5 Quiet Barn Activities for Siblings Who Don’t Ride Horses
Because the barn should be fun for the whole family—riders or not!
Not every sibling in a horse-loving family is into riding—and that’s okay! But if you're spending hours at the barn, it helps to have a few low-key, screen-free activities to keep non-riders entertained, engaged, and part of the horsey fun without being bored or underfoot. Whether you're there for lessons, shows, or weekend chores, here are five quiet activities to keep siblings happily occupied at the barn.
1. Pony Sketching & Barnyard Drawing
Encourage creativity by packing a sketchpad and colored pencils or markers. Barns are full of inspiration—horses grazing, tack hanging neatly, chickens scratching in the dirt. It’s a great way for kids to engage with their surroundings, even if they aren’t riding.
Bonus tip: Turn their drawings into a “barn life” art book to show family or display at home.
2. Equestrian-Themed Activity Printables
Keep a folder or clipboard ready with horse-themed word searches, coloring pages, mazes, or dot-to-dots. These quiet activities are easy to do on a tack trunk or picnic table and can spark interest in horses in their own way.
Psst: We have a free printable pack full of pony-themed fun—perfect for barn days!
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature walk around the barn or property can become an adventure with a simple scavenger hunt list. Look for things like horsehair, hoofprints, wildflowers, feathers, or interesting rocks. It’s calm, self-guided, and gives them a sense of exploration while staying nearby.
4. Storytime
Pack a few picture books or early chapter books. If they're younger, you can even offer a quiet read-aloud moment while waiting on a sibling’s lesson.
5. Help with Gentle Barn Chores
Depending on their age, some kids love feeling included with small, safe tasks: refilling water buckets, picking up brushes, sweeping, or organizing equipment. It builds responsibility and connection—even without riding.
Barn time doesn’t have to be boring for non-riders! With a little planning, siblings can have a fun, enriching experience that’s all their own.
Want more ideas like these? Sign up for our free Pony Play Printable Pack and bring even more fun to your barn days!
Talk to you soon,
Genny