Thursday, 3 April 2014

Keeping the kids entertained during the holidays!!


 The Easter holidays coming up....Keeping the kids amused can sometimes feel so daunting.....Things cost so much. Here's some top tips to take some of the stress out of it and keep our little darlings happy without needing to spend a fortune.....

During the school holidays there is probably lots going on in your local area that you and your family can enjoy....Sometimes for free!! Check the websites of your local council & tourist information centres for days out or scan the local papers to see what's going on in your area.

Many libraries hold events such as story time and arts and crafts days....Libraries are also a great source of activity in themselves with plenty of books and computers to keep children busy plus they often have story time for toddlers and parents......

Check to see if your local council swimming pool offers free or reduced-fee entrance in the school holidays.....Musuems and galleries often have new exhibitions and events running too....

Staying At Home

Some days you will find yourselves stuck at home but that doesn't mean anyone has to be bored.....

    Arrange a movie day Choose a couple of favourite films, get some popcorn and put your feet up with the kids.
    Get cooking Pick a recipe with the kids, go shopping for ingredients and cook something together that you can enjoy eating afterwards.
Dig out the puzzles, games and books Give them a go. Some good old-fashioned entertainment can be really fun.
   Play dress up with your old clothes Sort through your clothes together and recycle the ones that you never wear and the stuff your little one's grown out of.
Have an arts and craft day and get some canvas and paints, they can be bought in bargain shops for as little as a pound and use paints or crayons and the kids can hang up their creations in their rooms.
    Encourage the kids to put on a play or a magic show  They could even use the dress up clothes and props from around the house. If you have a camera, you can even film it, for great memories.
    Build a den with the kids If the weather is ok, you could even risk doing this outside! All you need is some boxes or sofa cushions, a few blankets, and a bit of imagination.
    Create a scrapbook together Using photos from your family album, or torn from magazines.


The Great Outdoors....

Sunny days are great for simple activities like picnics and ball games. This can be done as close to home as in the back garden!
 
Organise a treasure hunt around your home and garden with clues and treats for the children to find
Hold your own mini Olympics with games that require little equipment... a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt! Use your imagination.
Go to the park or a nice walk somewhere quiet with the children with a flask of hot chocolate - sure to go down a treat!
If you have a tent, you could arrange a camping trip in your garden with the children for one night! 
Kites are great if it is a windy day and they can be bought from bargain shops very cheaply or make your own!!


Don't try and fill every minute of every day. Encourage your children's imagination and independence let them play in their rooms or the garden.

4 comments :

  1. We love walking on the beach and getting out in the garden with Alice, the best stuff in life is free they say! Although we love the classic board games, which make us feel like a family. Dominoes is awesome.

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  2. Loads of great ideas there, super stuff! I'm actually really looking forward to the holiday. Mich x

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  3. A scrapbook is a good idea, we've got lots of photos that should be printed and put somewhere

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  4. Thanks for these tips! If my toddler could have it his way, he'd be outside all day :)

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