Best way to keep a dog occupied all day?

I have a 12 week english bulldog puppy who is a joy to have! I'm looking for help on what you would do! we dog have a play pin, we also have a crate. she is crate trained but she barks, as well as when in the play pin. school year is coming up, and ive been caring for her all summer. my dad works out of home, but is constantly on conference calls but does get breaks usually 1 hour at a time. bulldogs snore SO loud like no ones business and so that wouldnt be good for his boss to hear on a con call! he is able to let her outside for potty breaks. but any ideas on how to keep her inside out of the heat but in a non-cruel way? i was thinking of expanding the play pin, laying down blankets, toys, water, and maybe even her crate inside? the most she'll be put up is 4 hours, and thats including her time out of the cage during breaks. is this a good idea? if not, what's your opinion? i would just keep her in a room that she LOVES to go in, but she loves to go in it for one reason, she has LOTS of stuff to chew on and ruin! anywho, suggestions please?

I think your idea is good. Also maybe you could buy her a huge bone (They sell them everywhere) for her to chew on it'll keep her occupied for a long time. Just make sure it doesn't get left out in the rain or something because then it could get soggy and she won't like it anymore... Hope this helped! (:

A large exercise pen is a good idea to keep a puppy safe, whether inside or outside. Make sure it's high enough to keep him in.