With school holidays just around the corner, many parents are wondering how to entertain their kids - especially if you working full-time. The trick to fun school holidays is to keep your kids busy enough without exhausting them! We’ve found some super fun activities that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There’s everything from the adventure seekers to arts and craft fanatics. Tip: Set up a daily schedule with different activities and get other parents involved to each host an activity day.
Find a bike park in your area
Bike parks have become very popular, giving children an opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Find a local bike park near you, and take the kids for hours of fun! If you’re in Cape Town, try the Bike Park in Uitsig, in Johannesburg, the Big Red Barn in Olifantsfontein or in Durban, Sugar Rush Park in Ballito.
Set up an indoor movie theatre
This is great for rainy days as kids can snuggle up under their blankets - and they don’t even have to get out of their pyjamas. Get your popcorn, snacks and age appropriate movie ready. Alternatively, get them to make their own movie with a cellphone or tablet - they will need to write a script, cast the actors and shoot and edit the movie. Afterwards, arrange a family evening where everyone can watch the movie stars!
Give them a creative challenge
Arts and crafts can keep kids busy for hours! Buy inexpensive canvas boards, paint and some brushes. Settle them somewhere they can mess and let their creativity flow. Don’t want to spend money? Get them to make paper origami animals or use ingredients in your kitchen to make inexpensive items such as play dough, rockets made with straws and paper, stress balls made with flour and balloons and more! You can also buy beads and string from your local craft shop and get them to make bracelets and earrings.
Volunteer at the local animal shelter
Besides giving kids an opportunity to discover the outside world, volunteering has positive psychology benefits too! Lending a hand to someone can heighten your child’s sense of self-esteem and will give them an opportunity to learn more about themselves. Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help with daily tasks. Kids can get involved with walking the dogs, brushing and feeding the animals and helping around the shelter. Most shelters rely on donations, so help will be welcomed.
Ready, set, GO have fun!
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