After a natural disaster, when power and utilities are down, finding ways to stay entertained together can help lighten the mood and keep everyone’s spirits up. Here are some fun, low-tech activities to pass the time with family and friends:
1. Storytelling and Memory Sharing
Sit together and take turns telling stories, whether family memories, childhood adventures, or made-up tales. You could even start a collaborative story, with each person adding a line or two to build a fun, shared narrative.
2. Games by Candlelight
Classic board games or card games are perfect. If you’re short on supplies, try word games like 20 Questions, Charades, or Two Truths and a Lie. You can even play “Would You Rather?” or invent your own trivia about family members!
3. Camping Indoors or in the Yard
Make a cozy space with blankets and pillows and “camp out” together. If you have candles or flashlights, you can create a campfire feel, tell ghost stories, or make shadow puppets.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of simple items everyone has to find (like a specific rock, something green, etc.), or make it more challenging with clues or riddles. This is fun indoors or outdoors if it’s safe.
5. Nature Walk or Yard Exploration
If you can safely explore outside, look for plants, bugs, rocks, or interesting things in nature. It’s a good distraction, especially for kids, and a chance to get some fresh air.
6. Sketching or Art Activities
Use whatever art supplies you have to create simple drawings or play games like Pictionary or Exquisite Corpse, where each person adds to a drawing without seeing the whole thing until the end.
7. DIY Bingo or Bingo Tournament
Make bingo cards with things you can see or hear around you (like “bird chirping,” “flashlight,” “dog barking,” “wind blowing”) and have a round of homemade bingo. Great for a crowd!
8. Survival Skills Practice
This is an opportunity to practice some basic survival skills for fun! You can make shelter-building challenges, knot-tying tutorials, or learn some outdoor safety skills.
9. Physical Challenges or Exercises
Turn a small area into an obstacle course, have a push-up contest, or make up funny relay races or stretches. It’s a good way to shake off nervous energy and keep everyone moving.
10. Meditation and Deep Breathing Exercises
Relaxing with simple meditation or breathing exercises can reduce anxiety and promote calm. Try deep breathing or guided meditation with someone leading the group.
11. Group Songs and Musical Fun
Sing songs together, make up lyrics, or try percussion with whatever household items you have around. This can be a really uplifting activity to do as a group.
12. Memory Games
Challenge each other with memory games, like repeating a list of words or playing “I’m Going on a Picnic,” where each person adds a word to a list that everyone has to remember.
13. Paper and Pencil Games
Play classic games like Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Doodle Battles, where each person draws something to “battle” the other (like two castles with stick figure armies).
14. Sky Watching or Star Gazing
If it’s nighttime and safe to go outside, take the opportunity to look at the stars. With power out, you may even see more than usual! Try spotting constellations or making up your own.
15. Cooking Challenges
If you have non-perishable food or limited supplies, see who can create the best snack or meal from what’s available. It’s a fun way to get creative with limited ingredients!
When utilities are down, finding ways to bond and laugh together can be a comforting way to pass the time. These activities bring a sense of normalcy and togetherness during challenging moments.
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