Prep With Kids: Four Easy Ways To Keep Them Distracted During Emergencies

If you’re a prepper, someone always preparing for emergencies likes natural disasters and civil unrest have you considered what you should pack for your children? Keep reading to find three easy ways to prep with kids.

by Esme Addison

When the power goes out or an unexpected emergency keeps everyone indoors, keeping your kids entertained and calm can quickly become a challenging task. But with a bit of planning, you can turn these stressful moments into cozy, memorable times with your family. It’s crucial to be prepared not just for the emergency itself, but also for the unique needs of your kids during these situations.

So this isn’t an article about the basics parents should stock up on like flashlights, canned food and ammunition. This is more along the lines of making sure you have kid-friendly activities along with every thing else. Items to keep chidren busy, distracted and entertained.

I’ll share three simple ways to ensure you’re prepared to keep your children happy, calm, and comforted, no matter what’s happening outside.

Creating an Emergency Activity Kit

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First things first: the container. I’ve found that a sturdy, portable container is key. I like using a backpack or a plastic storage bin with a lid—something that’s easy to grab and move around, especially if you need to relocate to a safer part of the house. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something the kids can manage on their own; it adds a little bit of excitement for them, knowing they have their very own “emergency kit.”

Now, when it comes to what goes inside, think about the ages of your kids and what keeps them engaged. A kit for a toddler will look a lot different from one for a tween, but the goal is the same: keep their minds busy and their spirits high.

1. Games

One of the first things I always pack is a selection of card games. They’re small, portable, and can keep everyone entertained for hours. Uno is a family favorite around here—simple enough for the younger kids, but still fun for the older ones (and let’s be honest, for us parents too). Go Fish, Old Maid, and Memory are also great options. The best part? No batteries required, just good old-fashioned fun.

If you’ve got room, throw in a few travel-sized board games. I’m a big fan of Travel Scrabble and Bananagrams—they’re compact and perfect for keeping minds sharp while passing the time. Another great addition is a small puzzle or brain teaser book. Whether it’s crosswords, Sudoku, or a simple maze, these activities can be incredibly absorbing, helping to distract from whatever might be going on outside.

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2. Crafts And Creative Activities

There’s something so soothing about creative activities, especially during stressful times. I always make sure to include a set of coloring supplies—crayons, markers, and a couple of coloring books or blank sketch pads. Drawing and coloring can be a calming, almost meditative activity, and it’s something kids of all ages enjoy.

For the crafty kids, I like to pack a few DIY kits. These don’t have to be anything elaborate—think along the lines of friendship bracelet kits, beadwork, or even a simple sewing project. If you’re feeling particularly resourceful, you can create your own little craft kits at home. A small baggie with some yarn, glue, and buttons can turn into hours of creative fun.

And let’s not forget playdough or modeling clay. The tactile nature of these materials can be incredibly calming for kids (and adults too!). If you’re up for a little pre-storm prep, you can even make your own playdough at home using flour, salt, water, and a bit of food coloring. It’s a great way to involve the kids in the process, too—getting them excited about their emergency kit before you even need to use it.

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3. Educational Activities

Keeping the learning going, even during an emergency, is important to me. That’s why I always include a couple of educational options in our kit. Books are a must—whether it’s a few beloved picture books or a new chapter book they haven’t cracked open yet. Reading together is one of those timeless activities that not only passes the time but also brings everyone closer.

Another thing I like to pack is a workbook or two—something that combines fun with a bit of learning. These can be activity books with puzzles, mazes, and simple math or reading exercises. For the science-minded kids, consider including a small, simple science kit. Something like a magnifying glass and some interesting objects to examine, or even a baking soda volcano kit, can spark curiosity and keep little minds engaged.

If you’re up for it, you can also create some DIY science experiments using common household items. One of our favorites is the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano—it’s easy, it’s fun, and it never fails to elicit excited giggles. Another easy one is a DIY lava lamp, using just a bottle, water, oil, food coloring, and a bit of Alka-Seltzer.

4. Comfort and Calming Tools

An emergency kit isn’t complete without a few comfort items. I always make sure to include a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for each child—something that brings them comfort and a sense of security. In times of stress, these familiar items can be a real anchor, helping to keep kids calm.

I also like to add a few calming activities, like stress balls or fidget spinners. These can be particularly helpful for kids who might feel anxious or restless. And if your kids are into mindfulness, consider including a simple meditation app or a few breathing exercises written out on cards. Sometimes, just a few minutes of deep breathing can make all the difference in helping everyone stay centered.

Organizing and Rotating the Kit

One thing I’ve learned is that these kits work best when they’re kept up-to-date. Every season, I go through ours and rotate out old activities or toys for new ones. This way, when the time comes to use the kit, everything feels fresh and exciting. It’s also a great way to make sure that the activities still match your kids’ current interests and ages.

I also make it a point to involve the kids in the process of updating their kits. I’ll ask them what they’d like to include or swap out, and we’ll pack everything together. Not only does this give them a sense of ownership, but it also makes the whole concept of being prepared a bit more fun and less daunting.

At the end of the day, being prepared is all about peace of mind—for you and your family. By taking the time to create an emergency activity kit, you’re not just ensuring that your kids will stay entertained; you’re also building a cozy, comforting environment that can help everyone weather the storm, both literally and figuratively.

So, I encourage you to take a little time this weekend to start building your own emergency activity kit. Think about what makes your kids happy and what brings them comfort, and then start gathering those items together. It might just become one of your family’s most cherished resources, bringing a little bit of joy to even the most challenging times. And isn’t that what being a cozy prepper is all about?