Kids might look forward to the endless freedom of school holidays with buckets of enthusiasm, but for parents, it can be a different story! Suddenly you have to find all sorts of activities to fill up the days and keep little ones entertained. The good news is that there’s no shortage of options out there!
To get you inspired, here are eight fun-filled ways to engage children during the school holidays.
1. Have a movie marathon
If the weather’s bad and the kids can’t go outside, a movie marathon is a great alternative. Choose a theme that they love (such as superheroes), and only watch films that fit it. You could make the day into an even bigger event by dressing up as your favorite characters or eating themed foods!
2. Visit a museum
Museums are a fantastic way to sneak a bit of education into the school holidays. These days there are plenty of museums that are aimed at young audiences, featuring cool interactive exhibits and fun displays they can play with. Some even run workshops and other special events during the holidays – as do local libraries, so be sure to check those out too.
3. Hit the beach
You can’t beat a trip to the beach when the sun is shining. So, if you live near the coast, pack a picnic and some beach toys or games and head out. Spend a few hours splashing around in the sea, collecting pretty shells, or building sandcastles. Don’t forget to round the day off with an ice cream!
4. Attend local events
Most towns and cities run local events during the school holidays, so check online to see what’s happening where you live. If you’re a foster parent with thefca.co.uk, they’re bound to have some fun activities going on that your family can take part in.
5. Head to a theme park
Everyone loves a trip to a theme park, so be sure to put this on your list! Whether you want to go all out with a visit to Disneyworld or stay local, there are parks to suit all interests and ages. If you book in advance online, you can often save money on entry too.
6. Get arty
Arts and crafts are another wonderful rainy-day activity. There’s an amazing variety of options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something your kids will love. For example:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Jewelry making
- Papier-mâché
- Scrapbooking
- Origami
- Play-dough
7. Explore local nature spots
Getting out and about in nature is truly important for children’s mental and physical health. Whether they enjoy bike rides, walks, or climbing trees, it helps little ones to keep active and get some fresh air. Up the fun levels by building a den together, seeing how many different animals you can spot, or having a picnic.
8. Bake some sweet treats
The school holidays are a great opportunity to do some baking as a family. The internet is packed with recipes suitable for kids of all ages – from cookies to cupcakes – so choose one together and get them involved in the process right from the start. In addition to keeping them occupied, you will (hopefully!) have something delicious to eat at the end of it!