provided by Bobo’s

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, families are “social distancing,” staying at home as schools close and employees are asked to work virtually from home to protect themselves and others from contracting and spreading the virus. Yet, let’s be honest—hours and hours at home, away from school and work, can add up. And it can get quite boring! That’s why it’s a great idea to come up with fun things to do at home like family-friendly games, crafts, DIY projects, and activities that can keeps things entertaining and enjoyable for everyone.

 

Not only does it indulge kids’ curious natures, but it also creates educational opportunities for learning new skills, while acting as a fun distraction to pass the time. Win-win! Here are a couple of fun things to do with kids at home that the whole family can take part in together.

1. Draw in Coloring Books

Coloring books are not just for kids—in fact, drawing and doodling can be a stress-busting, meditative practice for adults too. There has been a good amount of research to show the positive effects of doodling and drawing in promoting creativity and keeping anxiety at bay. So, use this time to grab a coloring book (here’s Bobo’s very own coloring book, or enjoy these adult options from Oprah), and let your imagination run wild! No coloring in the lines necessary!

 

2. Create a Family Tree

What better way to show gratitude for the loved ones in your life—and currently in your home—than through building a family tree together? Grab some markers, an ink pad (for the trees and leaves—go with green or fun pops of color for autumn leaves!), and let your kids draw a tree. Share with them their roots in the process!

 

3. Make a Family Photo Collage

Another option? Put together a fun photo collage! It is a great DIY wall art idea to replace any old painting, and it’s a way to have a reminder of your family and friends wherever you go. You can make a collage to gift to someone else or to have on your own wall! Or both—there is time!

 

4. Bake and Play With Funfetti Dough

This funfetti dough is edible—so your kids can nibble away (and you can steal some bites!), while they are playing with it as a fun form of crafts at home. Watch as they build different masterpieces with it or pretend they are “baking” loaves of bread or baked goods.

5. Make Tissue Box Monsters

Okay let’s be real—we all have PLENTY of tissue boxes at home right now. Yet, those empty tissue boxes don’t have to be recycled quite yet and you can use the box to make fun monsters. This is a great craft project kids will love!

 

6. Make Tin Banjos

Another item you have lots of at home? Canned goods, especially now. So, take those lids off after you’ve consumed what’s inside the jars and use them to make fun banjos at home. Grab a few added supplies, like popsicle sticks, and you can make these in under 10 minutes! Then have a sing-along!

 

7. Do an Obstacle Course

Staying active is so important during this time, as well as getting some fresh air if you have access and can! If you have a backyard, create an obstacle course with pool noodles. Kids will have fun outside and get their heart rate up for some exercise, while still keeping safe at home.

 

8. Do Aerobics Together

Grab a yoga mat or stream a live workout video or some music to get those endorphins high and to break a sweat as a family. You can do a Zumba or cardio dance workout for fun or try more intense sorts of exercises, depending on kids’ ages. There are so many fun options!

 

Whatever you choose, keep it interesting and spice things up! Try various activities that are enjoyable for kids and adults. Remember to smile and laugh and express gratitude that you can all be together during this time and focus on increasing quality time in the home. It’ll make some fantastic memories!

9. Bake Together

You can’t beat the memories you make while baking at home with Mom and Dad. Create some new memories by trying out the following recipes you can make easily from Bobo’s products.

 

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Serving Size: 5

  1. Place marshmallow on a small wooden stick and roast as desired.
  2. Take 1 Chocolate Chip Bobo’s OatBite and slice it in half.
  3. Place 1-2 square(s) of chocolate on the Bite.
  4. Place your roasted marshmallow on top of one side and place other side on top. Enjoy!

Bobo S’mores

This recipe is free of graham crackers (and gluten!), for all of us to sit around the campfire and enjoy together. So next time someone asks, “S’more what?” you’ll say, “S’more Bobo’s, please.”

 

Recipe

 

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
(plus 1 hour for refrigeration)
Serving Size: 8

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare the crust. Put Lemon Poppyseed Bobo’s Oat Bars, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a food processor and mix until well combined.
  3. Put the crust mixture in a 9-inch pie pan.
  4. Cook crust for 10 minutes, set aside to cool.
  5. Put all the ingredients for the pie filling in a Vitamin or high-powered blender, purée until smooth. Place on top of the crust.
  6. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  7. Before serving, prepare the vegan meringue, and spread and decorate the top of the pie.

Lemon Meringue Pie

This year, we came to the insane idea that we could make the most delicious pie crust out of any of our oat bars. Yes, a pie crust! Complete it with lemon meringue. Yes, l-e-m-o-n meringue. It’s delicious. And you should make it.

 

Recipe

For the filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups of cashews (soaked overnight for at least 4 hours)
  • 1 can of coconut milk or coconut cream (refrigerated overnight)
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 3 oz. lemon juice
  • 5 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (softened or melted)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

For the Crust:

 

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Serving Size: 5

  1. Melt the coconut oil on low heat for about a minute.
  2. Add in the marshmallows.
  3. Use a spatula to break up the marshmallows while they melt by stirring continuously.
  4. Once fully melted, remove from heat and let sit.
  5. Cut 5 Bobo’s Oat Bites in half.
  6. Using the spatula, add a scoop of marshmallow onto one side and then place the other side on top.
  7. Repeat until all 5 are done.

Oatmeal Creme Pie

Do you remember Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies? We do! This recipe is inspired by those delicious treats, with a twist! These Bobo’s Cream Pies are gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and made with our delightful Chocolate Chip Bites.

 

Recipe

  • 5 Chocolate Chip Bobo’s Bites
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup of vegan, gluten-free marshmallows

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Serving Size: 12

  1.  In a food processor, blitz three Coconut Bobo’s bars until no chunks remain. Add in the 2 tbsp melted coconut oil.
  2. Empty mixture onto a parchment-lined baking dish (I used 10”x10”)or lined muffin tins. Press dough until it is molded in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. Place in freezer to set.
  3. Add all filling ingredients to food processor and blend until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Spread the chocolate mixture on top of the crust in an even layer. Top with coconut, almonds, etc.
  5. Store cheesecake in fridge to set for minimum of 1 hour.
  6. Cut into desired size pieces and serve or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to
    1 week.

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

We’re firm believers that anytime is the best time for cheesecake. We whipped up this cheesecake recipe that you can enjoy at any time. Bonus? It’s vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free! Enjoy!

Recipe

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 2 c. avocado (about 3-4 large avocados)
  • 1/2 c. melted coconut oil
  • 1/3 c. cocoa
  • 2 tbsp. almond milk
  • 1/4 c. agave syrup
  • 1 tsp. espresso powder
  • Juice from 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the crust:

  • Three Bobo’s Coconut Oat Bars
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil