School holidays: ideas for keeping the kids busy

School holidays are always around the corner, as my children keep reminding me, and I’m afraid if I don’t find us something fun and active to do things will rapidly descend into chaos! I’ve been thinking of some ideas that will help all of us relax, learn and have fun during the school holidays this year.  Have you got any of these on your list?

Create a game 

If you have to work or don’t have lots of budget to do anything outside the house, you can still have an uplifting and educational school holiday with your little ones.  Try getting together some objects from around the house and designing a new sport; things like plastic cups, balls, rope and hula hoops work well.  Tell the kids that they have to think of a point system and  create the rules, and then play the game you’ve invented.  This is also a great rainy-day activity, but instead of inventing a sport, you could try a board or card game.

Hold a world food night

Explore some different cultures by introducing your family to different cuisines.  No one is going to complain about a buffet of delicious foods, and while you taste you can listen to the music from that particular country and look at pictures and maps.  All this can be done with little more than a smartphone.  Use the internet to look up information about Japan, India, Thailand, and more; you could even use a food delivery app such as Hungry House to have the flavours of the world delivered to your door!

Take a watery excursion

School holidays are the perfect time for a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air.  While you may not have a proper holiday planned, it’s easy to take a day and head to the nearest lake, river or seaside for a walk or even a boat trip.  Learning about marine life is fun for kids, and also a good opportunity to discuss environmental protection.

Visit a museum

A great way to get out of the house without getting out of the educational mind-set is to visit a local museum.  I bet that you’ve probably never been to many of the museums in your own area – I’ve still got a few to tick off! – and the kids may have only gone on school trips which only just scratch the surface of what’s on offer.  Spend a day learning about your local history, and then the kids can follow it up at home with some research, role play or art and craft.

Make a home movie

It doesn’t take much these days to make a movie, and it can be a great way to bring the family together.  Most computers include editing software as standard (the kids probably know how to use it already!) and video cameras are cheaper than ever.  We love the Sony HDR; it’s affordable and has given us some wonderful family-made movies.  Before you start the camera rolling, the kids can have fun writing a script, giving everyone a part, and working out costumes.  Obviously the filming part is lots of fun, and then when you’re done you can have  a big premiere with popcorn!

What are your plans for the school holidays?

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