Yipee! Tomorrow marks the last day of term. Yes! I AM excited as I am so in need of a break right now. Never mind the kids needing a break, it’s me who needs it – badly. Having three kids in grade school can be tiring, but thankfully when it comes to the school term break, they do tend to play well together. This is also when I tend to arrange for playdates – swapping between my friends and I – one day I’ll have their kids and another day they’ll have mine. It’s a great way to take the load of your shoulders too.
When you do run out of ideas on what to do though, here are some that might be of help:
- Having an imagination is a powerful thing
Source: en.wikipedia.org via Kelsey on Pinterest
- kids and imagination go hand in had I think. There is just no limit to what they can pretend to be. My kids have utilised ideas that they have gotten from the books they read to add to their free and easy imaginative play. There is the “Spy Games” where they pretend to be spies. This isn’t just limited to the play itself, but creating the different “gadgets” a spy might have to developing the different scenarios – all played outside and when it rains, on the inside.
Source: weheartit.com via Cara on Pinterest
- Another great imaginative play is camping. We have a tent we bought ages ago – no idea why seeing that I know I will never go camping because, no, I’m not a fan. But, the kids can set this up in the backyard and pretend to camp or inside when it rains.
Source: jenniferellenphotoblog.com via Roxana on Pinterest
- Having a tea party could be another fun imaginative idea. Get everyone to dress up in their finest clothes. Yes, even the boys. Have real drinks – maybe raspberry tea and bake (or buy) some cupcakes, muffins and other delightful sweet bites to enjoy together with your children. They could also decorate their own cupcakes as part of the fun.
- Cooking Fun
- Cooking is an essential part of learning to grow up. This is also where they can incorporate Mathematics, Science and even Literacy from reading the recipe and cooking with you. Find a day where you can cook together – be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make it a fun time for all to be had. Pizzas are easy to make and fun to create, plus tasty to eat too! Or be adventurous and try baking a cake you’ve never tried before. That way, it’s just as much a learning experience for them as it is for you!
- Movie Time
Source: google.com via Lisa on Pinterest
- Going out for movies can be such an expensive activity, especially when you have more than one child. Instead of going out, do it at home. Hire some movies – I think some places have a special for kids movies during the holidays, take advantage of that offer. Make some popcorn, buy some fairy floss, put down the blinds and pretend that you are actually at the movies – the only difference is, it costs a lot lesser, and you can pause the movie if you need to go to the toilet!
- Sing it Baby!
Source: amazon.com via Kat on Pinterest
- If you and your kids love singing, why not have a Karaoke Day? Print out some lyrics of the songs they love, turn on the music and sing to it. If you have the actual Sing Star type programme than great, if not, it’s still ok. It’s about having fun and being creative, so you really only need a hairbrush as a microphone and the songs of your choice. Again, dress up like a rock star, or a diva and have fun!
- Local Shopping Centres
- if you really need to go out, besides to the park and would be daring enough to brave the crowds at the nearest mall, then find out what kind of holiday programmes they might have on. For instance, Centro Box Hill will be having a pretty cool programme teaching kids all about plants and vegetables. From growing, to cooking and even star in their own interactive play. Westfield would also normally have their own Kid’s Club activities during this time. So remember to check out what your centre has planned.
- Local Libraries
- A favourite is the local libraries which normally run a few fun and interesting school holiday programmes. And, in most cases, free as well. Plus, they can then borrow some books from the library for those other times when they need to chill out and have some quiet time.
With these simple yet effective ideas on hand, there is no excuse for “boring” school holidays! What will YOU be doing these holidays?
