Holiday ideas to keep the kids busy
Children need downtime between school terms, but a change is as good as a rest – and these ideas will get them off the sofa!
Rain or shine, why not use the next school holiday to give your child a whole new experience, a chance to learn a new talent or take part in something special? Here are a few ideas to inspire your kids with.
5 new ways to spend the school holidays
1. Get free in the trees. It’s one thing to go for woodland strolls and another to swing between branches on wires, explore treetop walks and get sporty with the squirrels. For children aged 10-plus and adults, there are a range of woodland activity courses around the UK, capably run by Go Ape. Younger children can also join in the fun at BeWILDerwood in Norfolk, where activities are suitable by height rather than age. (Little ones go free.)
2. Play a new tune. There are families where music lessons are part of life from day one, but most of us don’t have a piano or a cello sitting in the lounge waiting to be played. Hiring a musical instrument gives your kids a chance to try something new without all the investment in a new hobby that may not suit. Check out your local musical instrument hire services and see what appeals. Or buy a couple of recorders (very cheap!) and learn to play a couple of tunes with your child.
3. Learn a circus skill. Many fitness centres now include circus skills classes, especially in holidays (search locally for the best ones for your child). Some are limited by age, but teenagers can get a wonderful sense of liberation from trying something daring, and even under-10s can have a go at juggling, balance skills and acrobatics. A lot more fun than swimming up and down lanes at the local pool.
4. Get volunteering. Although many volunteering programmes are for people aged 16 and over, there are ways in which families can help on local or national schemes. Groups like The Wildlife Trusts around the UK have many events which rely on enthusiastic participation. For older teenagers, websites like vinspired and volunteeringuk offer great ideas and useful links that might lead to invaluable experience.
5. Try a taste of freedom. Depending on the age of your children, they may have already gone for sleepovers with a friend or relative, but have you left them to stay perhaps with grandparents or cousins without you for a few days yet? In this safe environment, older children enjoy a great sense of independence because you’re not around to sort out their days and pick up their laundry. It’s good for them, and it’s great for you to practice letting go a little, too!