Summer is coming, and that means the school holidays are around the corner. With all the fuss of Christmas summer holidays can prove to be a stressful time for any family. Not only are there lots of extra activities going on, but let’s face it, those summer holidays are LONG! Add in sweltering days that keep everybody inside under the air conditioner, and boredom can strike very quickly.
If you are reading this, then you are probably looking for ideas to pass the summer days without boredom or tantrums. With parents working or money being tight, it may feel like your options are limited. Read on as we share some of our secrets on keeping your kids off the screens and active throughout the holidays.
Coordinated Activities
One of the beautiful things about summer and school holidays coinciding is that there are plenty of events to keep your little ones amused. From sporting clinics to vacation care and even day camps - these activities are perfect for families with working parents. If you have some money to spare, find some time in the next couple of days to sit down and look at what is out there.
Start with contacting your school to see if there is vacation care in the area. Depending on your circumstances, you may not need to put your kids in daily. Often vacation care programs are already set well in advance of the holidays. This means you can pick and choose the activities and excursions your kids will enjoy.
Local sporting clubs are another place to check out, as they often run school holiday clinics. School holiday swimming programs are also run at most swimming centres and even beaches.
Another great source of kids' activities is your local council. Libraries, community centres and other groups associated with the local council are also great places to check out, and they are generally quite kind to the wallet too! Christmas holidays are usually jam-packed with community activities such as fairs, markets, crafts and concerts. Most of these are free and have great activities for the kids included. Just head over to your local council website to see what's on offer.
Family Adventures
There is nothing like taking an adventure to fill your day. If you have the time then a few day trips throughout the holidays will satisfy curious little minds. National Parks, beaches, museums and other such amusements are always a great way to keep not just the body but the brain active too.
If money is an issue, then trips to beaches, parks and gardens are often free. Pack a picnic lunch and set off on your way. You can even save on petrol by exploring your own suburb on foot. It's a great way to find hidden gems and get that little bit of extra exercise in. Putting together games like scavenger hunts can also make the whole day even more fun, turning every outing into an adventure!
Indoor Activities
Trapped inside? Not a problem. Even when your little ones are stuck in the house due to scorching weather, there are ways to keep them moving and amused. This is where you can turn the screens into a chance to get up and active. Have you ever put The Wiggles on and danced around? Trust us, that is a cardio workout for adults and kids alike!
Another way to use the television to your advantage is by exploring what apps are available. Look for fun dance channels, yoga and other options that combine entertainment and activity aimed at children. It's a great way to expel all that extra energy so the kids (and you!) don’t feel cooped up inside. Keep an eye out on our website, you might find something that would suit you and your little ones.
Wanting a TV-free option? Look no further than good old party games. Musical chairs, musical statues and pass-the-parcel are classics for a reason. You can even take that outdoor scavenger hunt and make it an indoor one (hot tip: you might even be able to get them to do some tidying up while they search!). The only real limit is imagination.
Simple can be successful
We tend to forget just how easily kids find joy in the simplest of things. From using packing boxes for creative play to just putting the sprinkler on in the backyard - it doesn’t have to be expensive and all-encompassing to be fun!
At the end of the day, the joy of the simplest things is not lost on children, especially once you take them out of their comfort zone.
