5 Games To Distract Your Kids During A Move
Moving is overwhelming. You’re juggling boxes, schedules, and a never-ending list of things to do. And then, there are the kids. They’re bored, they’re cranky, and they’re definitely not happy about leaving their home and friends behind.
As parents, we want to make this transition as smooth as possible, even if it feels like herding cats sometimes. To help ease the transition, here are five games that will keep your kids entertained during a move.
So, grab a cup of coffee and take five—you deserve it. Let’s get started!
Game 1: Scavenger Hunt
A well-crafted scavenger hunt can turn the chore of packing into a treasure map adventure. Give your child a list of items to find – perhaps things they want to keep close but need to be packed away. You can even assign points for finding items irrelevant to the list that could inspire mini-stories or show-and-tell moments.
Indoor and Outdoor Variations
Scavenger hunts can be tailored to either indoor or outdoor settings. For an indoor scavenger hunt, items on the list could include things like a favorite toy, a specific book from the bookshelf, or a piece of clothing that has sentimental value.
Ideas to get you started:
- A favorite toy
- Toothbrush
- Socks (1 pair)
- Book of choice
For an outdoor scavenger hunt, you could have your child search for natural objects like rocks, sticks, leaves, or flowers. This will not only keep them entertained but also encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
Ideas to get you started:
- Stick or branch from the yard
- Four leaves of different colors
- A pebble with a specific shape or size
- Flower petal
Variations are endless, and so are the hours of entertaining kids.
Game 2: Memory Game
This classic is a sneaky brain trainer for your little ones, disguised as a simple game. Adaptive and educational, this game keeps their minds sharp and their focus on something other than the move.
Classic Memory
Prepare a set of items to be packed, then display each for a short time, allowing your child to study the scene. Once all items are packed, see how many your child can recall. This game exercises their observation skills and memory in a playful way. Including them in the process of moving will help them feel involved and give them a sense of control.
Themed Memory
Instead of random items, focus on packing themed objects from A to Z. ‘A’ could be an airplane toy, and ‘Z’ a zig-zagging line of duct tape. It gives them a fun checklist and a moving-themed challenge.
You can adapt it to your children’s favorite things: numbers, animals, or colors. For example, if your kid is a budding biologist, you could lay out animal figurines in sets for easy counting.
Game 3: I Spy
The beauty of ‘I Spy’ is its simplicity and adaptability to any environment. It’s the quintessential travel game.
Classic I Spy
One person spies something within their line of sight and offers a clue such as ‘I spy with my little eye something big’. Players take turns guessing until the object is found. It’s a game that doesn’t just pass the time, but also encourages kids to engage with their environment. Be creative, and encourage them to look at different angles.
What to Spy During a Move
During a move, it’s easy to pick out items like a favorite book that slipped into a packing box, the moving van pulling up, or the family dog finding the sunniest spot in the new living room. If you are moving long-distance, this is also a perfect game to play while you travel to your new home.
Game 4: Box Fort Fantasies
Turn packing boxes into castles of creativity with Box Fort Fantasies. This game is perfect for when you need a break from packing and starts with just a few empty boxes.
Building a Box Fort
Let your kids unleash their inner architect by transforming cardboard boxes into forts, ships, or even alien spacecraft. Boxes of various sizes can be stacked and arranged to form different structures.
Personalizing the Play Space
Once the framework is up, give your kids some safe markers or stickers to decorate their new playhouse. This lets them add a personal touch to their creations and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their imaginary domain.
Imaginary Adventures
Encourage them to come up with stories about their fort. Is it a castle under siege? A secret hideout for superheroes? This game sparks creativity and offers a whimsical respite from the moving process.
Game 5: Storytelling Game
Let your child’s imagination run wild, creating shared stories that can make packing a memorable experience. This can be done as a group or individually, and with various levels of complexity.
Round-Robin Stories
Start a story, then let each family member contribute a line or two, building the narrative in an unpredictable and often hilarious direction.
From Reality to Fantasy
Use the move as inspiration for your collective stories. What if one of the boxes contained a magical portal into another world? Or what if your new home was actually haunted by friendly ghosts? The possibilities are endless!
Themed Stories
If a free-for-all is too much, set a theme. Superheroes, fairy tales, or even real-life stories from the past. It’s an excellent way to bond and laugh together.
By the end of your move, you may have some shared narratives that are as memorable as the journey itself.
Turn Your Move Into An Adventure For The Whole Family
Relocation can be a stressful time for both parents and children, but it doesn’t have to be. By incorporating these fun games into your moving day, you can keep your little ones entertained, engaged, and excited about the journey ahead. Not only will they have a blast playing these games, but they’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to turn your moving day into an adventure for the whole family? At U & Me Moving, we believe that every relocation is the start of a new story. Connect with us, and let’s plan a move that’s enjoyable for everyone. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your possessions are packed and transported with care so you’re free to focus on the fun. Contact us to schedule your move today—because with U & Me, it’s not just a move; it’s a memory in the making!
