6 Fantastically Fun Activities for Babysitters and Kids

July 18, 2016

Finding a reliable babysitter to watch the kids is a game changer for parents. It not only allows you to have the odd night out, it gives you the peace of mind in knowing your kids are in good hands.

Many parents put so much effort into finding a caregiver for the kids, they often overlook the importance of thinking about or planning some fun things for the kids to do with the babysitter.

After all, you know what your kids like to do best and how to keep them occupied. Communicating this information to your babysitter will help them not only have fun with the kids but also bond with them during their time together.

On the other side of the coin, especially for new babysitters, it can be tough to gauge what the kids like to do. Do they like to read? Listen to music? Play outside?

But fear not! We’ve put together a helpful guide for parents and babysitters of fun things to do with the kids.

How to Come Up with a List of Activities for Babysitters

Coming up with a list of activities for your babysitter will make their job that much easier. It will help them keep the kids occupied, reduce the odds of the kids getting bored, and ensure the kids have fun. Here are some questions to consider when coming up with a list of activities:

  • How many hours will the kids be with the sitter?
  • What time of day will you be gone?
  • Are outdoor activities an option?
  • Where is the babysitter watching the kids (your home vs. theirs)?
  • Is the babysitter comfortable taking the kids to the park?

Considering these types of questions ensures your kids will have fun with the sitter while you are out.

How Babysitters Can Come Up with Ideas

As a babysitter, coming equipped with a list of ideas for your next babysitting job can make things much easier. Here are some questions to ask the parents:

  • What do the kids like to do?
  • What is their favorite toy/ game/ movie?
  • What things do the kids NOT like to do?
  • Are there any things that are off limits (e.g., TV, video games)?

Asking these types of questions shows parents that you are engaged and serious about your job. It also shows you want the kids to have fun and enjoy their time with you.

6 Fun and Engaging Things to Do with the Kids While Babysitting

Just in case you are stumped for what to do with the kids while babysitting, we’ve combed through the internet to come up with a great list of activities for babysitters.

Check them out:

1. Have a Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t like a good treasure hunt, right? A scavenger hunt can take on many forms. You can do it in the house, the backyard, or even while walking to the park. All you need to do is:

  • Make a list of items for the kids to find
  • Create some clues to help them along the way
  • Give them a time limit to find the items

If you want to add an educational element to the hunt, consider creating an item for each letter of the alphabet or add a theme to get the kids thinking.

2. Unleash the Fun Box

Just calling it a “fun” box will get the kids excited. Parents or caregivers can create it, and the concept is simple. Get a box and put in a collection of items that the kids can play with when they are with the babysitter. The box can include:

  • Books
  • Board games
  • Craft supplies
  • Coloring books
  • Movies
  • Anything else that you know your kids love playing with

It could also include a special treat if the kids are well behaved!

3. A Trip to the Local Library

All kids love to visit the local library. There is a lot to see and do, and many local branches often have story time and other activities for the kids. If it is close enough, consider walking over so the kids can get some exercise and explore as you make your way to the library.

4. Music Time

Using music to engage the kids is a great way to pass the time. Plus, there are countless ways you can use music as an activity:

  • Sing along to the kids’ favorite songs
  • Let the kids play DJ and choose music to play
  • Have a dance party
  • Create your own songs
  • Play an instrument together

Tap into the type of music the kids like and let their creative juices flow.

5. Theatre Time

Kids love to use their imagination. One of the best ways to do this is to get them to put on a play or skit for you. Give them a theme or topic (or come up with it together), gather up some items you can use for props and costumes, and sit back and see what they come up with. You could even put on the play for Mom and Dad when they get home!

6. Unleash Your Inner Sports Star

If the kids love to play sports, then why not spend some time playing the sport they love? You could play basketball or hockey in the driveway, play a game of catch in the backyard, or even make up a completely new sport to play. All you need is the sports equipment that is already in the basement or garage.

More Fun For Everyone

Coming up with great activities for the kids to do with the babysitter will help keep the kids occupied, tucker them out, and get them to looking forward to the next time the babysitter comes over.

The key is to choose activities that the kids enjoy and you’ll have no trouble getting them to play along.

Hand Picked Related Articles

Looking for a Babysitter or Nanny?

Need a Nanny or Babysitter Job?