kids activities: ruler, scissors, glue, books, crayons

Keep 'Em Busy

Educational Fun for Kids

Stuck at home? Your kids can still have fun - and keep up those important reading (and pre-reading) skills, too.

This page is full of activities created and selected specially by LCPL youth services librarians just for our youngest patrons.

Show Us Your Work!

Have you tried an activity or challenge from this page? Read a book we recommended? Send an email to kids@lcplin.org with pictures or a book review and we'll display them on a special page.

See what kids have shared with us so far!

Just Added:

Check here for the newest activities just added to the page!

• How to Draw Animals (Video)

Crafts & Activities

Video Guides

Check out our playlist of crafts and activities you can enjoy with your kids!

Printables and Other Fun

Simple games, challenges, and activities for you and your child. You can print these at home, or simply open them on your computer or tablet and follow the instructions.

Shape Strength Test Needs paper, tape, and heavy items (like books!)

Home Scavenger Hunt

Building with Cardboard Cut-Outs Needs cardboard (like cereal boxes) and scissors

Make a Menu Needs old magazines/grocery flyers, scissors, glue/tape, paper, markers

Outside Scavenger Hunt

ABC Sensory Bins Needs a container and pasta/rice/beans

Library Summer Logo Challenge

Fairy Home Challenge

Fairy Tale Find-It

Mermaid Treasure Hunt

Pirate Treasure Hunt

Fall Bucket List

Roll Your Own Monster

Bake Your Own Dog Treats

How to Make Cat Treats

Art Club:

Featured Artist: Frida Kahlo

Cave Paintings

Hispanic Heritage Month

Claude Monet, Light & Shadow

African American Artists

Playing Our Way to Literacy: Small activities to do each day, week by week, to build your child's pre-reading skills at home.

Week One: Color - Black and White

Week Two: Color - Black and White

Week Three: Color - Black and White

Week Four: Color - Black and White

Week Five: Color - Black and White

Week Six: Color - Black and White

Week Seven: Color - Black and White

Week Eight: Color - Black and White

Week Nine: Color - Black and White

Week Ten: Color - Black and White

Week Eleven: Color - Black and White

Week Twelve: Color - Black and White

Week Thirteen: Color - Black and White

Week Fourteen: Color - Black and White

Week Fifteen: Color - Black and White

Week Sixteen: Color - Black and White

Week Seventeen: Color - Black and White

Week Eighteen: Color - Black and White

STEAM Challenges

Long Cut Challenge Needs paper, scissors

Tube Stack Challenge Needs cardboard tubes, scissors

Marble Run Needs a marble or ball, tape

Newspaper Building Needs newspapers, tape

Foil Boat Needs foil. Optional: pennies or other weights

Catapult Needs craft sticks, rubber bands, spoon, cotton ball or crumpled paper

LEGO Maze Needs LEGO bricks or other building blocks, a marble

Book Dominoes Needs books

Monthly STEAM Challenges:

• September: Sharks
Try the activities - Watch the video

• October: Pirates
Try the activities - Watch the video

• November: Native American Nations
Try the activities - Watch the video

• December: Cookie Chemistry
Try the activities - Watch the video

• January 2021: True or False
Try the activities - Watch the video

• February 2021: Photography
Try the Activities - Watch the Video

• March 2021: Puzzles and Critical Thinking
Watch the Video - Try the Activities

• April 2021: Secret Codes
Watch the Video - Download the PDF

Step Into STEAM (for ages 2-6):

• September: Rainbows
Try the activities - Watch the Video

• October: Pumpkins
Try the activities - Watch the Video

• November: Making Butter
Try the activities - Watch the Video

• December: Coding
Try the activities - Watch the video

• January: Shapes
Try the activities - Watch the video

• February: Color Mixing
Watch the Video - Try the Activities

• March: Leprechaun Traps
Watch the Video - Try the Activities

• April: Recycling
Watch the Video - Download the PDF

• May: Flashlight Exploration
Watch the Video - Download the PDF

• June: Animal Exploration
Watch the Video - Download the PDF

• July: Counting in Nature
Watch the Video - Download the PDF

Upcoming Events

Jumanji - Family Movie Monday

Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more

Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.

Migration - Sensory Friendly Family Movie

Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more

Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 87 minute runtime.

Teens & Tweens Roller Coaster Build

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more

Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.

This event is full

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more

Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

This event is full

Adventure Journaling

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more

Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

This event is full

Purdue Extension: Alzheimer's Awareness

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Virtual: Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time for Everything

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Online

Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

Teen Crafternoons

Tue, Jul 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Small Group Room #3

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

This event is full

Schererville Fire Department: Be Prepared to Get Wet!

Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot

Come out and join us for our end of summer event!

Off the Hook

Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Rescheduled

Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything

Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Indiana Dunes National Park: Ages 6-12

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more

This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

End of Summer Reading Open House!

Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A

Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Jul 31, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake - Public Tables

Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more

Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Teen: Adventure of the Week

Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.

Crafters' Gathering

Thu, Aug 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more

Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters in this twice-monthly club.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more

Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Simply Lies by David Baldacci - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more

Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - Small Group Room #3

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

This event is full

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more

D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.

This event is full

Stitch'n Time

Sat, Aug 03, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more

Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Acrylic Painting (FEE)

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more

Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am

Munster - Children's Program Room

Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more

Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Internet Safety (Grades 3--5) - With Parents/Guardians

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am

Highland - Meeting Room A

US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more

US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Operation Safe Kids: Live Scan Child ID

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more

Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.

Teen Board Game League

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Performance by Joe Rauen - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more

Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome! Check out his website: joerauen.com

Family Game Day

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more

Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Small Group Room #2

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

This event is full

Fatherhood (2021) - Movie Monday

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Arthur the King

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13

Teen Advisory Board

Mon, Aug 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more

Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Teen Anime Club

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more

Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Teen Craft: Back to School

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more

Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Travel Film: Portugal

Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for this month's travel film about Portugal. Runtime: 52 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Small Group Room #3

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more

Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

This event is full

Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens & Allies Support and Discussion Group

Tue, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

See all events