Easy school holiday activities that won’t break the bank
Published on Mon Mar 19 2018 in Family
School holidays... Time for your children to get a much needed break to rest and refresh before the next term. It’s also time to spend with family, having fun together without the pressures of homework, study and after school activities.
For parents these breaks may be a bit more stressful. The pressure to organise activities, transportation and meals doesn’t stop when the kids go on break. In fact, school holidays can often feel more demanding for adults, with additional planning and costs needed to entertain the young ones.
But school holidays don’t have to be stressful or hit your wallet hard. Sometimes simple activities can pack in the most fun! Here are five ideas for planning a more restful and affordable school holiday.
1. Just relax
Life is busy, and spending quality time as a family can be tough during the school term. Holidays may be the perfect time to sit back, relax and reconnect with the kids. You don’t even need to leave the house to do it!
It’s tempting to schedule every hour of the day to avoid boredom (more on that next), but this can defeat the entire purpose of a holiday. Remember—children need breaks too. If their time off is as scheduled as a normal school day, they may not feel fully rested when they return to their studies. Instead, be spontaneous and see what the day brings. Morning lie-ins, leisurely meals and impromptu game nights could be just what your family needs.
2. Let the kids get bored
Cries of “I’m bored!” are annoying for parents but shouldn’t be a reason to pre-plan your child’s entire day. Boredom has its benefits, and little brains can learn when their brains aren’t constantly stimulated.
One of the biggest benefits of being bored is its effect on creativity. Quiet time spent letting the mind wander can spark ideas that we might not develop otherwise. This can lead to new games, drawings, stories or inventions—it’s likely your child won’t be bored for long! It may take some getting used to (especially if your kids are used to more structured playtime), but remind them that boredom is a choice. They can choose to be bored, or they can use their imaginations and create a bit of fun themselves!
3. Teach your children a new (old) game
School may be out, but kids can still learn something new over the holidays. Join in on the fun by teaching them your favourite childhood games!
Marbles, hopscotch, and more are all schoolyard classics. They’re also easy to learn and don’t need a lot of equipment to play. Your kids may be familiar with a few of these already, but there may be others they don’t know. Challenge your little ones to a game of knucklebones or pick-up-sticks. Teach them some new elastics jingles or how to Double Dutch. Your kids can then teach their classmates these new games when they return to school!
4. Take advantage of local parks
Time spent outdoors can do wonders for your health. A warm, sunny day at the local park can give you a change in scenery and provide plenty of opportunity for school holiday fun.
Parks are full of great activities for families. Bike paths, playgrounds and sport facilities can be put to good use by children of all ages. A wide open lawn can serve as a soccer field, cricket pitch or host a game of tag. Looking for more relaxing outdoor activities? Pack a picnic lunch and some books for a peaceful afternoon in the sun. Let your kids invite some friends or get a group of families together for a bit of good-spirited competition!
5. Visit family you don’t see often
It can be easy to lose touch with family and close friends. Life gets busy, and before you know it it’s been weeks—or more—since you’ve last spoken or gotten together. Set aside some time during the school holidays to catch up with loved ones you haven’t seen lately.
Spending time with family can help children connect with their loved ones and their heritage. Grandparents, aunties, uncles or older cousins can share stories, photos or videos of get-togethers and special occasions. They can also tell kids about their ancestors, providing a greater connection with family members who have passed away. Family visits also help reinforce the importance of family and caring for the ones we love.
Want more family friendly ideas? Try our tips for backyard fun or ways to explore your neighbourhood!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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