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The school holidays can be a challenging time for both parents and children. With so much extra time on our hands, we look to fill it with fun activities that will keep our kids entertained. I know how hard it is to find something new and exciting every day when you've got kids spending all their time indoors glued to screens. So here are some ideas on how you can spend those precious hours of freedom without breaking the bank:
Make a cardboard fort.
You can make a cardboard fort that looks great and takes very little effort. If you have any boxes lying around, just take the time to make a fort! You could use tape or glue to stick the pieces together if you want it to be solid, but I think that's kind of over-the-top - I'd much rather just stick them together without anything else holding them in place.
Then you can add decorations and make it into your own space where everyone can hang out! Maybe put some torches on the walls so there's some light inside too... And don't forget cushions for when people want to sit down!
Spark up your creativity with an arts and crafts session.
Make a collage of your favourite things.
Get creative with paint and glitter.
Make some cool art.
Have a picnic.
Visit the beach.
Go to a local park and have a picnic on the grass.
Have your own picnic at home with friends or family.
Make your own sandwiches.
Make your own sweets such as cakes, cookies and biscuits if you want something sweet!
And don't forget drinks; as the temperatures heat up you'll need them!
Explore nature.
A fun, free activity is to go for a walk. Explore the local park and look for wildlife. Ask the children to make their own list of animals that they see along the way. Collect some leaves and flowers and look for interesting rocks, stones or shells. Hunt for bugs too!
Remember as these are large spaces, children can become easily lost. Please remember to wear your Safe Bandz and check your current details.
Get outside for a game of backyard cricket or soccer.
If you are in the mood to get outside and play, why not set up a game of backyard cricket or soccer? Both games are great ways to keep active and have fun with friends.
Head to the local library to check out some books or attend one of their fun holiday programs and events.
Libraries are great places to learn and have fun. They offer many programs for kids, teens and adults. You can check out books, movies, music, and online resources or attend events like story time, crafts or computer classes.
Remember as these are large spaces, children can become easily lost. Please remember to wear your Safe Bandz and check your current details.
Watch a movie in your backyard or at the park.
I'm sure your family has all watched a movie together before, but why not change the environment? Take your iPad or laptop on a picnic and watch some Paw Patrol under a shady tree! Did you know you can even rent movies from the library? Or if you are already paying for a streaming service, download the desired flick, pack a picnic and try something new!
Play board games.
A fun and educational way to spend time together with your kids are by playing board games. Your children will learn how to read, follow instructions, and solve problems while having a good time. This activity can be played by kids of all ages.
Visit a museum or art gallery (many offer free entry).
Visiting an art gallery or museum is a great way to spend time with your family, especially if you have children. The learning benefits of these types of activities for children are endless, and it's also a fun way for them to explore their artistic side. Some museums offer free entry on certain days, so look into that before going!
Some museums even have events for children like temporary glue-or-paint workshops or puppet shows. Did we also mention that most museums or galleries are airconditioned?
Remember as these are large spaces, children can become easily lost. Please remember to wear your Safe Bandz and check your current details.
There are many ways to keep kids entertained during school holidays without breaking the bank
The school holidays are here, and if you're like most parents, you're probably wondering: "How do I keep my kids entertained?". We hope the above ideas have given you some great ideas to get started.
Just a couple of tips to remember...
Start with a plan. Before you begin, it's essential to be clear about what kind of activities are okay for your child and which ones aren't.
Consider options like swimming lessons or soccer camp during the school holidays instead of buying pricey gadgets or toys that will quickly become boring after just one use; these programs also provide opportunities for making new friends who share similar interests.
School holidays don't need to be expensive, you just need to think a little more creative, and budget for those lavish splurges!
We hope you enjoyed this guide to free activities for school holiday boredom. Whether it’s rainy or sunny outside there are plenty of things to do with your kids.
If you have any other ideas we haven’t mentioned let us know in the comments below!