6 Great Ideas To Keep Kids Busy at the Laundromat
Admittedly, doing laundry isn’t most people’s favorite thing to do. And if you need to drag your kids along with you to the laundromat, it can turn a tedious chore into a downright endurance test. Even when you’re at a top-notch laundromat with high-quality, speedy machines, laundry takes time. So, how can you keep your kids busy at the laundromat while you’re waiting and washing?
Bring activities for your kids to do while you wait for clothes to wash and dry. Great options are coloring books, puzzles, books to read, and games. Taking a couple of board games with you to the laundromat can give you and your kids a way to pass the time. If you’ll be there for a while, bring some water and a few snacks. Older kids can help you with the laundry to earn a reward.
You know your kids best, so consider their personalities and interests when you choose how to keep them busy. Also, think about how long you will be at the laundromat so you can plan accordingly and bring adequate supplies.
1. Let Kids Be in Charge of Certain Tasks
Assign your kids age-appropriate tasks while you’re at the laundromat. If they have something to do and can take part in the process, they’re much less likely to get bored and whiny.
Depending on their age, they can do things like getting change from the coin machine or putting the clothes in the wash. They could also sort laundry, put clothes in the dryer, find matching pairs of socks, and help fold.
If you have kids who love to help, this works out great for both of you. They stay out of trouble, and you get some helping hands to take the load off yourself.
2. Bring Several Activities to the Laundromat
It’s also essential to bring some things with you that your kids can do. Even if they’re willing to lend a helping hand, it won’t keep them entertained the entire time.
Bring a backpack or bag full of things like coloring or activity books, small board games you can play together, or some small toys. Kids can color, draw, read a book, build LEGOs, etc. Other great examples are craft kits or puzzles that keep kids focused for an extended time.
And yes, even a tablet can help kids stay occupied. If you limit screen time, simply let them know their usual limits apply, and provide a variety of activities for them to choose from when screen time is over.
Also, let your kid choose the items you bring to the laundromat. This way, you know you’ll have some things that they actually want to play with and do.
Another idea is to keep a laundromat-activities-only box. You can keep items in the box that kids only get to do at the laundromat. This makes these things extra unique and enticing, especially for younger kids.
3. Pack a Few Snacks
Sometimes, kids start to get fussy because they’re simply hungry or thirsty. Sure, the laundromat likely has a snack machine, but you probably don’t want to spend all your spare change getting goodies from the vending station.
Bring a few snack options and some water or juice packs with you to satisfy hungry tummies. It’s a good idea for yourself, too, especially if you have several loads to do while you’re there. Nobody’s happy if they’re hangry.
4. Invite a Friend
Sometimes, kids get bored because they just don’t want to do things by themselves. This could hold true even more for younger kids that might not yet be able to help out as much with the laundry.
If you’re able, let your kid invite a friend along for laundry day. It will give them someone to talk to and play with while you’re getting things done. Now, instead of seeming like a chore, they can feel more like they're on a play date.
Of course, make sure that this arrangement is something that would work for your child. It won’t do you any good if you end up having two whiny, mischievous kids on your hands instead of just one. You know your kid’s friends, so choose wisely.
5. Make Laundry a Game
If the tasks, activities, and snacks aren’t quite enough, make the laundry itself a game. Create a scavenger hunt and let kids walk around the laundromat to find items on the list. They can simply check it off when they see it, like a green detergent bottle, a red shirt, a blue laundry basket, etc.
Always make sure you can see them, though. If the laundromat is large, set parameters and boundaries for where they can go.
Another option for kids that are old enough is to have a folding contest. You can give a prize to whoever folds their basket the fastest and neatest.
6. Give Kids an Opportunity to Earn Money or a Reward
Speaking of prizes, offer kids an opportunity to earn some money or a special reward if they help you out. A little incentive can go a long way toward making them more motivated to partake in the chores. You can break it down by task and tally it up as you go.
It might be a certain amount they get per chore. Or it could be if they do all the tasks, they get to pick something out at the toy shop down the street. Another option is they get to go out for ice cream or a special dessert afterward.
A Load Off Your Shoulders
Going to the laundromat with kids doesn’t have to be any more of a chore than simply doing your laundry. All you need is a few ways to keep your children engaged and distracted so they’re not constantly asking, “can we go now?”
And as a bonus, you might get a few helping hands in the process. If you just can’t make the trip, ask us about our convenient and affordable wash and fold service, and we’ll do your laundry for you.
