BLOGGING THE VIEW: Fun and easy activities to keep the children busy this holiday

It’s arrived. The winter holidays. For those of you with exciting getaways planned, you’re just going to have to think up some fun travel games to keep the young ones occupied.

For the rest of us, here are some quick and easy activities that will keep the children engaged while also keeping you remotely sane throughout winter.

1. Hit the library

This might sound archaic to you but there is actually a lot of joy to be found in books and your local library is a great place to visit in the holidays.

Honestly, where else can you go for free things these days?! The children can search for age-appropriate books, discover something new, and even play a few games.

Some libraries organise reading sessions and other activities, so it’s worth popping in, showing support for your local library, and getting the kids into reading.

2. Make some playdough

There is endless joy to be had from playdough, and if your children are a little bit older, they might want to use it to create something that can be baked and kept for a little while longer.

You can find everything from three-ingredient to more complex playdough recipes online, and just add a bit of food colouring to keep everyone entertained.

Once done, store it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for later in the holidays. Slime is another great alternative that is enjoyed by all kids!

Check: www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipes/no-cook-playdough-recipe/v7a0hvfx
www.littlebinsforlittlehands.com/how-to-make-borax-slime-easy/

3. Send the on a scavenger hunt

If you’re really into treasure or scavenger hunts, you can go all out with maps and clues that take up the entire morning! But you really don’t have to go that far.

Just send the kids out to find some simple items to keep them occupied, because often this leads them to some outdoor fun that doesn’t involve you! They can hunt for 1 red flower, 2 stones, 3 pine cones, 4 green leaves, 5 insects … whatever you have around.

Check: www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g32050844/scavenger-hunt-ideas-for-kids/

4. Always time to get board (games)

You can’t believe how quickly little ones pick up the rules of board games, and get hooked for the better part of a holiday! Have a rummage around the cupboard, check your local library, SPCA charity shop, or even ask on your WhatsApp group for some of the old favourites like Monopoly, Cluedo, Snakes and Ladders and Scrabble.

It doesn’t matter if pieces are missing, you can make do! Even a simple pack of cards will keep children entertained for hours. There are also lots of games that you don’t need boards for such as Eye Spy, Charades, 30 Seconds, 20 Questions and Pictionary – you just need to add imagination.

5. Around the home arts and crafts

Most children love a bit of creativity, so have a rummage around the home for old egg boxes, toilet rolls, colourful string, pegs, paper, glue, paints and stickers.

You can give the children a few suggestions on what to make, or give them a theme and they must run with it. If you have some old socks and buttons, you could get the children to make their own puppets and prepare a puppet show for the family. You can also find tons of crafty ideas online.

Check: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/crafts-for-kids/

6. Get busy baking

If load shedding is on your side, why not get out those old recipe books or contact the best cooks in the family for some easy-bake recipes that the kids can do?

This is a win-win for the whole family as it keeps the children engaged, they’re learning life skills, and you get some delicious treats out of the deal.

Younger kids will obviously need more supervision but will love helping with the mixing and icing, while the older children can read the ingredients, practice measuring, and learn how to use the oven (with adult supervision of course!).

Check: https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/baking/galleries/easy-baking-recipes-kids/3dbv379o?page=5

7. Movie day

If it’s a miserable day outside, why not get everyone into pyjamas, make some popcorn, and get the kids to turn the lounge area into a comfortable fort for movie day? You can go with some of the old cartoon favourites and even show the older kids some of the best hits from the 80s and 90s – Cool Runnings is always a win!

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