Top ten tips to survive the holidays

Yesterday we brought to you our Top Ten outside toys for 6 – 10 year olds.  If you have younger children or are looking for something that may be a little cheaper to do, regular guest blogger, Beckie, has given us her top ten tips on surviving the holidays.  Here is what Beckie suggests:

1.  Make use of any activities that might be going on locally

Take a look in your local newspaper or council website for any free/relatively cheap activities going on in your area.  Many councils run play schemes (not usually child care facilities) at a very low/reduced cost.

2.  Plan craft activities

You could make your own birthday or christmas wrapping paper by unrolling big sheets of paper in the garden, getting the paint out and using sponges, hand or feet to decorate without fear of messing up your house.

3.  Visit a local nature reserve, wood or other area

Discover hidden gems of wooded areas that you may not have come across before.  You could put together a nature checklist of things to find to help keep the children interested (and outside a bit longer)

4.  Reading challenges

Many local libraries have reading challenges set up where your child is given a set amount of books to read over a 4 week period.  This usually ends with a certificate being given at the end of the holidays.

5. Have a Lego building competition

Fed up with treading on all those little bits that get spread over the floor?  Challenge the children to a Lego competition.  See who can build the best model.

I used to worry about how we would fill the holidays but have I learnt that once we get in the swing of a lack of routine it flies by. 

6. Hold a teddy bears picnic

Grab the favourite teddies, play tea set and hold a picnic in the garden.

7.  Water play

Children love to play in the water so either get out the paddling pool or spend the day at the local swimming baths.

8.  Cook!

Teach the kids to cook or let them help decorate cakes or make shapes from dough.

9.  Soft play

If you can afford it, book the children into a sports or craft event or take them to a soft play centre

10.  Have a PJ day!

And finally, one that the kids love  – a pyjama day!!  Stay in your pjs, drink hot chocolate and watch films.

Wishing you happy sunny holidays.

Do you have any other tips for surviving the holidays?  We love to hear your thought so please do share them with us in the comments below.

You might also like the following posts:

Top activities you can do with your kids all year round
5 tips to prepare summer trips to London with the kids
Why cooking with children is the secret to healthy eating
Summer of Sports: 5 cool gadgets to take parents from couch to cup

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