My mom used to...

Read stories to us

Cut up yarn and toss it in the yard & we'd watch a bird build a nest with it thru the window

Take us into the yard and ask us "what do the indians see that you don't see"? and then point out birds, squirrels, bugs, etc.

Play card games & board games (old maid, yatzee, etc)

Make a pillow fort or throw a blanket over a card table.