When the power goes out, kids can get restless quickly, especially if they’re used to their screens and gadgets. I’ve been through my share of unexpected blackouts, and I’ve learned that with a little creativity, the whole experience can turn into a fun adventure. No internet? No problem. The best part is, these activities help kids flex their imagination and connect in ways that technology just can’t offer.
From simple games to activities that spark curiosity, there are so many ways to keep everyone entertained and (mostly) tantrum-free. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers, tweens, or somewhere in between, there’s something here for every age. And who knows? You might even find yourself having more fun than you’d expect!
Here are 30 fantastic ideas to make those dark hours a little brighter.
Play Shadow Puppets on the Wall
All you need is a flashlight and your hands to create a magical world of shadow puppets. Show kids how to form animals like rabbits or dogs, or make up your own characters. You can even act out a mini play together!
Tell Spooky or Silly Stories
Grab a flashlight, dim the room, and let everyone take turns telling a story. Younger kids might prefer funny tales, while older ones might enjoy a little spookiness. Bonus: this is a great way to encourage creativity and public speaking.
Build a Fort Out of Blankets
Nothing sparks a child’s imagination like building a cozy blanket fort. Add pillows, stuffed animals, and a flashlight for reading or pretend play. It’s the perfect little hideout for storytelling or just hanging out.
Host an Indoor Camping Adventure
Pretend you’re camping by laying out sleeping bags and “cooking” snacks like s’mores with marshmallows and crackers. Tell camping stories and sing campfire songs to make it feel authentic.
Create Art with Glow-in-the-Dark Paints
If you have glow-in-the-dark paints or markers, this is the perfect opportunity to let kids create glowing artwork. The dim light adds a special touch to their creations, and it keeps them engaged for hours.
Play Card or Board Games
Good old-fashioned card games like Go Fish or Uno are always a hit. For older kids, break out the board games gathering dust on your shelf. Without screens, everyone might find the games more engaging than expected.
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of common household items and challenge the kids to find them in the dark (with flashlights, of course). Add small prizes for extra motivation. It’s a great way to keep them moving and thinking.
Practice Simple Magic Tricks
Pull out a deck of cards or everyday items to show them easy magic tricks. Teach them how it’s done so they can practice and perform for others. It’s a confidence booster and tons of fun.
Write and Perform a Play
Get everyone involved in creating a simple play. Write a short script, make costumes out of household items, and then perform it for an audience (even if it’s just the family pets).
Make Up Your Own Board Game
Challenge the kids to design their own game with paper, markers, and household objects as pieces. Once the game is ready, everyone can play it together!
Try a Glow Stick Dance Party
If you have glow sticks handy, break them out and turn off all lights for an impromptu dance party. Play music from a battery-powered device or just dance to the beat of your own claps.
Read Books Out Loud
Take turns reading favourite books out loud. If you have multiple kids, assign each one a character to voice during story time. Add funny voices or sound effects to keep everyone entertained.
Learn Origami Together
Grab some paper and look up simple origami designs ahead of time (if you’re preparing for a storm). Kids will love creating animals, boats, or even little paper hats.
Bake No-Bake Snacks
Without power, you can still create fun snacks like peanut butter balls, cereal treats, or fruit skewers. Let the kids assemble everything themselves for a hands-on activity.
Teach Them Classic Clapping Games
Think back to your childhood and teach them classics like “Miss Mary Mack” or “Pat-a-Cake.” These rhythmic games are simple and bring a nostalgic touch to the evening.
Play “Guess That Sound”
Create different sounds using items around the house and let the kids guess what they are. It’s a great way to heighten their senses and create a lot of laughs.
Practice Yoga or Simple Stretching
Lead the kids in a mini yoga session to help them relax and burn off some energy. Use flashlights or candles for calming ambiance.
Hold a Puzzle Challenge
If you have puzzles lying around, set a timer and see who can complete theirs the fastest. For larger puzzles, work together as a team to finish.
Craft with Recyclables
Collect materials like old magazines, toilet paper rolls, or cardboard, and let the kids create something amazing. It could be a robot, a dollhouse, or even a fancy hat!
Host a Talent Show
Let the kids prepare a mini show featuring their hidden talents, from singing and dancing to telling jokes or performing magic tricks. Cheer them on like an enthusiastic audience.
Solve Riddles and Brain Teasers
Prepare some riddles ahead of time or use a riddle book. Challenge the kids to see who can solve them the fastest or make up their own.
Play “20 Questions”
This classic guessing game can keep everyone entertained for a surprisingly long time. One person thinks of something, and the rest have 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is.
Create Your Own Comic Book
Hand out paper and let the kids draw their own comic strip or superhero story. If you’re feeling creative, join in and make one yourself.
Play Charades
Write down fun topics like animals, movies, or actions on paper slips and take turns acting them out. Everyone loves the hilarity of trying to guess!
Have a “Spelling Bee”
Turn learning into a game by challenging your kids to a friendly spelling competition. Keep the words age-appropriate and offer small prizes for the winners.
Play Hide-and-Seek
The darkness makes hide-and-seek even more exciting! Establish safe zones and boundaries to keep the game fun but safe.
Learn Basic Star Constellations
If it’s nighttime and the skies are clear, step outside and look for constellations. Teach them how to spot the Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt for an awe-inspiring moment.
Make Up a Silly Dance Contest
Challenge everyone to come up with their silliest dance moves. Add a judging element where everyone gets a prize for “funniest,” “most creative,” or “most energetic.”
Organize a Toy Swap Game
Have each child select a few toys they’re willing to trade temporarily. This keeps them interested in “new” toys while encouraging sharing and compromise.
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