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Activities for Curious Kids: A Big List of Ideas for Busy and Creative Minds

  • natacasey
  • Apr 13
  • 6 min read

Updated: 2 days ago



In our home, curiosity has always been a big part of who our boys are.

As parents, we have all seen those moments when kids say they are bored, even though they actually have plenty they could do. Sometimes they just need a reminder. Not because they are not creative, but because they forgot what they enjoy or it has been a while since they last did it.


That is why I wanted to put together this list of activities my 9-year-old and 13-year-old enjoy. Some are creative, some are educational, and most of them are also fun. Many can be done independently, and some are even better with siblings or friends.



Creative activities for curious kids


  • folding origami - it is a calming and creative activity that helps kids slow down, follow steps, and turn a simple piece of paper into something fun. It is a nice mix of art, focus, and problem-solving, and can be enjoyed with regular paper but a simple origami paper pack and an easy starter book can make this even more fun.


  • making paper airplanes - is a simple but very engaging activity that gives kids a chance to fold, test, adjust, and try again. Kids can use regular printer paper they already have at home, or get extra ideas and help from a Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit.


  • building with cardboard boxes is a great open-ended activity that gives kids room to invent, design, and problem-solve. Simple cardboard boxes from around the house and a cardboard construction kit would work well.


  • 3-D printing - is a great activity for curious kids who enjoy designing, building, and seeing their ideas turn into something real. We have been using this 3-D printer at home. So many toys, gifts for friends and teachers have been made.


  • coloring - Regular coloring books are always fun, and kids can also upload their own photos or images to https://www.crayola.com/create/custom-coloring-page and turn them into custom coloring pages.


  • painting gives kids a chance to be creative in a different way and experiment with color, ideas, and technique. An acrylic paint set and supplies kit can be a fun way to get started or try something new. Water painting can also be a very relaxing option, and a water painting board is a nice way to let kids paint and create without the mess.


  • painting stones is a creative activity that feels a little different and can be especially fun for kids who like making small art projects. Acrylic markers, rocks and a book with stone painting designs can give them ideas and help them get started


  • drawing is a simple but engaging activity that lets kids slow down, observe, and bring their ideas to life. A good pencil set can make it even more enjoyable, especially for kids who like drawing and adding details. If kids need an easy fun activity, they can try Quick, Draw!


  • designing and sketching buildings and structures can be a great activity for curious kids who like building, planning, and thinking through ideas. A simple architect’s tool kit for kids and teens can make it even more fun by giving them real tools to draw, measure, and create their own designs.


  • tie-dyeing is a fun hands-on activity that lets kids get creative with color and make something they can actually use or wear. A tie-dye kit can make it easy to get started and experiment with different patterns. Dyeing sneakers is another fun option.


  • working on wood burning projects can be a really satisfying activity for older curious kids who enjoy making detailed, hands-on projects.


  • building with wood is a hands-on activity that gives kids a chance to plan and create. Wood building kits like this modern birdhouse give kids a simple project to build while practicing basic building with wood skills.


  • creating stickers for creative and decorative projects is a fun activity for kids who enjoy designing and personalizing things. Using a mini printer makes it even more exciting, though it usually requires the matching app to make and print the stickers.


  • creating pottery and mosaic projects gives kids a chance to work with their hands and make something beautiful. A pottery wheel kit or mosaic kit might make it easier to introduce kids to these activities


  • creating floral art is a lovely way for kids to slow down, notice details, and make something creative from nature. A flower press kit might make it easier to preserve flowers for current and future projects


  • learning balloon twisting is a fun activity for kids who enjoy making things and surprising others with what they can create. This balloon twisting kit can be a good start


  • reading books, magazines


  • writing stories and poems


  • creating your own comic book


  • creating animated flip books and stop-motion animation


  • learning photography - This book is a good guide to learning the basics of taking great pictures with a camera or a phone


Puzzles, logic, and brain games




STEM, nature, space, and exploration



  • checking the weather forecast - For a quick weather report you can check out Weather Report for Kids  or Xweather Live


  • studying the solar system and the sky - Use a telescope or check out monthly sky guides from SkyMaps to identify and locate various objects in the sky. Stellarium and SkySafari are other example of useful apps that help explore the night sky. Track meteors and meteor showers through the American Meteor Society.


  • building with Legos


  • learning to cook is a great way for kids to follow directions, and create something they can enjoy and share. A beginner-friendly kids’ cookbook can be a helpful way to get them started and make trying new recipes feel more approachable.



  • watching live animal cameras like Monterey Bay Aquarium


  • watching documentaries and educational shows on Disney+, Hulu, or Netflix. National Geographic Series (Disney+), Emily's Wonder Lab (Netflix), Planet Earth on Hulu.


  • designing your own track for a sleigh rider and have lots of fun with it.


  • playing CATAN Universe


  • playing CBS games


  • playing word games: Mad Libs, Wordle, Meriam Webster games


  • listening to audiobooks and podcasts - Our local library provides a free access to audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla which we utilize extensively. Our favorite podcast to whioch we listen on the drive to school is Trivia for Kids


Music and Movement


  • listening to music


  • playing music and experimenting with musical instruments


  • making your own music online. Our kids use SoundTrap to create their own music.


  • singing karaoke is a fun way for kids to build confidence, be silly, and enjoy music together. A karaoke machine can make it even more exciting and turn it into a favorite family activity.


  • learning new dance moves


Note: This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.






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