20 Activities to Help Your Child Unwind After School

Are you looking for activities to help your child unwind after school? I know I do! For most, returning back to school means adjusting to new schedules. If your family was anything like ours, a schedule during Summer was non-existent. I’m going to be honest with you, it has been very difficult adjusting since my kids have returned back to school. They are use to running and planning on their own terms to now having to follow a strict schedule with very little recess or free time during the day. What does that mean for afternoons? The kids are pretty riled up! With less free time and more sitting and being quiet, it’s no wonder they are. Instead of losing your mind when your kids get home from school, try these 20 activities to help your child unwind:

Make a snack together

Kids are usually hungry when they get home, so give them the opportunity to make a snack. Something like “ants on a log” is a great way to help them unwind from the day (such a fun recipe for kids).

Have a dance party

Music is a natural de-stressor for everyone. Turn on some music and get moving after school. Come up with your favorite dance moves to your favorite songs or just dance around the house.

Take a walk

Kids are cooped up in a classroom all day. Let them get some of that built up energy out with a nice walk around the block (or even a couple of blocks).

Paint a picture

Painting is both creative and relaxing. Give your child some paints and let them express their day. Use paintbrushes, fingers, and feet to really get creative with your painting.

Play with play dough

Get those wiggles and jiggles out with a little play dough fun. Play dough is a creative outlet for the afterschool jitters.

Go for a run

As energy builds up throughout the day, your child may need to get it all out by the time they get home. Head outside and go for a run. Run around the block or to the park.

Color pictures

Coloring is a relaxing activity that has been proven to help you unwind. Detailed pictures are a great activity for after school.

Enjoy some singing time

Get out that karaoke machine and belt out a song. Kids love singing and singing is a nice afterschool outlet.

Shoot some hoops

Whether your child is good at sports or not, getting out and shooting some hoops can take their mind off the day.

Get goofy

Sometimes just laughing and being silly makes the whole day worth it. Make silly faces, take silly pictures and just goof around.

Make a craft

If you have a creative kid, have a box of arts and crafts supplies that they can enjoy when they get home. If your child needs a little help, print out simple crafts they can do on their own.

Read a story to your kids

Kids spend a lot of time reading on their own at school, so take the time to read to them. Choose a book that interests you both and enjoy reading and acting it out.

Have a scavenger hunt

Give your child clues to finding their snack. Take them on a scavenger hunt throughout the house.

Play a game

Board games come in all shapes and sizes. Spend some quality time with your child and play a board game. You could even incorporate educational games to go with their learning such as sight word BINGO.

Put on a puppet show

Puppets are always fun and they are a great way for your child to express their emotions and feelings without being in a conversation. Ask your child to reenact their day, a book, or recess.