Step 2: Put ideas on slips of paper for all the things they may want to do that day (or whatever timeframe you desire).
Ideas for activities:
Go outside and race around the house one time
Draw a picture to mail to grandma/grandpa (doesn't even matter if they can't really draw yet.....you ask them what they are drawing, write it in the corner for the grandparents....and they'll love it)
Play with play-doh (unless your 2-year-old likes to eat things)
Take the dog for a walk around the neighborhood with dad
Read a book for 10 minutes (even the younger ones can flip through books and look at the pictures while older ones read theirs)
Stuffed animal party (bring all the stuffed animals into the living room, have a tea party, and then bring them all back to their room…takes some time :) )
Play Red Light, Green Light
Watch a show (you can put that in a couple times, if it's a day you need to get things done too)
Get the markers or crayons out. Draw a llama wearing fancy pajamas picking flowers from the garden
Take a bubble bath
Put on 2 songs and dance
Make paper airplanes and have a fly off
Play with <insert specific toy here>
Play <insert sport here> in the backyard
Have a matchbox cars race off to find out which is the fastest car
Make a train of dominos
Play a game of Uno
Step 3: Kids draw a piece of paper out of the pot and do whatever it says.
Tips:
For young kids - parents pick the activities.
For older kids - let them come up with ideas for the activities (letting them know you have veto power, of course).
If it’s an activity like coloring or reading (which there's no end to), put a timer on to do it for 15-20 mins and then pick another piece of paper.
If there are multiple kids, and one wants to bow out of a certain activity, have a designated activity to do while they wait for the next pick (like reading).
Try for a full range of activities - active, calm, independent play and involvement of others.
If your kid is solo, have a good balance of independent play and involvement with others (example: take the dog for a walk with dad).
Don’t be afraid to put their usual activities in as well - the excitement of the random draw can help keep things fun.