When the lights go out, keeping kids entertained can be a challenge. While safety is a top priority during a power outage, having a plan for fun activities can turn what could be a stressful experience into an opportunity for creativity and bonding. Here’s a list of essential items and fun power outage games to keep the whole family entertained, including a special highlight of Story Coins, a fantastic tool to spark creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Essential Items to Have During a Power Outage
Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s cover the basics to ensure you’re safe and prepared:
- Flashlights and Extra Batteries: Keep several flashlights handy in easily accessible places, and make sure you have plenty of extra batteries.
- Candles and Matches: If flashlights are unavailable, candles can provide light and a calming ambiance. Always remember to place them in a safe, non-flammable holder.
- Portable Chargers: If possible, keep your devices charged with portable chargers. However, the positive of a power outage is the opportunity to step away from screens.
- Blankets and Warm Clothes: Depending on the season, it might get chilly indoors without heat. Stock up on blankets and cozy clothes to keep warm.
- Battery Powered Fan: If you’re in a warm climate (hello Georgia summers), having a battery powered fan can be life saver if power goes out in the hot months.
- Bottled Water and Snacks: Easy-to-eat, non-perishable snacks like granola bars, crackers, and fruit snacks are great for keeping energy up during a long outage.
Now that you’re prepared with the essentials, let’s talk about keeping the kiddos entertained.
6 Fun and Family Friendly Power Outage Games
- Story Coins Game:
Story Coins is the perfect game for sparking kids’ imagination. Each coin represents a story element—characters, settings, or objects. Kids can draw coins from a bag and create their own stories based on the elements they receive. This game not only keeps them engaged but also helps enhance their creativity and narrative skills. Plus, it’s screen-free and requires no electricity—just imagination!
How to Play:- Have each child draw a coin from a pouch.
- Take turns adding to the story, incorporating the element on their coin.
- Keep going until the story reaches an exciting conclusion or takes a humorous twist!
- Shadow Puppets:
With only a flashlight and a wall, you can create a shadow puppet theater! Let the kids use their hands to create different animal shapes and tell stories with their shadow characters. This simple yet entertaining activity is great for storytelling and laughter. - Board Games & Card Games:
Always keep a few classic board games like Chutes and Ladders, Apples to Apples, or Candy Land on hand. Card games like Uno or Go Fish are also great choices. These games are perfect for keeping everyone engaged while the power is out. Check out this list of even more games to play! - Build a Fort:
Gather some blankets, pillows, and cushions to build a cozy fort. Once built, it can be a place to tell stories, read books by flashlight, or even play quiet games like Story Coins inside. - Craft Time with Found Objects:
Encourage creativity by making crafts using everyday household items. With just some paper, markers, and scissors, the kids can create paper hats, puppets, or decorations. Use recyclable items like cardboard boxes or old magazines to give them something fun to construct with. - Charades:
Charades is an excellent game that can be played in low light. Act out different scenes, movies, or animals while the other players guess what you’re trying to portray. It’s a fun, high-energy activity that gets everyone laughing.
Keeping the Mood Light and Positive
Power outages can sometimes create anxiety, especially for kids who have not experienced severe weather. Games like Story Coins and other non-tech activities help kids take their mind off the weather. By turning the outage into an adventure with these power outage games, you can create lasting memories and even look forward to these unplugged moments.
The next time a power outage hits, you’ll be more than ready with both practical necessities and a bag full of fun games that keep your kids entertained, laughing, and engaged—without any need for electricity!
Are you interested in adding Story Coins to your family’s power outage kit? Contact us today to get your own set and bring the magic of storytelling to life, no matter the circumstances!
