Any good suggestions on how to keep a 4 year old entertained?

Question

TV, Video, or computer-related activities are not an option! Thanks for your responses.

Answer 1

Another 4 year old. I am being serious. I have 4 kids and an 4 year old and like you said TV and such isn't an option all the time. For us its not something that I do as babysitter but they do watch some. I used to be a nanny and I would take my children with me and it was better for all involved. I got paid and my children had someone to play with. If you are lucky enough to stay home, then think about taking on a child at your house. It will be amazing how much you can accomplish with another there.

If that isn't what you want to do then, try coloring, going to a museum or aquarium directed for kids, put him in a 1/2 day camp, go on nature walks, finger paint, sidewalk chalk, planting a garden, flowers, day trips to another town, go to a craft store and find projects to do, bubble bath with kitchen utensils, mud puddles in the yard so he can make mud pies, etc., see if you can locate a play group, in GA where I live there are 2 things that are for summertime: children's readings at the local library and Tues. matinee movies at the local theater. Both of those are free. I hope that helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

Perhaps you could take him to the park - when I baby-sit it seems like most kids like to do that. If you have a pool or a friend with one, perhaps you could play with him in the shallow end. Good indoor activities might be coloring, finger painting, making crafts (there are lots of good craft books for kids in the library), or even very simple cooking projects. You could also talk to other parents about setting up a play group. Libraries also might have great programs for kids, especially during the summer. You could take him over for story time or something and then check out some books to take home. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I have a 4 year old boy and I keep him pretty busy. He has chores to do. First thing he does in the morning is wash his face and brush his teeth. Him and his older brother clean their room take out the trash and help me by fixing the table when its time for breakfast or dinner. I have my 7 year old read my 4 year old a book or I sit with him and show him his ABC's, numbers and colors. He already knows most of them and he knows how to spell his name. I like to buy him lego's, the medium size ones so he can build a castle or what ever his imagination lets him build. Sports is also a good thing. I have no clue on how to play football but I try because its the only sport he really likes. You can also try coloring books and board games like Candyland.

Answer 4

Take them outdoors whenever possible. Spend time at a playground or park. If that is not an option just play in the yard. Kids have a knack for finding ways to entertain themselves easily outside the house.

Answer 5

This will sound a bit strange... I have always had a junk drawer in my kitchen as hard as I've tried to eliminate it! The other night when I was making dinner my two kids (3 and 6) were digging through the junk drawer while I was cooking. I turned it into a 3-D game of I-Spy. i.e. "I spy a rubber band". The kids had a blast and can play this game together without my help. Now I am thinking of strange and interesting items to put into my "3-D I spy drawer"! I guess I've finally gotten rid of the junk drawer!

Answer 6

Music..... every child loves to dance and sing. The TV isnt a good tool b/c it turns kids nowadays into dumb zombies. Arts and Crafts is good also. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old and these keep them busy all day. i am not say NO TV, just in moderation.

Answer 7

If your 4 yr-old is past the point of putting things in his/her mouth, may I suggest Magnetix? My son begged me to buy him some and I hesitated because they were a bit pricey (13.99) but relented; am I ever glad I did! We were staying in a Hotel for the night with no computer or DVD, and he spent HOURS (really!) putting together and taking apart the pieces. They are supposedly also a good way to develop their minds for math and such.

I must not be the only one who has discovered these, because the bidding on eBay for the sets is fierce!

If you're travelling, Crayola makes some Color Wonder sets that are markers that only draw on special paper.

A wonderful resource for game ideas is is www.momsminivan.com

Best wishes!

Answer 8

The best way to keep a four year old entertained is to first ask the child what they want to do and if they don't know, make up games like teacher,nap time, outside time, and eating time.

Answer 9

I just got done watching a 3 year old for a week. We played with play-doh, paints, crayons, Bubbles. The bubbles were a big hit. Also try Chalk.


Hope these Ideas keep them busy for a bit!

Answer 10

Keep them busy with different activities indoors and out. My 4 yr old grandson likes to play any type of ball outside. We have nerf and plastic balls of all sizes. You can kick, throw, catch, bounce... be creative. When he's tired of ball we treasure hunt. He looks for bugs, rocks, flowers. We work in colors, counting and shapes while on our treasure hunts.
Inside we play nerf basketball using a small trash container. He loves to color, but only for short periods of time. We then switch to modeling clay. Close to nap time (or rest time) we read or tell stories.
They will pretty much let you know what they are interested in.
When I need to do chores or gardening, he helps me. I give him small tasks and he loves it. Most of our activities are one on one!