3 Smart Home Hacks to Make Chores Fun for Kids

Let’s be honest—getting kids to do chores in the age of YouTube, gaming consoles, and endless scrolling isn’t exactly a walk in the park. When every task competes with a screen, traditional methods of nagging or chore charts just don’t cut it anymore. But what if you could flip the script and use that same tech to inspire your kids to pitch in? With the right smart home hacks, turning chores into games, missions, or mini challenges becomes surprisingly doable. These tech-powered tricks can nudge your little ones into action without eye-rolls or bargaining. Ready to make your housework smart and fun for your kids? Read on for our tips!

If you’re interested in getting any of the smart home gadgets on this list, make sure to check out Next Upgrade Shop for the best deals!

Turn Cleaning Into a Dance Party

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Let’s start with something light and fun. Use a smart speaker—like the XIAOMI Wireless Speaker Mi Smart Speaker Lite—to kick off a dance-fueled cleanup session by playing a custom “chore playlist” filled with energetic, kid-approved tunes. You can schedule it to play during their cleanup hour, or let them trigger it with a voice command. For extra motivation, allow them to assign theme songs to specific chores, such as vacuuming, folding laundry, or dusting.

This transforms boring routines into a performance they actually enjoy. With the living room as their stage, they'll groove while getting things done. Best of all, the music acts as a fun reminder—no more “I forgot” excuses when their favorite song signals it's time to tidy up.

Schedule Chore Time with Smart Plugs

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Want to minimize screen-time battles? Smart plugs—like the Lasco Eco Plug—can help. Set up a routine through your smart home app that automatically powers down devices, such as TVs or gaming consoles, when it’s time for chores. Then, cue your smart speaker to announce it’s "Chore Time!" and assign tasks accordingly.

But don’t just shut things off—make it interactive. Pair this with countdown music from your smart speaker for quick tasks, such as setting the table for dinner, or a dance playlist for longer chores. For instant results, trigger these routines manually when you want to make sure the task gets done. Once chores are completed, let the smart plug power things back on as a reward.

Gamify Chores with Smart Displays

A smart display isn’t just for weather updates or cartoons—it can double as your chore scoreboard. Create a simple, interactive checklist or points tracker that updates in real-time. Kids can tick off tasks and see their progress right on screen.

If you have multiple kids, make it a friendly competition by letting them compare scores or levels. Set goals like "10 points earns a movie night" or "Complete all chores for bonus screen time." It’s visual, engaging, and way more rewarding than traditional charts.

Chores Just Got a Tech Upgrade with the Next Upgrade Shop

With a few smart home tricks, household chores can shift from dreaded to delightful. Whether it’s music, timers, or interactive scoreboards, there are plenty of ways to add fun to the routine. Shop these latest smart gadgets that make parenting easier at the Next Upgrade Shop!