How to keep your kids busy during school holidays

November 30, 2020

With the holiday season not far off and NSW school holidays in 2020 officially on, you might be in search of some ideas to keep your kids busy. For sure, the school holidays this 2020 might be a tad challenging as people are advised to observe physical distancing.

However, school holidays, on the whole, are great opportunities to bond with your kids. But since you might need to work from home, it could become a stressful time if you don’t keep your kids busy and productive. So, don’t let that dreaded boredom sink in and keep your kids busy by following these practical holiday activities:

1. Plan a meal and prepare it together.

Consult with your kids on what they want for Sunday lunch or dinner. Make that day your cooking or baking day. Get the ingredients ready for your chosen weekend meal and let your kids participate in the preparation.

Let them take turns walking you through the recipe or reading the instructions. Allow them to handle a few cooking steps if they can, such as stir-frying, sautéing or stirring. Ask the older kids to set the table and have the little ones help if they can. Then, of course, enjoy your meal together.

2. Keep them learning in new ways.

If your child has been struggling with math or if you want them to learn the times or division table in advance, then let them. Just make sure to make it fun by using Multibandz mathematics times table or Dividerz division table wristbands by Handband.

You don’t even need to have a formal schedule. You can casually test your child while going to or at the park. Keep the wristbands and give every band your child gets right until they get the full set. By using the bands themselves as rewards, your child will feel motivated to learn the times or division tables by heart.

3. Go on nature walks.

Plan a few nature adventures with your kids. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the beach, park or an age-appropriate hiking trail. Give them assignments on what to do.

For example, you can ask them to find or bring any three things that interest them. Then they can take turns sharing what they know about the insect, plant or object that’s gotten their attention. Keep a close watch to ensure they don’t wander off or pick up anything poisonous or toxic.

And if you’re doing your nature walk at a park or beach, make sure you bring face masks and hand sanitiser. Observe physical distancing and hand hygiene practices.

4. DIY your kids’ cubby house.

Pick a simple design to build a cubby house. Get the materials together and see if you can use reclaimed wood and other recycled materials.

Let your kids help with painting the cubby house by using zero-VOC or non-toxic paint. Let them decide on the interior décor. Ask them to bring in their favourite stuffed toys. Light it up and bring a few of their favourite books so you can read together. Fit it with a small TV, pop some corn and enjoy a film together, cubby house-style.

Fun with your kids this school holiday

During the NSW school holidays or wherever you are in Australia, there’s lots to do to have fun together with your kids. You can never go wrong with keeping them busy with productive activities that are also learning opportunities.

For ideas, you can start with the few shared here and expand your kids’ horizons.