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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!

 

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

Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathSTEAM 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
Fri, Sep 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn several techniques for creating beautiful flowers out of paper and felt. Registration Required. Ages 18 and over.
Registration is now closed

Fri, Sep 27, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners.

Sat, Sep 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, Sep 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting 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.

Cancelled
Sat, Sep 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our children's programming room! Chess boards can be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, Sep 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Sep 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.

Mon, Sep 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This programs aims to help prepare adults to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS.

Mon, Sep 30, 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.

Mon, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
In 1910, a young girl works as a matchmaker in New York's Lower East Side. Two generations later, her granddaughter is a divorce... more
In 1910, a young girl works as a matchmaker in New York's Lower East Side. Two generations later, her granddaughter is a divorce attorney in Manhattan when she inherits her grandmother's journals.

Cancelled
Mon, Sep 30, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.

Mon, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Several craft projects will be available to complete using Washi Tape. Snacks will be provided. Designed for teens, ages 12 - 18.... more
Several craft projects will be available to complete using Washi Tape. Snacks will be provided. Designed for teens, ages 12 - 18. Registration is required.

Mon, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have board games and the Nintendo Switch.

Tue, Oct 01, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Tue, Oct 01, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Stonehenge. Runtime: 60 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Oct 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Oct 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Oct 01, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is... more
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is required.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 01, 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-4, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Oct 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

Tue, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us as we discuss "All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake" by Tiya Miles. This program is made... more
Join us as we discuss "All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake" by Tiya Miles. This program is made possible through an Indiana Humanities grant.

Wed, Oct 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to prepare adults to take the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS. Intermediate English level is required.

Wed, Oct 02, 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.

Wed, Oct 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Wed, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Online
Join a livestream chat with Smithsonian scientists. This talk will cover topics from the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden... more
Join a livestream chat with Smithsonian scientists. This talk will cover topics from the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats.

Wed, Oct 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Oct 02, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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!

Wed, Oct 02, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for an evening of stories, songs, activities, and more. Feel free to come in your pajamas!

Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will make their own spooky themed snack mix to keep or gift to friends/family! We’ll be using a variety of ingredients like... more
Teens will make their own spooky themed snack mix to keep or gift to friends/family! We’ll be using a variety of ingredients like pretzels, candy, chips, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Each month (usually the 1st Wednesday) tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. To ensure there is enough... more
Each month (usually the 1st Wednesday) tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.

Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Kids and their families are invited to play Bingo and win free books!

Wed, Oct 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Each week, we will explore a different famous artist and do a corresponding activity. This is a 5 week program; sign up for all or... more
Each week, we will explore a different famous artist and do a corresponding activity. This is a 5 week program; sign up for all or choose individual sessions to attend.
This event is full

Wed, Oct 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various topics on the cosmos

Thu, Oct 03, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Thu, Oct 03, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please register all children and adults that will attend.

Thu, Oct 03, 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 during this program.

Thu, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Oct 03, 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.

Thu, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-6.

Thu, Oct 03, 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.

Thu, Oct 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Oct 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Oct 03, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please register all children and adults that will attend.

Thu, Oct 03, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Holly, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for October. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), put your (video game) combat skills to the test in a racing tournament! Snacks and prizes will be provided.

Thu, Oct 03, 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.

Thu, Oct 03, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 03, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
The hardest part of writing a novel is finishing it. Fortunately, thanks to the Indiana Humanities' writing workshop grants, we're... more
The hardest part of writing a novel is finishing it. Fortunately, thanks to the Indiana Humanities' writing workshop grants, we're bringing in Indiana author Larry Sweazy to help us out.

Thu, Oct 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, Oct 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Oct 05, 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.

Sat, Oct 05, 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.

Sat, Oct 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Cancelled
Sat, Oct 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster
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.

Sat, Oct 05, 10:00am - 10:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included this this storytime for children and their family members.

Sat, Oct 05, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us to watch the Tim Burton's classic with some sing-alongs, related crafts, and refreshments. Costumes are encouraged.

Sat, Oct 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages... more
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages 18 and older.

Storytime to Go

Miss storytime? Hold your very own storytime session at home! We've put together these guides to help you out.

Exploring Colors

Dinosaur Storytime

Ducks Storytime

Friends Storytime

Lions Storytime

Dragon Storytime

Bilingual Storytime: Spanish/English

Making Change

Self Love