#Natgeo #NGM Field Guide

“WE’RE BORED—THERE’S NOTHING TO DO!”

When chilly temps mean more time spent indoors, that complaint might sound familiar. In celebration of the Global Month of Play, check out these five brain-boosting, boredom-busting activities from Nat Geo Family—then check out a few more.
—By Laura Goertzel
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW RAKOLA
MAKE SOME DOG SCIENCE
People have dominant hands, so why wouldn’t dogs? (Dominant paws, that is!) Have kids try this simple experiment with the family fur ball. They’ll discover its paw preference and build observation skills. Once they’ve mastered that, check out more pet-friendly experiments from the Nat Geo Kids book Dog Science Unleashed.
try the experiment!
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MAKE A MOVIE
Creating stop-motion films isn’t as complicated as you think. With a little patience and creativity—and a lot of clay—your kids can become moviemakers. You might even be inspired to host a red-carpet screening! Before the kids start shooting, inspire them with this stop-motion series about Arctic exploration.
MAKE YOUR KID A DIRECTOR!
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MAKE THE COOLEST PLANE EVER
Reach for the stars—or the other side of the bedroom—with paper airplanes. Watch this video from the new series Weirdest Bestest Truest for step-by-step instructions on crafting classic planes and more complicated models.
BUILD A PAPER AIRPLANE
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HEAT THINGS UP: DIY LAVA LAMP
With materials you probably have lying around the house, kids can create their own lava lamps. Then get the science behind the creation with this episode from the new video series How Things Work, starring YouTube teen star Kamri Noel.
MAKE A GROOVY LAVA LAMP
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PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL PIAZZA
MAKE A TREAT
Cooking teaches kids about measuring and following directions, plus it might even encourage picky eaters to try new foods. This boredom-busting recipe for pears poached with cranberry juice will warm up the family on a chilly night. For more indoor—and outdoor—activities, check out the Real Play Coalition, founded by National Geographic, Unilever, the LEGO Foundation, and Ikea.
CHECK OUT THE RECIPE
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MORE TO EXPLORE
Inspire your inquisitive kids to dissect, explore, and discover the reasons why things do what they do with the Nat Geo Kids book How Things Work: Then and Now.
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