It’s hard to believe, as it feels like the school year has only just started, but school holidays are almost upon us! During the break you may find yourself searching for new ideas to keep your kids entertained. Although things may look a little different, there are still so many fun activities to make the holidays fun while still keeping you and your family safe.
Here are some creative activities to keep your kids entertained over the school break.
1. Take a Hike
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get outside! Research local trails in your area and explore nature. You could also just go on a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. Draw up a list of 10 or 20 items to search for, and see if you and your kids can tick them all off. If you prefer to stay home, you can also play a game of I Spy! Look for details around your home such as, “I spy something that’s the colour red,” and try to see if your child can locate that item.
2. Take an Adventure from Home
Zoos, historical landmarks, and museums alike have all created innovative alternatives to allow children to take virtual field trips and escape to destinations around the world. Some possible resources for you that allow you and your little one to explore the world without leaving the living room include:
- Access Mars: https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/ Viewers can explore Mars through a virtual ride-along by the Curiosity rover.
- The Hidden World of National Parks: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service Google Arts & Culture takes you on a journey to places most people would never dare to go through.
- The Louvre Art Museum in Paris: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne See the treasures of the world’s largest art museum from the comfort of your home.
- Go on a Game Drive: https://wildearth.tv/live-safaris/ Game drives streamed live directly from the Kruger National Park and other African game lodges.
3. Holiday Reading
The magical thing about books is that they can make our imaginations soar by whisking us off to faraway lands or transporting us back into history. They can also spark new interests. Designate a cozy nook for your children where they can relax and get lost in a book. Try a hammock in the backyard or build your own reading fort with blankets and pillows. Read the same books as your kids! Tackling the same reading list as your children can be your own form of a book club. Engaging in thoughtful discussions will further develop their insight and critical reading skills.
4. Plant a Seed
Planting a garden or a tree right in your own backyard is the perfect outdoor project for you and your little one. Plant yummy fruits and vegetables for nutritious snacks to enjoy. Your children will love reaping the benefits of their hard work!
5. A Night Under the Stars
Plan a family campout in the backyard to stargaze. This is a fun way to learn the name of the constellations, which may even spark an interest in space exploration and Greek mythology.
6. Family Game Night
Family game night is a great time to put problem-solving skills to the test with fun games and puzzles like Scrabble, Sudoku, and word searches.
7. Creative Writing
Have your child tap into their imagination and write a creative story or even keep a journal. This is a fun way to strengthen motor skills and build critical writing skills.
8. Backyard Picnic
Whipping up a delicious recipe with your child can be a fun way to incorporate maths, reading, and following directions. Pack your meal in a basket, lie down a blanket in the backyard, and enjoy a family picnic.
9. Outdoor Movie Night
Bring the movie theater to your home! Set up a projector and screen outside. Prepare popcorn and snacks and gather around to watch a newly released movie with the family.
10. Sign up with Kumon
Taking the opportunity during the holidays to enrol your child in Kumon’s Maths or English programmes will give them a good head start for the upcoming term and keep their brains active and stimulated at the same time. To find out more, visit www.kumon.co.za .
This article was mostly taken from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/10-creative-activities-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-over-the-summer/
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