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

Off the Hook

Wed, Aug 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Writing Wednesday - Flash Fiction

Wed, Aug 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us at the library for a fun and creative workshop focused on the art of flash fiction!

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Upper Level

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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Aug 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake Library - 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!

Cancelled

LEGO® Night for Grown Ups

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Come to the library to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want.

Cancelled

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville

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.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Crafters Gathering

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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

Join the discussion of Better the Blood, 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 - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Thu, Aug 07, 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

Friends Annual Book Sale-Friends Pre-Sale

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available... more

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available at fantastic prices!

PreTeen D&D Fantasy Quest: Ages: 8-12

Thu, Aug 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Thu, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Adult Dungeons and Dragons

Thu, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.

This event is full

Friends Annual Book Sale

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

This event is full

Storytime at Woodland Park

Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 9:30am

Woodland Park - 1215 E 45th Ave

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour... more

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour through the on-site Story Walk.

Friends Annual Book Sale

Sat, Aug 09, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Keep Me In Stitches

Sat, Aug 09, 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.

Going Old School! Childhood Ditties and Creative Play - Highland Arts Walk Workshops

Sat, Aug 09, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A

Join the Highland Arts Council for an exciting experience filled with fun and engaging games during the Highland Arts Walk Workshops!

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 11, 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.

Nothing to Lose by J.A. Jance - Mystery Loves Company Book Discussion

Mon, Aug 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a... more

A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a killer with nothing to lose is waiting to take another life.

Book Sale Leftovers: Open to Nonprofit Orgs

Mon, Aug 11, 3:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The leftover books from the Friends Fall Book Sale will be available for nonprofit organizations and teachers to pick up from 3:30 - 6pm.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Upper Level

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.

Adults Get Crafty: Sea Glass

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Join us as we use sea glass and stones to create a piece of art you can frame. Please register; supplies are limited.

This event is full

Teen: LEGO® and Board Game Night

Mon, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more

Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Paint'n Time

Tue, Aug 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Friends of LCPL Meeting

Tue, Aug 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville

The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone - Circle of Readers Book Discussion

Tue, Aug 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Circle of Readers will be discussing Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.

Teen Minecraft Meetup

Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

Tue, Aug 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

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

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

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

All Ability: Stained Glass Votive Holders - Ages 18 & Older

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs... more

Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared to adults with special needs.

Off the Hook

Wed, Aug 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Financial Wellness: Identity Theft - With First Financial Bank

Wed, Aug 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if... more

Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Aug 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Upper Level

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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Aug 13, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake Library - 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!

The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass

Wed, Aug 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation... more

Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation desk. Please register.

All Ability: Make Your Own Puzzle - Ages 16 and Over

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

This month we will be coloring our own puzzles! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Teen Cartoon School

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new... more

Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 14, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 14, 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.

Cancelled

Hobby Hour

Thu, Aug 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less... more

Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less people attend). This will be every 2nd Thursday for 2 hours.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Thu, Aug 14, 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.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

Thu, Aug 14, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!

This event is full

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Thu, Aug 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Adult Dungeons and Dragons

Thu, Aug 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.

This event is full

Morning Mix: Ages 18 and Over - Jigsaw Puzzles, Coloring, Crosswords, & Word Searches

Fri, Aug 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more

Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

Cancelled

Mah Jongg Meet Up - Open Play: Ages 18+

Fri, Aug 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

For seasoned players and beginners. Please bring your own set as on-site supplies are limited. Open play every third Friday.

See all events