Summer is well and truly underway, and the kids still have a few weeks left to enjoy their school holidays! It’s a great time to keep them learning, expressing themselves, experiencing new things, and most importantly having fun over the Summer. However, trying to keep your kids entertained while on a budget can often seem like an impossible task, especially when they get bored and start misbehaving. Luckily, keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to break your budget. Here are 7 easy ways:
1. Painting
Is a great way for kids to express themselves and get creative. It’s also the one time where making a mess can be fun! All that’s required are some large sheets of paper and a variety of colours of paint. It’s time to get silly, hands, feet, anything goes! Just make sure to lay down some newspaper or plastic first, give the kids an art smock, and then remember to keep some water handy for an easy clean at the end.
2. Going To The Beach
The beach is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and for the kids to go for a swim. Bring along a sand play set so the kids can experience building their very own sand castle, then digging a hole to bury their parents in the sand. Just remember to slip, slop, slap!
3. Hunt for Treasure
Creating a treasure map with clues to find hidden treasure throughout the house and the backyard is sure to keep kids entertained. Watch the smiles spread over their faces when they get excited after solving riddles and finding the rewards. It doesn’t have to be expensive treasure either, anything from lollies to Lily & George toys is sure to fill them with joy!
4. It's Time to Cook
Let the kids help to bake some scrumptious and delicious cookies or cupcakes while working through the instructions together. To make it extra special, your kids can be their own Masterchef with their own baking set, which is sure to keep them entertained and help to develop cooking life skills at the same time.
5. Go Camping
Instead of taking the kids on a camping trip in extreme weather conditions, bring the camping to them! Set up a tent indoors, or build a fort out of blankets, pillows, and sheets. Then prepare a picnic lunch, give the kids some torches, and let them make up stories and giggle the day away while they feel like they are part of a huge adventure.
6. A Themed Movie Day
Goes well along with snacks, treats, and activities and is a great way to keep kids entertained while letting you kick back and relax. Frozen is one of the most popular movie choices allowing for great interaction and singalongs, and adding costumes can make it even more exciting!
7. Cleaning Competition
This is great when the holidays are coming to an end, the house may be a mess and you just don’t have the energy to clean up after the kids. So instead, hold a cleaning competition! Give each their own section to clean such as their bedroom, living area, or the bathroom. The first one to clean wins a prize, with consolation prizes for all participants.
Your kids should also be allowed to use their imagination and come up with their own activities and games, rather than having a schedule for every hour of the day.