maze. Work alone or in teams.
Entertaining Children in a Power Outage – During the Day
- Play your favourite card game or teach someone a new one
- Go for a walk
- Enjoy a picnic outside (or inside if it’s raining)
- Do a spot of gardening
- Try your hand at no-bake cooking
- Have a game of I-spy
- Look through old photo albums (if you have any)
- Take turns in playing DJ
- Rediscover old board games
- Make a cubby house
- Have a staring contest
- Read a book or magazine
- Plan your next family holiday or what you want to do on the weekend
- Go for a bike or scooter ride
- Play Charades or Celebrity Head
- Draw pictures or colour-in
- Let off steam at a local playground
- Hold a thumb wrestling competition
- Do a jigsaw puzzle
- Get dirty and play with mud
- Jump on a trampoline
- Show off some magic tricks
- Learn or practice sewing, knitting or crocheting
- Play floor is lava
- Give the indoor plants some TLC
- Write a letter to a friend or family member
- Kick or hit a ball
- Rearrange your bedroom
- Play Simon Says
- Give each other a makeover
- Get crafty with arts and crafts
- Hold a fashion parade
- Tell jokes and riddles
- Play with your pets
- Have a game of backyard cricket
Entertaining Children in a Power Outage – At Night
- Dance with glow sticks
- Have a game of spotlight tiggy (indoors or outdoors)
- Hold a lounge room disco
- Make a cubby to sleep in
- Cuddle with your pets (if they are willing and able)
- Hold a game of indoor hide and seek
- Enjoy a family sing-a-long
- Tell stories (true and made up)
- Have a pillow fight
- Head outside do some star gazing (can you find a satellite?)
- Talk about your favourite books and/or movies
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