Ultimate Guide: 60+ Engaging & Productive Activities to Do At Home

In our ever-changing world, we often find ourselves facing periods of uncertainty and stress. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s often an unexpected gift: **time**. This newfound time, whether due to a global situation or simply a desire for more home-focused living, offers a unique opportunity for self-enrichment, connection, and joy. Instead of letting anxiety dictate your days, embrace this moment to explore new interests, deepen relationships, and create lasting memories.

We’ve curated a comprehensive list of over 60 engaging activities designed to help you **stay calm, happy, and immensely productive** during your time at home. These ideas are perfect for anyone looking to enrich their life, learn something new, or simply enjoy the comfort of their own space. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for **activities to do at home as a couple, fun things to do with family, or enriching activities to do alone**, you’ll find a wealth of options to transform your days.

Beyond this extensive list, we also invite you to join our exclusive **14-day email challenge!** Each day, your inbox will be graced with a delightful surprise activity to spark joy and creativity, alongside an easy recipe idea crafted using basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to feel connected and discover new experiences. Remember, we’re all navigating these times together, so let’s make it as fun and fulfilling as possible!

Sign up for 14 days of fun activity ideas and simple recipes delivered directly to your inbox here.

Create a Routine for Stability and Well-being

Establishing a daily routine is paramount, whether you’re accustomed to working from home or navigating this new territory for the first time. A well-structured routine provides a sense of normalcy, reduces stress, and significantly boosts productivity. It’s not just about tasks; it’s about carving out time for self-care, learning, and relaxation, ensuring your days feel purposeful and balanced. Consider incorporating fixed wake-up and bedtime hours, dedicated work blocks, meal times, and slots for exercise or leisure.

Cook and Explore Culinary Delights

Cooking is a beautiful blend of pleasure and necessity, and this period offers the perfect opportunity to truly savor it. Dive into our extensive collection of recipes and embark on a culinary adventure. Use your time at home to perfect classic dishes or explore entirely new cuisines from around the globe. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate your senses, learn new skills, and bring diverse flavors into your kitchen. Why not choose a theme night and transport your taste buds to a different country?

• Indian recipes: Experiment with rich spices and aromatic dishes like Chicken Karahi, a flavorful and hearty curry.
• Burmese recipe: Discover unique flavors with Burmese Chicken Curry, featuring turmeric and ginger.
• Thai recipe: Master the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy with a vibrant Thai Red Chicken Curry.
• Greek recipe: Indulge in the savory layers of Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie), a comforting classic.
• Italian recipe: Simplicity meets elegance in Cacio e Pepe, a Roman pasta dish.
• French recipe: Try something deliciously different like Flammekueche (Alsatian Pizza), a thin-crust tart.

Bake and Indulge in Sweet Treats

Following the joy of cooking, turn your attention to the comforting art of baking. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about measuring ingredients, watching dough rise, and the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. Baking can be a wonderful stress reliever and a delightful way to create delicious treats for yourself or to share (virtually or in person, when safe). It’s also a fantastic activity for all ages, perfect for family fun.

Here are some delightful ideas to get you started:

• Whip up some delicate Orange Blossom French Meringue Cookies for a light and fragrant dessert.
• Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade Almond Butter Cookies – quick, easy, and satisfying.
• Elevate your baking with elegant Chocolate Dipped Madeleines, a classic French treat.

Learn Something New and Expand Your Horizons

The gift of time is perhaps best spent on personal growth and intellectual curiosity. Learning a new skill or delving into an unfamiliar topic can be incredibly rewarding, boosting your confidence and opening up new possibilities. The internet is a treasure trove of knowledge, making it easier than ever to pick up a new hobby or become an expert in a niche subject from the comfort of your couch.

Learn a Language

Have you always harbored a dream of speaking French fluently, or perhaps the vibrant rhythms of Portuguese call to you? Now is the perfect moment to start! Numerous apps, online courses, and virtual tutors can help you achieve your linguistic goals. Immerse yourself in a new culture through its language.

Take an Online Class

The digital world offers an astounding array of online classes on virtually any subject imaginable. From coding and digital marketing to creative writing, photography, or even quantum physics – there’s something for everyone. Many platforms are even offering free or discounted courses, making education more accessible than ever before.

• Brit + Co, for instance, has previously offered all their courses for FREE, so keep an eye out for similar opportunities!

Learn About Tarot & Do a Reading for Your Partner or Friends

Tarot can be a fascinating tool for self-reflection and playful introspection. If you have a set of tarot cards, now’s the time to uncover their mysteries. Learn about the rich symbolism and meanings behind each card, then practice doing readings for yourself, your partner, or even virtually for friends. It’s a creative way to explore storytelling and intuition.

Become an Expert in Something (Interior Decor, Baking Bread, SEO)

Dedicate yourself to becoming truly well-versed in a particular topic that sparks your interest. Whether it’s mastering the art of sourdough bread, understanding the nuances of interior decor, or diving deep into Search Engine Optimization (SEO), focused learning can yield incredible results. You might emerge from this experience not just with a new skill, but as a recognized expert!

Get Fit and Boost Your Well-being

Prioritizing your physical health is more important than ever. While gym access might be limited, your home can become your personal fitness studio. Regular exercise not only strengthens your body but also significantly improves your mental health, reducing stress and boosting your mood. There are countless free and paid resources available online to guide you.

• Take an online fitness class: From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to dance workouts, many studios and trainers offer virtual classes you can follow live or on-demand.
• Practice Yoga or Pilates: These practices are fantastic for flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Numerous apps and YouTube channels provide sequences for all levels, allowing you to flow through poses and connect with your breath.
• Go for a walk or run: If allowed and safe in your area, stepping outside for some fresh air and movement can do wonders for both body and mind.

Travel Online and Explore the World

While physical travel might be on hold, the digital age allows us to explore breathtaking destinations and cultural wonders from our living rooms. Virtual travel is an inspiring way to satisfy your wanderlust, educate yourself, and plan for future adventures.

Take a Virtual Museum Tour

Thanks to initiatives like Google Arts & Culture, many of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries have opened their virtual doors. You can wander through ancient halls, marvel at masterpieces, and learn about history without ever leaving your couch. These are 15 virtual museum visits you can embark on right now.

Take a Virtual Trip to Africa

Imagine observing wildlife in their natural habitat. You can virtually visit Africa and witness majestic animals thanks to webcams set up near watering holes. Sites like Explore.org offer a plethora of live cams and virtual experiences, allowing you to connect with nature and distant lands.

Cherish Connections with Loved Ones

If you find yourself in quarantine with family or a partner, consider this a precious opportunity to truly connect. In our fast-paced lives, quality time often gets sidelined. Take things hour by hour, embrace the slower pace, and genuinely enjoy the extra moments you get to spend at home with the people you love. Engage in conversations, play games, or simply exist peacefully together.

Start a Special Project for Daily Fulfillment

Embarking on a special, ongoing project can provide immense comfort and a sense of accomplishment, especially during uncertain times. Having something consistent to work on each day or week creates structure and a focal point for your creativity and energy. The beauty of these projects lies in their personal nature; they are for you, driven by your interests.

Some inspiring ideas include:

• Take a photo every day: Document your experiences, find beauty in the mundane, or explore a new photographic technique.
• Write down an inspirational quote each day: Seek out wisdom, reflect on its meaning, and cultivate a positive mindset.
• Learn a TikTok dance each day and record yourself: A fun way to stay active, learn choreography, and share some joy (or humor!) with friends.
• Start a daily drawing or sketching challenge: Develop your artistic skills and create a portfolio over time.
• Begin a daily journaling practice on a specific theme: Dive deep into your thoughts and feelings about a particular subject.

Keep a Record of These Unique Times

We are living through moments that will undoubtedly become part of history. While these times can feel scary and uncertain, they are also profoundly significant. Why not take the opportunity to document your experiences, thoughts, and feelings for future reflection? This record could be invaluable for future generations, offering a personal insight into a unique period. Consider different formats: a written journal, a photo diary, or even short video clips detailing your daily life and perspectives.

Hang Out with Friends (Online) and Stay Connected

Social connection is vital for mental well-being, and technology has made it easier than ever to maintain those bonds, even from a distance. Don’t underestimate the power of seeing a familiar face and sharing a laugh. I’ve seen wonderful examples of virtual happy hours, brunch dates, coffee breaks, game nights, and even book clubs! This is a fantastic way to check in on friends, offer mutual support, and simply enjoy their company during challenging periods.

Spend Quality Time with Your Animals

Our furry (or scaly, or feathered) companions are often the unsung heroes of our homes. They provide unconditional love, comfort, and often, much-needed comic relief. Remember that funny meme circulating about pets during lockdown? Dogs, overjoyed with constant human presence, can’t get enough cuddles. Cats, on the other hand, might be wondering when they’ll reclaim their peaceful daytime solitude! Regardless, this is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your bond, engage in extra playtime, or even teach them a new trick. Their presence can be incredibly grounding and stress-reducing.

Make Digital Photo Albums and Preserve Memories

One of my most cherished yearly traditions is curating a digital photo album, capturing the highlights and special moments from the past year. We carefully select photos from our favorite trips, significant celebrations like birthdays, incredible meals we savored, and holiday gatherings. Once complete, we order a printed copy, creating a tangible collection that brings immense joy to revisit. This is the perfect time to go through your digital archives, organize those countless phone photos, and create beautiful, lasting keepsakes that tell your unique story.

Make a Scrapbook for a Creative Outlet

If you’re more inclined towards a hands-on, tactile approach to memory-keeping, delve into the world of scrapbooking! If you have a collection of printed photos, ticket stubs, postcards, or other mementos lying around, now is the ideal time to transform them into a vibrant scrapbook. Perhaps you recently returned from an amazing trip; use your photos and souvenirs to create a themed scrapbook that captures all the best moments. There’s something inherently soothing and mindful about the process of cutting, gluing, arranging, and decorating pages, allowing your creativity to flow freely while preserving precious memories.

Flip Through Old Magazines for Inspiration

Don’t underestimate the power of a good old magazine stack! Instead of tossing them, take some time to leisurely flip through your old magazines. They are packed with inspiration just waiting to be rediscovered. You might find fresh ideas for decorating or organizing your home, stumble upon new recipes to try, or spark the motivation to start a new project you’d forgotten about. It’s a low-effort way to get creative juices flowing and perhaps even find images for a vision board or scrapbook.

Read a New Book or Re-Read an Old One

For avid readers and aspiring ones alike, this period is a sanctuary for books. If you’re a self-proclaimed “book hoarder” like me, now is the time to finally dive into those intriguing titles you bought but never opened. Alternatively, revisit a beloved classic or a comforting favorite from years past. Reading offers unparalleled escapism, knowledge acquisition, and a peaceful way to unwind. Explore new genres, discover new authors, or simply get lost in a compelling narrative.

Plan Future Trips and Dream Big

While current travel may be restricted, the joy of planning future adventures is boundless. Use this extra time at home to research, imagine, and meticulously plan your dream getaways. The anticipation itself can be a powerful mood booster and a reminder of exciting experiences to come. Delve into itineraries, discover hidden gems, and curate the perfect trip.

For example, if a Parisian adventure calls to you:

• Refer to our 50+ Paris Travel Tips – packed with all the essential information you need to design the ultimate Parisian experience.
• Explore Don’t Miss These Small Museums in Paris! – discovering these charming, intimate museums can add incredible depth and unique perspectives to your visit.
• Indulge in Parisian café culture with Don’t Miss These Cafes in Paris! – dreaming of sitting at a quaint café, sipping coffee, and watching the world go by.

Create a Bucket List for Future Adventures

Inspired by planning future trips, take it a step further and create a comprehensive bucket list! This is a fantastic activity whether you’re reflecting solo, as a couple, or with family members. Harness this indoor time to brainstorm and write down all the goals, aspirations, and experiences you dream of having in the future. It’s an empowering exercise that helps clarify your desires and gives you something tangible to look forward to and work towards.

Some prompts to get you started and spark your imagination:

• Where in the world do you most want to travel? List specific cities, countries, or natural wonders.
• What new foods or cuisines would you love to try or learn to cook?
• Are there any special projects you’ve always longed to complete, such as writing a book, painting a masterpiece, or building something?
• What unique experiences would you like to have, like skydiving, learning to sail, or volunteering for a cause?

Make Afternoon Tea at Home for a Touch of Elegance

Are you missing the delightful ritual of afternoon tea? Bring the elegance and charm right into your home! This activity is a wonderful way to slow down and indulge in a bit of luxury. Spend time meticulously creating an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, bake one or two delicious desserts like scones with jam and cream, and select your finest tea to complete the experience. It’s a lovely way to practice mindfulness and treat yourself to a special moment.

Watch Funny YouTube Videos for a Good Laugh

Laughter is truly the best medicine, and sometimes all you need is a good chuckle to lift your spirits. YouTube is an endless reservoir of hilarious content that can entertain and cheer you up without a doubt. From clever commentary to adorable animal antics, there’s a comedy style for everyone. Gather your family, or just grab a cozy blanket, and prepare for some much-needed giggles. Here are a few categories to get you started:

Hilarious Cooking “Reviews”!

Funny Animals!

Funny Yelp Reviews!

Organize Your Space and Declutter Your Mind

A tidy home often leads to a clear mind. Dedicating time to organizing your living space can be incredibly therapeutic and productive. It’s an opportunity to create a more functional and calming environment, reducing visual clutter and mental stress. Tackle one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and enjoy the satisfaction of a more ordered home.

Sort, Toss, Organize

If you’ve been putting off going through your closets, drawers, or pantry, now is the perfect time. Follow the “sort, toss, organize” mantra: sort items into categories, toss or donate what you no longer need, and then organize what remains in a logical and accessible way.

Alphabetize Your Books or Organize Them by Color

For bibliophiles with extensive collections, organizing books can be a deeply satisfying task. You could go classic and alphabetize by author or title, or add a fun aesthetic twist by organizing them by color. This transforms your bookshelf into both a library and a work of art.

Start a New Pinterest Board for Home Inspiration

Dive into the visual world of Pinterest! Create a dedicated board for home organization, interior design ideas, or DIY projects. Collecting inspiration can be a fun and low-pressure way to visualize changes you’d like to make to your living space, without the immediate commitment.

Create Your Perfect Home Sanctuary

Beyond simple organization, this is an excellent opportunity to think deeply about how your home impacts your well-being. Transform your living space into a true sanctuary – a place that reflects your personality, promotes calm, and inspires joy. This could involve exploring new design philosophies or simply making small changes that have a big impact on your comfort and happiness.

Study Feng Shui

Delve into the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. Learn how to arrange your furniture and decor to optimize energy flow (chi) in your home, promoting harmony, balance, and positive vibes. It’s a fascinating way to connect your physical space with your inner peace and well-being.

Deep Clean Your Home for a Fresh Start

While organizing is about structure, a deep clean is about refreshing and revitalizing your entire living environment. Take the time to clean your home from top to bottom, reaching those often-neglected corners. Scrub, dust, polish, and sanitize until every surface sparkles. The satisfaction of a meticulously clean home is immense, providing a fresh start and a renewed sense of pride in your living space.

Create a Vision Board to Manifest Your Dreams

Nothing helps combat present stress quite like actively dreaming up your ideal future. A vision board is a powerful tool for manifesting your goals and desires. Gather old magazines, print images from online, or use digital tools to create a collage of photos, words, and affirmations that represent the future you wish to attract. Place it somewhere you’ll see it daily to keep your aspirations front and center.

Some ideas to fuel your vision board include:

• What kind of house do you dream of living in?
• Where in the world would you like to live or travel to?
• What career achievements do you aspire to?
• What kind of relationships do you want to nurture?
• What skills do you want to master, or hobbies do you want to pursue?

Do Something Creative and Unleash Your Inner Artist

Engaging in creative activities is a fantastic way to express yourself, reduce stress, and find joy. This is the perfect time to delve into a fun arts and crafts project or explore a new artistic medium. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, the act of creation is inherently fulfilling.

Consider:

• Painting or drawing with watercolors, acrylics, or pencils.
• Learning calligraphy or hand-lettering.
• Knitting, crocheting, or sewing a new project.
• Trying origami or paper crafts.
• Composing music or learning a new instrument.

Start Writing Your Book Today

Is writing a book a long-held dream that’s featured on your goal list, vision board, or bucket list? Procrastination ends now! This dedicated time at home is an unparalleled opportunity to finally begin that literary project. Set a realistic writing schedule, commit to it daily, and watch your story unfold. Whether it’s a novel, a memoir, a collection of poems, or a non-fiction guide, taking the first step is the most crucial part. You might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

Start a Business and Pursue Your Passions

This period of reflection can also be a catalyst for entrepreneurial endeavors. What is your unique expertise? What are you passionate about? What new skills are you learning that you could potentially share with others or monetize? Use your extra time at home to lay the groundwork for a new venture. This could be:

• Starting a blog: Share your knowledge, experiences, and passions with a wider audience.
• Creating an Etsy shop: Turn your crafting or artistic talents into a source of income.
• Launching a YouTube Channel: Share tutorials, reviews, vlogs, or entertainment.
• Offering online services: Leverage your professional skills as a freelancer (e.g., writing, design, consulting).

Take Care of Your Mental Health and Well-being

In times of uncertainty, safeguarding your mental health is paramount. It’s crucial to acknowledge any feelings of anxiety, stress, or sadness and actively seek ways to manage them. Prioritizing your emotional well-being will allow you to navigate challenges more effectively and appreciate the moments of joy.

Hire a Life Coach or Work with a Therapist

If you’re experiencing significant anxiety or struggling to cope, consider reaching out to a professional. Many life coaches and therapists are offering online sessions, providing accessible support and guidance from the comfort of your home. They can offer strategies, insights, and a safe space to process your feelings.

Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings

Journaling has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember, and for good reason. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for getting your ideas, fears, and emotions down on paper. This externalization helps you to process complex feelings, gain clarity, and work through challenges more effectively. Don’t censor yourself; just write.

Meditate for Calm and Focus

Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, now is an excellent time to deepen your practice. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can significantly decrease stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. There are many guided meditation apps and online resources to help you get started or enhance your existing practice.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Cultivating a gratitude practice is one of the most effective ways I know to maintain peace and perspective. By regularly noting down things you are grateful for, you consciously shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. This simple act can profoundly impact your mood, reducing negative thoughts and fostering a more positive outlook on life.

Hang Out with Your Kids and Create Family Memories

For parents, this period presents an incredible opportunity for meaningful family bonding. Step away from the usual routines and fully engage with your children. Spend dedicated time playing games, dressing up in silly costumes, embarking on arts and crafts projects, or building elaborate forts. Who knows? These concentrated moments of fun and connection may very well lead to cherished family memories that you and your children will look back on with fondness for years to come.

Start a Movement and Make a Difference

If you feel particularly passionate about a certain cause, this concentrated time at home can be used to amplify your voice and ignite change. Is there an issue that truly resonates with you – environmental protection, animal welfare, combating food insecurity for children? Don’t just ponder; act! Create a dedicated social media account and hashtag on platforms like Instagram to build a community around your cause. Share information, inspire action, and connect with like-minded individuals to make a tangible difference in the world.

Become a Homesteader at Heart

Okay, maybe not a full-fledged homesteader with acres of land, but you can certainly adopt a “homesteader mindset” and learn to make things you wouldn’t normally produce at home! This is about embracing self-sufficiency and learning practical skills. Think about:

• Making your own bread from scratch (beyond our baking suggestions!).
• Canning or preserving fruits and vegetables.
• Learning to make your own pasta or cheese.
• Creating homemade cleaning supplies.
• Starting a small herb garden or growing sprouts indoors.

These activities connect you to the process of creation and can be incredibly satisfying.

Watch a Favorite Show on Netflix or Rewatch an Old Favorite!

Sometimes, the best activity is simply to relax and unwind with some beloved entertainment. There’s no shame in indulging in a comforting series or movie. My partner Hugo and I, for example, had the brilliant idea to rewatch all 10 seasons of “Friends,” and it’s been a delightful journey down memory lane. Whether it’s a gripping drama, a hilarious sitcom, or a heartwarming documentary, use streaming services to disconnect from stress and reconnect with enjoyable stories. It’s a perfect way to bond with family or simply enjoy some personal downtime.

We are committed to continually adding to this expansive list of activities to do at home as time progresses. Who knows how long these periods of home-focused living will extend – weeks, months, or perhaps even longer? The key is to adapt, find joy, and make the most of every moment.

Do you have a fantastic idea to add to our list, something that’s making you happy or keeping you sane right now? We’d love to hear it! Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below! 👇🏻