30+ Babysitting Activities for Fun- No More Bored Kids
Have you ever wondered how to turn a babysitting gig from a boring routine watch into a night of unforgettable fun? The answer lies in our giggle-worthy list of fun babysitting activities!
Whether you’re facing a house full of boundless energy or a silent kids’ group yearning for a quiet, imaginative escape, fun activities for babysitting can be the magic ingredient that keeps everyone engaged and happy. Plus, what more do you want than a night where parents can confidently step away, knowing their little ones are safe, happy, and entertained?
In this article, we will explore:
- Babysitting ideas for 3-5 year olds
- Babysitting activities for 6-8 year olds
- Babysitting Ideas for Pre-Teens
- Babysitting Ideas for Teenagers
- FAQs
Let’s go ahead and prepare for the most fun things to do when babysitting cute little kiddos!
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30+ Babysitting Activities for Fun- No More Bored Kids
Babysitting is an opportunity to create genuine connections with kids, spark their out-of-the-box imaginations, and maybe even rediscover the joy of silly games and unbridled creativity yourself. It’s also a chance to be a positive influence on the incredible adventure of childhood.
This list of fun babysitting activity ideas isn’t just about activities to keep kids busy, but majorly, it’s more about fostering a sense of wonder and building childhood memories that will last long after the parents return home.
We’ll be diving into babysitting ideas for all ages and interests, and help turn your babysitting sessions into something truly special, for both you and the little ones you care for.
Let’s start with babysitting ideas for 3-5 year olds:
1. Art & Craft
Art and craft time with little ones feels as colorful as it looks. It’s a chance to watch their creative imaginations run wild, their tiny fingers explore new textures, and their pretty smiles light up brighter than a box of crayons. Here are some ideas to turn your babysitting gig into a min-art studio for 2-5-year-old Picassos:
– Sensory Playdough
Whip up some homemade playdough; you can also add some glitter for sparkle or a few drops of vanilla extract for a yummy (but not edible) scent. Next, let the toddlers knead, squish, and reform the playdough to build their own little masterpieces.
– Finger Painting
Finger painting for little kids is like a sensory explosion. It engages their sense of touch as they explore the cool, smooth texture of the paint. The vibrance of colors sparks their creativity, allowing them to express themselves freely through paints.
Moreover, this simple activity requires a very minimal setup—some paper, washable paints, and a smock. Let the kids enjoy different colors, creating everything from handprints and squiggles to beautiful landscapes.
– Paper Plate Parade
Decorate paper plates like festive hats, silly animal masks, or funny self-portraits. Markers, crayons, and stickers are your kids’ best friends here!
Before you begin with these activities, remember to cover the table or floor with newspaper. It makes cleanup a breeze! Also, don’t forget to jump right in with them. You can show them new techniques, make a silly art piece together, and share the joy of creation!
2. Indoor Obstacle Course
Rainy days or cooped-up energy? An indoor obstacle course is just what you need to keep kids entertained and burn off some steam. It’s also a creative outlet that encourages gross motor skills, balance, and coordination in young toddlers.
And the best part? You can easily customize the obstacle course using everyday household items.
Building the course is super easy, just go ahead and gather your supplies. Look around the house for pillows, blankets, chairs, laundry baskets, painter’s tape, hula hoops, and anything that can be safely used for obstacles.
Next, sketch a rough paper layout and discuss it with the kids. Make sure you add a mix of crawling, climbing, balancing, and jumping activities to the course. You can use pillows to create a tunnel, drape a blanket over chairs for a climbing challenge, or stick painter’s tape on the floor for a balance beam.
Get creative!
3. Board Games for Kids
Board games are a babysitter’s best friend. Most families have a box full of indoor games tucked away, and with the right choice, you can unlock an afternoon of giggles and fun for your young ones. Here’s why board games rock for little kids:
1. Simple and Sweet: Opt for speedy card games like Hearts, Sevens, or Old Maid. The rules are easy to grasp for toddlers, keeping playtime frustration-free!
2. Action: Board games like Candyland, Trouble, and Chutes and Ladders take little ones on an exciting journey. Each card draw or spin of the wheel brings a new twist, keeping them engaged and entertained.
3. Match Mania: Matching games are a hit for a reason. They help develop memory skills and concentration, all while kids have a blast looking for those perfect pairs.
No matter what the age, there’s a matching game waiting to be played. For little ones, classics like the Memory Game are great. As they grow, Go Fish for color and number-matching, Lotto for vocabulary building, or Spot It for a fast-paced test of visual perception.
With any competitive board games, there might be a sprinkle of cute sibling rivalry. Be prepared to be the ultimate referee, reminding everyone it’s all about fun, not winning (or losing) at all costs.
4. Freeze Dance
Are the kids you’re babysitting too energetic? Then, Freeze Dance is one of the most fun activities to do when babysitting! Get ready to wiggle, groove, and HOLD IT RIGHT THERE. This game is like a dance party, but with a surprise pause button that might come into play at any time.
How to play Freeze Dance?
Pick the coolest playlist for this game that your kids will surely enjoy. Think of upbeat songs that make them wanna jump, spin, roll, and twirl. And just when they are enjoying a little too much, the music STOPS! Uh oh! Time to freeze like a statue, and they can’t even wiggle a finger.
Anyone kid can’t hold their pose or you see them move, BUSTED! They are out of the dance party.
Music starts again, time to boogie! Keep dancing and freezing until there’s only one super-duper freeze master left. That’s the winner!
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5. Simon Says
Now that Hide & Seek is out of the way, let’s talk Simon Says! This classic game is great for getting kids active, listening closely, and having fun all along while learning new skills.
How to play?
One person, maybe you or one of the kids, becomes the leader, “Simon.” The key rule is to only do something if “Simon Says” comes before the instruction. Start with easy moves like “touch your toes” or “jump up and down.” As everyone gets the hang of it, throw in sillier actions like “wiggle your nose” or “spin around three times.”
What’s the tricky part? Occasionally, you might say something fun to do without using the magic phrase, “Simon Says.” If a kid accidentally does the action without hearing it first, they’re out! The last player standing who hasn’t been tricked becomes the next Simon.
You can improvise the game by changing your voice, playing at different speeds, and even letting the kids take turns being Simon after a few rounds. The more playful and engaging you make it, the more fun everyone will have. Remember, it’s all about having a good time and maybe learning a thing or two along the way!
6. Storytelling
Kids love to tell stories and act them out! So if you’re looking for fun activities to do while babysitting, here’s one that makes them work their brains (of course in a creative way).
Let the kids be stars of the day by hosting their own storytelling show. Tell them you’re their big audience waiting to see what awesome stories they have in their tiny pockets. Can they be pirates searching for treasure? Or maybe superheroes saving the day?
You can use household items as props. A spoon can become a microphone, a blanket becomes a cape—anything goes as long as they get silly with their narrations.
Bonus tip: If the kids feel a bit shy, you can act out a story first. Seeing you pretend can make them feel more comfortable jumping in with their own ideas!
Fun Things to do while Babysitting 6 to 8-year-olds!
“Being a babysitter is a rewarding experience,” they said. But sometimes, keeping energetic 6 to 8-year-olds entertained and under control can feel like a police job.
Don’t worry, though! This list of babysitting ideas for 6-8-year-olds will surely be of immense help. Below, we will explore a variety of activities that are perfect for this naughty age group, and make sure they have a blast while their parents are away.
Children who are 6-8 years old are usually full of curiosity and imagination, so we will focus on activities that spark their creativity, encourage teamwork, and offer some good old-fashioned fun:
7. Backyard Olympics
Transform your backyard into the ultimate Olympic venue and host the most epic games your young athletes have ever seen! Here’s how to make it a truly unforgettable experience:
Create a fun and engaging schedule of events. Keep it simple for younger children, with 3-5 events total. You can even include silly names for each event, like the “Water Balloon Toss Tango” or the “Hula Hoop Hurdle.”
Get the energy pumping with an opening ceremony! Decorate your backyard with colorful streamers, balloons, and handmade Olympic rings. Let the kids make their own “country” flags and parade around the yard with upbeat music playing.
Next, let the events begin:
– Relay Races: Fun twists on classic relays keep things exciting. Divide the kids into teams and have them race while tossing water balloons or balancing a plastic egg on a spoon. Laughter is guaranteed!
– Individual Tasks: Host individual events to showcase the kids’ talents. Hold a jump rope competition with different styles, have a frisbee throwing contest with cardboard box targets, or organize a hilarious sack race using pillowcases.
Once all events are completed, celebrate the champions! Craft homemade medals out of cardboard and colorful ribbon, and announce the winners with their medals held high.
With a little extra effort, Backyard Olympics are sure to be a highlight of their summer, fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and lasting memories.
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8. Puzzles
Puzzles are a fabulous addition to your list of fun activities for babysitting! They might seem really simple, but puzzles offer a surprisingly good amount of educational benefits, engagement, and a chance to connect with the kids.
Why are puzzles important for young kids?
— Puzzles help develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills. Young kids can work on matching colors and shapes, while older ones can tackle more complex pictures.
— Puzzles offer a calming activity that’s still fun and keeps the youngsters occupied. This allows for a nice quiet break from high-energy games for babysitting and gives you a chance to chat with them.
— Finishing a puzzle together creates a sense of achievement for the kids. This builds their confidence and self-esteem over time.
Choose age-appropriate puzzles and witness the sharp minds of your little Einsteins!
9. Hide and Seek
Hide & Seek is a timeless game that’s just amazing for babysitting! It’s really simple to learn (even for tiny toddlers), requires no equipment, and can be played literally anywhere. Here’s how to make it a fun activity for kids:
Basic Rules —
Choose a seeker: Have the kids draw straws, or take turns being the seeker.
Set the playing area: Set boundaries and decide on the playing area. Make sure it’s safe and age-appropriate, with no dangerous hiding spots.
Counting and Hiding: The seeker closes their eyes and counts to 10, while the other kids hide the best they can. Once the counting is done, the seeker shouts ”Ready or not, here I come!” and begins searching.
Finding & Winning: The seeker has to find all players by yelling out the hider’s name and their location. If they succeed in finding all players, the first hider called becomes a seeker for the next round.
However, if any of the hiders touch the seeker and say “Dhappa” without being spotted, then the seeker has to restart the round and count again.
This game gets kids moving and burning energy. It also encourages kids to think creatively and find good hiding spots. So, what are you waiting for? Start a game of Hide & Seek and keep the kids entertained for hours.
10. Balloon Tennis
Are you babysitting some really energetic kids who could be super athletes in the future? Get them ready for some awesome fun that is easier than tying their shoes. It’s nothing other than Balloon Tennis!
Imagine hitting a bouncy ball with a special plate paddle—that’s exactly what this fun game is. You only need a few things to set up this game:
- Paper plates
- Sticky tape or glue
- Popsicle sticks
- Bouncy balloons
Here’s how to make your champion’s racket! Grab a paper plate and a popsicle stick. Use tape or glue to stick them together – it’ll be like making a super shield! Then, blow up a balloon (or two, for double the fun). Now, your amazing court is ready for some bouncy ball tennis!
This game is super cool for little players who are still learning how to use their fingers in fancy ways or for bigger kids who want to have a friendly competition with their friends or grown-ups.
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11. Guess that Animal
Young kids love to pretend. How about this time they pretend to be animals? If you’re looking for what to do while babysitting, this fun activity is for you!
You can start by pretending to be an animal first. Make them imagine you’re a super sneaky animal in the jungle (or maybe under the bed), and make some animal noises or sounds. Can they guess what animal you sound like? Is it a slithering snake with a ssssss sound? A roaring lion? Or maybe a happy monkey swinging from the vines?
The kid who guesses it right gets to be the sneaky animal next! Make sure you teach them beforehand how a bunny hops or how a goofy penguin waddles.
Babysitting Stuff To Do with Pre-teens
Looking for some cool stuff to do when babysitting pre-teens tonight? We’re here to help!
Preteens are kind of in between—not quite little kids anymore, and not quite smart teenagers either. But that means they are also an amusing age to hang out with! In this section of fun things to do when babysitting preteens, we have some ideas for activities, games, and crafts that won’t be childish, but still keep everyone entertained.
Need a game to get everyone giggling like little babies? We’ve got you covered. Want to do something creative and unleash their inner artists? No problem! Feeling a little energetic? We have some ideas for that too!
So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s make tonight a fun one!
12. Outdoor Water Play
Is the sun shining bright today? Feeling that sweat drop down from your head? That makes up for the perfect stuff to do while babysitting — Outdoor Water Play!
Pre-teens are the best age to enjoy a little goofiness, and nothing beats a fun water fight or a slip-and-slide race. So what are you waiting for? Grab the hose, fill up the backyard pool with water (use buckets if you don’t have a pool), and maybe even blow up a bunch of water balloons.
There are multiple ways the kids can enjoy this water adventure:
– Feeling naughty? Kids can run around the yard throwing water balloons at each other, filling the place with lovely giggles.
– Wanna get competitive? Set up a slip-and-slide race using a tarp and some soapy water. Kids can race down the tarps and see who can slip further!
– Maybe turn the driveway into a mini car wash for bikes and scooters, complete with sponges and buckets. This teaches them how it feels to help someone and support the community.
Before heading out in the sun, make sure you get everyone to apply enough sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay safe and cool. With a little planning and effort, you can turn a hot afternoon into a refreshing and unforgettable babysitting experience for everyone!
13. Go for a Nature Walk
Whether it’s kids or adults, real adventures happen in the embrace of nature! Then, why not take the children outdoors for a nature walk?
Pre-teens are curious creatures, and there’s a whole world waiting to be explored right outside your doorstep. However, this babysitting activity isn’t just a walk in the park. You ought to bring out their inner explorers and turn this expedition into a nature scavenger hunt!
Create a list of items that the kids have to collect, like different colored leaves, interesting-shaped rocks, and funny-looking sticks. Remember, keep your eyes peeled for the little things too! Look for busy ants marching in a line, listen for the buzzing of bees, or see if you can spot any butterflies fluttering around. Nature is full of surprises!
Later, you can bring back all the collected items and transform them into a nature collage or mini-museum for pictures.
Pro Tip — Don’t forget to pack a comfy backpack with some snacks and water, and maybe even a magnifying glass to get a closer look at all the cool insects and plants you find. Let’s turn this nature walk into a fun and educational adventure for everyone!
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14. Movie Marathon Night
Watching over pre-teens is a challenging gig because you can quickly run out of fun things to do when your babysitting! So if you’re feeling like staying in and chilling today, a movie marathon night is a fabulous option!
First things first, pick the best movies that offer a fun-loving vibe for the kids to enjoy. You can have all the kids vote on their favorites, or maybe even pick a theme for the night. Whatever the case, I have some good suggestions for you:
Comedy
- The Goonies (1985) — A classic adventure comedy about a group of friends on a treasure hunt.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017): A hilarious take on the classic board game, where players get sucked into the wild world of Jumanji.
Adventure
- Moana (2016) — A brave Polynesian princess sets sail to save the people of her tribe.
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010) — A young Viking befriends a dragon, defying human tradition.
Animation
- Zootopia (2016) — A rabbit dreams of becoming a big city cop in a world of animals.
- Inside Out — A beautiful movie on human emotions.
Sci-Fi
- Men in Black (1997): Two government agents battle aliens disguised as humans.
- Real Steel (2011): A former boxer builds a robot to compete in underground robot boxing leagues.
All these movies are great picks for any occasion, and will surely make your movie marathon night a lot of fun!
15. Make a Gift for Someone Special
Is there someone the kid you’re babysitting loves who has a birthday soon? Maybe it’s a friend, sibling, or parents? Whoever it is, they will surely adore it if their cute little boy or girl makes them a fun gift.
Brainstorm ideas together based on the recipient’s interests. It could be a decorated picture frame, a friendship bracelet, a tie-dye t-shirt, or a personalized card with a heartfelt poem. Get crafty with construction paper, paints, glitter, or even buttons and ribbons.
The act of creating something themself adds a special touch that a store-bought item can’t replicate. You can even wrap the gift together, turning it into a fun bonding activity.
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Things to do while Babysitting Teenagers
Babysitting teenagers can feel like a whole new game! Gone are the days of lullabies and childish playtime, teenagers ask for much more thrill and adrenaline.
In this section, we will list babysitting activities that cater to the unique needs and desires of teenagers. Whether you’re wrangling a group of social butterflies or a lone video game, we have ideas for everyone:
16. Bake Cookies
Transform your kitchen into a mini-bakery for a delightful cookie-baking session with the teens! Baking is an amazing activity for preteens, offering a delicious reward and a chance to learn valuable skills along the way.
Start by diving into your cookbooks or online recipes together. Let the kids choose a recipe that makes them drool—maybe classic chocolate chip cookies, chewy oatmeal raisin, or tasty peanut butter cookies cut into fun shapes. Once you decide on a recipe, create a shopping list and head to the store with your assistant chefs.
Back in the kitchen, get ready for the fun part. You can begin with the main part of the job, while your preteens help with measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and even shaping the dough. Don’t go easy on them; let them learn all the details and take their help wherever needed.
Once the cookies are done, let the kids decorate them with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or frosting designs. The warm, delicious reward at the end is a bonus that will leave everyone happy.
17. Video Games
Sometimes, it’s okay to give in to the kids’ desires and join them in what they love the most! If you have a video game enthusiast you’re looking after, it’s time to grab the multiplayer seat and play along with them.
– Choose your mission
Start by asking them about the games they love, and would want to play along with you. Maybe it’s a cooperative game where you can team up to defeat a villain. Or it’s a lighthearted versus game, where you can compete in a friendly way.
– Learn about the controls.
Don’t worry if you’re a complete gaming newbie! Kids are often eager to welcome you in the world of video games, and often eager to be your guide. They will probably explain basic controls and offer tips before starting the game.
– It’s time to play
No matter what game you play, the goal is to bond, not dominate the leaderboard. Offer playful challenges, celebrate their victories, and share a laugh at any funny mishaps. This lighthearted approach fosters connection and allows you to truly enjoy their world.
Keep the dialogue flowing as you play. Ask questions about the game, their favorite characters, or their strategies. This shows genuine interest in their passion and creates opportunities for deeper conversation.
18. Sporty Day
Are you looking for a way to ditch the screens and connect with the teens on a whole new level? Then, turn your boring day into a sporty showdown, and try these games to play when babysitting!
Playing sports together is more than just exercise—it’s about bonding, building teamwork skills, and creating memories that last for years to come. Forget about the age gap, and just head for the playground together for an epic sporty day. ‘
Start off with a classic soccer match, a battle of dribbling skills and teamwork. Or you can dust off the baseball gloves and call in all the other teens for a friendly backyard game. In case you want to explore something new, cricket offers a unique challenge, with cunning bowling and powerful batting taking center stage.
No matter the game, make it a fun competition. Cheer each other on, celebrate victories (big or small), and encourage good sportsmanship throughout the day. Don’t forget to warm up, stay hydrated, and remember, it’s all about having a good time together.
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FAQs
What are some fun things to do when babysitting?
- Have a puppet show. Create your own puppets using household supplies and socks.
- Make a personalized storybook about the child you’re babysitting.
- Build Lego together.
- Go camping in an indoor tent.
- Tea party with teddies and Barbies.
- Have fun with dress-ups!
- Compose music with real instruments or with kitchen appliances. The latter is more fun, btw!
- Organize a dance competition among the kids and their friends. They have to prepare their own silly dances.
- Blow bubbles with bubble wands.
- Make mud cakes in the backyard.
What games to play while babysitting?
– Active Games: Freeze Dance, Simon Says, Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Light, Green Light, Obstacle Course, Balloon Tennis, Scavenger Hunt, Charades, Pictionary, Dance Party, Video Game Challenge, Sports Day (soccer, baseball, basketball, frisbee, relay races).
– Board Games: Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Matching games, Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Pictionary (advanced), Jenga, Connect Four, Trouble, Sorry, Uno.
– Card Games: Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, Spoons, simple card magic tricks.
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