How to Entertain Kids When You Are Babysitting

Co-authored by Jessie Davidson and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: June 8, 2022 References Approved

Keeping kids entertained when you’re babysitting isn’t always easy. Fortunately, between playing games, making arts and crafts, and going outside, there are plenty of activities you can do to keep the kids you're babysitting entertained and happy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Entertaining Toddlers

1
Play easy baby games if they seem calm. Stick with games that don’t have very many rules. Toddlers won’t be able to follow along with complicated games, and they can get frustrated quickly.^{[1]
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- If you’re babysitting a 1-year-old toddler, play games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek with their favorite stuffed animal.
- If the toddler is closer to 2 years old, try making patterns using blocks or rolling a ball back and forth across the floor.
- If you’re babysitting an older toddler, try games like Simon Says and Hot and Cold.
2
Have them pick out a toy to play with if they're energetic. Go in their room or wherever their toys are kept and ask them to choose something to play with. If you’re babysitting a younger toddler, you may need to choose a toy for them. Once they’ve got a toy, get on the floor and play with the toy with them.^{[2]
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3
Read to them when it’s naptime. It will be easier to get them to sleep if you hang around and read them a quick story. Find a children’s book they have and hold it so they can see the pictures. Point out the different characters in the pictures as you’re reading along. Eventually, the toddler you're babysitting should drift to sleep.
- Find out from their parents if they have any special naptime rituals you should follow.
4
Supervise them at all times. No matter what activity you’re doing, you should constantly monitor the toddler you’re babysitting. Toddlers can easily get into something they’re not supposed to or accidentally bump into something and hurt themselves. If you're grabbing something from another room or setting up an activity, make sure they're in your line of sight.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Entertaining Preschoolers

1
Play letters and numbers games if they're in the mood to learn. Preschoolers are just starting to learn to recognize letters and numbers, so look for games that focus on those things. Make sure the games are easy to understand so the preschooler you’re babysitting can follow along.^{[3]
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- Play with them on a big ABC mat.
- Play with letter tiles. Hold up a tile and have them guess what letter it is. If they get it right, give them the tile.
- Play memory with a deck of cards. Spread all the cards out face down and have them flip the cards 2 at a time. The goal is for them to flip over 2 cards that are the same number.
2
Play with playdough if they want to make something. If there's no playdough in the house, ask the preschooler to help you make some from scratch. Put the playdough on a tray or plate so the preschooler you’re babysitting doesn’t make a mess. Help them build things with it and show them how to roll the playdough with their hands.^{[4]
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- Don’t forget to clean up when you’re finished.
- Make sure the preschooler you're babysitting doesn't try to eat the playdough!
3
Do easy, mess-free crafts if they're in a creative mood. Keep in mind that preschoolers may get things on their skin and in their mouth, so don’t use any supplies that are toxic or messy. Stick with crafts that are simple and easy to clean up. Supervise them at all times so they don't make a big mess.^{[5]
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- Have the preschooler you’re babysitting play with stickers. Give them a sheet of paper and help them peel off the stickers and stick them to the paper.
- Give them paper and crayons to draw with. Crayons aren’t as messy as markers or paint, so you won’t have to worry about a big clean up afterward.
- Have them draw shapes and then you cut them out. Then, let them position the shapes on a sheet of paper. You can tape or glue the shapes to the paper for them.
4
Get permission to take them outside and do simple, low-key activities. Avoid strenuous or overly active games that could lead to the preschooler you’re babysitting getting hurt. If you’re going to bring them outside, stick with activities where you’re sitting or walking, as opposed to running or throwing things.^{[6]
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- Go outside and draw with sidewalk chalk.
- Prepare some bubbles and let the preschooler you’re babysitting play with them outside.
- Walk them around the backyard and teach them about the different plants and animals you encounter.
5
Watch an educational TV show together if they seem tired. If you can't find a show on TV, search online and watch an episode of something on the computer. This is a great activity for later in the evening when the preschooler you're babysitting may be getting tired. Limit their screen time to 1 hour so you don't spend the whole time you're babysitting them watching TV.
- Make sure you get permission from their parents before you watch something with them.
- Ask the preschooler or their parents what their favorite TV shows are.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Entertaining Gradeschoolers

1
Play board games if they want something simple to do. When you’re looking for a board game to play, look on the box to see the recommended age range. Play easier, learning-focused board games with a younger gradeschooler. Play more challenging board games with an older gradeschooler.
- Try board games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Guess Who if you’re playing with a younger gradeschooler.
- If you’re babysitting an older gradeschooler, you could play board games like Monopoly, cards, and Yahtzee.
2
Paint or draw with markers if they're feeling creative. Lay newspaper down on the table and set up a painting and drawing station. Use washable, nontoxic kids paint and markers in case they get any on their clothes or skin. When they're finished, have them write their name on their artwork and give it to their parents when they get home.
3
Get permission to do active outdoor games and activities. Grade schoolers have a lot of energy, and playing outside can be a great way for them to get some exercise and have fun. Make sure they’re not running around near the street and that you keep an eye on them at all times.
- Play catch. Get a softball or wiffle ball and you can toss it back and forth. If they have a wiffle bat lying around, you can make bases and start a baseball game.
- Run around outside and play tag. You can try different tag variations like freeze tag.
- Have a scavenger hunt. Hide a bunch of items in the backyard and have them try to find them all as quickly as possible.
4
Watch an age-appropriate movie if they want to relax. Ask the grade-schooler you’re babysitting what movie they want to watch and watch it with them. You can even make popcorn so it’s like you’re at a movie theater. Before you watch the movie, check the rating to make sure it’s appropriate for someone their age. Stick with movies that are PG, and avoid movies that are rated PG-13 or higher.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Entertaining Older Kids

1
Do complex arts and crafts if they want to make something. Come up with a challenging craft idea before you arrive to babysit and bring the necessary supplies with you. You can also look up a list of craft ideas on your computer or phone and ask the older kid you're babysitting which one they want to work on. Avoid projects that are too easy or older kids might find them boring.
- Try making flip books. Give them a notepad or stack of sticky notes and have them draw a slightly different image on the bottom right corner of each page. Then, when they flip through the book, their drawings will look like a short animation.
- Make jewelry. Bring a jewelry-making kit with you with thread, yarn, beads, and other things they can use to make bracelets or necklaces.
- Build molecules using cotton swabs, cotton balls, and glue.
2
Play challenging strategy games if they want to do a low-key activity. Older kids prefer games that involve strategizing and thinking. Avoid easy games that older kids might find boring. You can even teach older kids a brand new game, or bring a game that none of you have played before.
- Teach them how to play chess.
- Play a strategy card game like Hearts or Rummy.
- Play strategy board games like Risk and Mastermind.
3
Make food together if they're hungry. If you’re in charge of dinner, ask the older kid you’re babysitting if they want to help you make something instead of ordering out. You can make pizza or have breakfast for dinner. You can even have a mini cooking competition to see whose dish turns out better.^{[7]
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4
Take them to a nearby park if you have permission. Try to find a park that has a playground. Pack a bag with water, snacks, and a blanket so you can sit on the grass. Bring some board games, cards, and a frisbee or ball to play catch with.
5
Give them privacy if they need it. Older kids may not want to be constantly entertained by a babysitter. If they want to spend time in their room or do something on their own, let them. Watch TV, read, or find something else to do while they’re busy. Just make sure they’re not violating any rules their parents established.
- For example, if their parents told you they aren’t allowed to use the family computer, check to make sure they’re not using it.
6
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Older kids may test your limits and push back when you try to enforce the rules. If the kid you’re babysitting is doing something they’re not supposed to, it’s OK to tell them they need to stop. Don’t yell or get angry, but do be serious and persistent if they try to ignore you.^{[8]
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- For example, if the kid you’re babysitting is playing video games even though their parents said video games are off limits, you could say something like “Hey, your parents said you’re not supposed to be playing video games. Turn them off and let's find something else to do. Want to order food?”

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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I be a cool babysitter?

Jessie Davidson
Child Care Specialist
Jessie Davidson is a Child Care Specialist and the CEO and Founder of BabysitPro, which provides online courses for current and aspiring babysitters. Jessie has over 20 years of childcare experience and specializes in best practices for sitters of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers. BabysitPro’s courses are unique and age-specific so babysitters can learn detailed information relevant to the children they babysit. Jessie holds a BA in French Studies from Wheaton College and an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Southern California.

Jessie Davidson

Child Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Plan ahead so you and the kids can have lots of fun. If you know you'll be babysitting for several hours, create a schedule for when the kids will play, eat, and nap/sleep. This way, you'll have a good idea of what's coming next.
Question

What should I bring over while babysitting?

Jessie Davidson
Child Care Specialist
Jessie Davidson is a Child Care Specialist and the CEO and Founder of BabysitPro, which provides online courses for current and aspiring babysitters. Jessie has over 20 years of childcare experience and specializes in best practices for sitters of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers. BabysitPro’s courses are unique and age-specific so babysitters can learn detailed information relevant to the children they babysit. Jessie holds a BA in French Studies from Wheaton College and an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Southern California.

Jessie Davidson

Child Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Depending on the kids' ages you can bring books, games, puzzles, or sports balls with you. Even if the kids have a house full of toys, anything you bring will be new and exciting.
Question

What do I do if a child is really annoying me, and not listening to me?

Community Answer

Most of the time, if a child is being really annoying and won't listen, it's because he is tired. Try tucking him into bed, or reading a book together. It may surprise you how fast children fall asleep.