Collection: Solo activities

  • Journalling

    Journalling

    Journalling gives children a quiet, private space to reflect on their day, write down their thoughts, and explore their feelings.

    Whether it’s simple drawings, a few sentences, or a longer story, journalling helps children build emotional awareness, writing confidence, and a sense of routine.

    There’s no right or wrong way to do it — some children enjoy writing every day, while others may dip in whenever they feel like it. With gentle encouragement, journalling can become a lovely mindful habit that grows with your child over time.

    Materials Needed

    • Notebook, journal, or blank paper
    • Pen, pencil, crayons, or coloured pens
    • Optional: stickers, washi tape, or stamps for decoration

    Tools Needed

    • None

    Steps

    1. Choose a Journal
      Pick a notebook or folder that your child enjoys using — let them decorate it if they like!
    2. Pick a Prompt
      If they need help getting started, offer a simple question (see ideas below).
    3. Encourage Expression
      Let your child write, draw, or even stick in photos or small mementos.
    4. Make it a Routine
      Set aside a regular time, like before bed or after school, to reflect and write.
    5. Keep it Private (if they wish)
      Let your child choose whether they share their journal or keep it for themselves.

    Journal Prompt Ideas

    • What was the best part of your day?
    • What made you smile today?
    • What’s something you’re looking forward to?
    • Draw a picture of how you feel right now.
    • What’s one thing you learned today?
    • If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
    • Write about your favourite hobby or game.
    • Describe someone who makes you feel safe.
    • Write down one thing you’re grateful for.

    Variations

    • Gratitude Journal: Write or draw one thing each day they feel thankful for.
    • Drawing Journal: Younger children can draw pictures instead of writing words.
    • Travel Journal: Write entries about trips, days out, or special activities.
    • Sticker Prompts: Use themed stickers as inspiration for that day’s entry.
  • LEGO Challenge

    LEGO Challenge

    LEGO is one of those rare activities that works brilliantly for all ages and can grow with your child.

    A LEGO challenge adds structure to the usual free play and encourages kids to think creatively, solve problems and build their own designs.

    The best part? You don’t need any special sets — just whatever bricks you already have at home.

    These challenges are a great way to gently introduce kids to design thinking, teamwork, and persistence, all while having fun and being creative.

    Materials Needed

    • LEGO bricks or any building blocks
    • Flat building surface

    Tools Needed

    • None

    Steps

    1. Pick a Challenge
      Choose a challenge idea that suits your child’s age and interests (see ideas below).
    2. Set a Timer (Optional)
      If your child enjoys a bit of competition, set a timer for extra fun.
    3. Start Building
      Let your child take the lead, offering support or suggestions if they get stuck.
    4. Show and Tell
      Encourage your child to explain their build — what it is, how it works, and what they’d add next.
    5. Celebrate
      Take a photo of their creation before tidying up, so they can keep a record of what they’ve built!

    LEGO Challenge Ideas

    For Ages 3–5

    • Build a tall tower as high as you can.
    • Make a house for a toy animal or figure.
    • Create a colourful rainbow.
    • Build a simple bridge to fit a car underneath.

    For Ages 6–9

    • Design your own car, boat, or plane.
    • Build a castle or a space station.
    • Make a garden or park scene with trees and flowers.
    • Create a mini zoo or pet shop.

    For Ages 10–12

    • Design a working drawbridge or moving parts.
    • Recreate a famous landmark (e.g. Eiffel Tower, Big Ben).
    • Build a futuristic robot or vehicle.
    • Invent your own board game with LEGO pieces as the game board and counters.

    Variations

    • Blind Build: Give instructions or describe the build without showing a picture.
    • Team Challenge: Work together as a family to build a giant model.
    • Colour Challenge: Build something using only 2 or 3 colours.
    • Limited Bricks: Pick 20 random pieces and see what you can create.

    Safety Tips

    • Keep small pieces out of reach of younger siblings who may still put things in their mouths.
    • Supervise children while building to help avoid stepped-on bricks or accidental spills.
    • Store LEGO safely after play to prevent any unexpected barefoot surprises!
  • Building Blocks

    Building Blocks

    Building blocks are a staple of childhood play for good reason—they encourage creativity, planning, fine motor skills, and a healthy dose of imagination. From towers and bridges to castles and creatures, kids can create whole worlds with just a few well-placed blocks.

    Whether your child prefers wooden blocks, plastic bricks like LEGO or DUPLO, or even recycled boxes and containers, the possibilities are endless. It’s a calming yet mentally stimulating activity that works just as well solo as it does with siblings or parents.

    Materials Needed

    • Building blocks (e.g. LEGO, DUPLO, wooden blocks, magnetic tiles)
    • Optional: toy people or animals to include in builds

    Tools Needed

    • None

    Steps

    1. Choose Your Blocks
      Gather a set of blocks suited to your child’s age and interest.
    2. Pick a Challenge (or Build Freely)
      Set a theme like “build the tallest tower” or “make a zoo”, or just let them build freely.
    3. Join the Play
      Ask about their creations, offer ideas, or just marvel at the results.
    4. Take Photos
      Snap a picture of completed builds, especially if they’ll need to be packed away.

    Variations

    • Timed Builds: Set a timer and challenge kids to build something in five minutes.
    • Story Building: Build a scene, then tell a story about what’s happening in it.
    • Shadow Building: Shine a torch on a creation and trace the shadow it makes.
    • Recycled Blocks: Use cardboard tubes, boxes, and cups for a DIY block set.