Kids love the school holidays but it’s not long before the boredom kicks in they don’t know what to do with themselves. It’s easy when you have the best daycare and have 20 hours free childcare, but when your kindergarten is closed for the holidays, you have to make sure you’re ready to entertain the kids at home. For this reason, it’s best to have some ideas up your sleeve before the holidays begin. It can be expensive to go out every day in the holidays and you may not be able to afford regular music or choir lessons, therefore we will provide you with some inexpensive activities that you can do with your kids, whilst at the same time still being able to spend good quality time together.
- Get creative
If you think that being creative requires an abundance of paper and felt tip pens then you’d be wrong. Below are a few ideas with a difference which will let your children’s imaginations run free.
- Painting items
If you don’t have any paper then head out with your child and go for a walk in your local neighbourhood. See if you can find some nice rocks or some big leaves that you could paint instead. When you’re done it’s time to get artistic and think of creative ways of how you can display your children’s amazing creations.
- Outdoor chalking
Your kids will absolutely love being able to chalk the footpath or your driveway. Get involved with them and help them to create a noughts and cross board or hopscotch. Alternatively, let them decide what they would like to create and let their imaginations run wild. Once they have finished chalking, get out the hosepipe or give them their water pistols so they can enjoy washing away the chalk.
- Creation station
Set up an area in your home where your kids can go and get creative whenever they feel like it. Make sure you provide them with plenty of different art materials so that when they’re feeling bored, they can head to this area and start using their imagination to come up with some wonderful artistic creations.
- Cooking
Most kids tend to like cooking and it’s a great way of spending a few hours at home. Kids also love the finished product where they get to eat what they have made. Below you will find some links to a few simple recipes that you could enjoy using with your kids.
- French Bread Pizzas
- No bake cookie and cream bars
- Watermelon and berry fruit salad
- Nutella brownies
- Mac and Cheese
- A home holiday
Everyone loves to go on holiday but holidays can be expensive and this can make it difficult to go on holiday as often as we would like. Therefore, a good idea would be to have a holiday at home instead. Consider the following:
- A movie binge
Get your kids to get their duvet and pillows and bring them into the living room. Stay up late watching your favourite films and an even better idea would be to get onto the floor and camp together and enjoy treats such as sweets and popcorn. It is best to do a movie binge on a night where you plan to stay at home and relax the following day, as your kids are bound to be a bit tired the next day.
- Back garden camping
If you just can’t face organising and getting ready to go camping or you don’t have the time to go camping for a few days, then consider camping in your back garden instead. Stay up late and watch the stars and tell stories. Create a campfire and you could even let your children invite their friends over to share your back garden camping experience.
- Play dates
There are lots of different ways that kids can spend time with each other which doesn’t involve sleepovers.
- Sharing play dates
The school holidays can be long so a good idea would be to ask another mum or a friend if you take their child for a day, they could have your child on another day. Aside from having a child-free day, this is also a great way of avoiding paying for childcare if you’re a working parent. You will also find that your children will be happy as they will have fun spending time with their peers.
- Let off steam
In the holidays, there’s usually plenty of activities that are discounted that children can enjoy. Do some research to find out who is providing activities in your local area during the holidays. Look out for activities which enable your children to let off some steam which will tire them out nicely.
- Picnics
Invite a friend who also has children to a picnic. This opportunity will give you a chance to relax and talk to adults whilst your children are also entertained. Your local park is probably perfect for a picnic and all you’ll need to do is remember to take a long some entertainment such as balls or scooters for the children, as well as food and refreshments.
- Back garden play station
If you’re having a playdate at your home, then consider setting up different play stations in your back garden which will keep the kids entertained. It’s easier to do this outside rather than inside as it’s easier to clean an outdoor area. You could create a bubble-blowing station, a water play station as well as a craft station.
We think that you will agree that we have provided you with plenty of ideas to keep your children entertained in the next school holidays.