Keeping Active With Kids On School Holidays
Simple holiday ideas for the whole family
With summer school holidays well underway we hear the collective groan from parents all over the country. Although we might secretly enjoy skipping the morning rush of homework books and library bags, keeping the children entertained for a couple of months is a tough gig!
I confess to Googling things like, ‘how can I entertain my children without getting off the sofa’ or ‘games I can play with my children that don’t involve much effort.’ Please tell me I’m not the only parent to do this?
Often, on day one of the holidays, the electronics come out and children turn into square eyed zombies. Yet, despite my desire to be a slob over the holidays, as a diabetes specialist I do acknowledge the importance of keeping both my kids and myself active, both for general and emotional health.
Hence, having a few simple activity ideas up our sleeves can help us to stay active and keep the holiday boredom away without breaking the bank. So, here are a few suggestions to keep both you and your kids happy and active.
Chalk It Up
Take to the driveway with colorful chalk and get creative with your kids. Draw a racetrack and race toy cars around the track. If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of extra space your chalk track could be used for bike or scooter riding and running races.
Chalk is also perfect for creating hopscotch or even a chalk drawing competition. If you don’t have any chalk, a paint brush and bucket of water can be used for fun, free-of-cleanup hassles. Give the toddler the task of painting the back fence with their water ‘paint.’
Bike Riding
Clip on the helmet and go for a family bike ride. There are so many great local tracks to explore.
Trampoline Dash
If water restrictions are not an issue in your area, combining water and a trampoline is like combining Christmas and presents. It will keep the kids entertained for hours. A hose and sprinkler can be put in the middle of the trampoline and kids can jump and dodge the water.
For a bit of extra slip and slide, add some bubble bath or shampoo to the trampoline. Kids will end up squeaky clean, saving on the shower battle later that evening. Although this is lots of fun for the kids, be sure to participate or at least provide adequate supervision.
Beach Bash
The beach is no doubt our most amazing cost free destination. The sun, surf and sand are a kid’s dream. Pack the sunscreen and swim suits, take a shade umbrella, balls, buckets and spades and make a day of it. Enjoy summer and sunshine. Include some healthy snacks like carrot and celery sticks with hummus dip, air popped popcorn and some fresh fruit, as well as plenty of drinking water.
Scavenger Hunt
With a little bit of preparation, a local scavenger hunt can get kids active and excited to explore. Write down a list of things you and your children need to find, or even easier is to use Google to find a scavenger hunt checklist. Walk around the neighborhood in search of your treasures. If you’re a real planner, you could have clues which lead to a special prize waiting at the final destination.
Fruit Picking
Fruit picking provides a great opportunity to get kids out of the house and into the fresh air. Depending where you live, seasonal fruit is available for picking. Is there anything better than a freshly picked juicy strawberry? For those who are really ambitious you could get the kids to help make jam with the fruit when you get home.
Car Wash
Okay this may sound tiresome, but what child doesn’t like bubbles and water? Put their energy to good use and allow them to bubble up the car (and each other), which hopefully results in a sparkling clean car (and kids)!
Park Play
Invite your besties for a late afternoon play at the park. You could pack a healthy picnic to enjoy together for an early dinner. The kids can use up that afternoon energy and be ready to crash into bed right on time!
Explore Nature
There’s always a hidden gem not too far from home. It could be a walking track, a waterfall, rock hopping at a beach, a mountain expedition — there’s no better time to enjoy all nature has to offer!
Games Games Games
On a rainy day the kids can go a bit stir crazy. How about creating a family Olympics? Egg and spoon races up and down the hallway, sleeping bag sack races, Lego building or mask making competitions? The options are endless!
Keeping active during the holidays is not only a great way to enjoy family time together but also helps to keep boredom (and extra holiday pounds) at bay.
Good luck… I’ve only got 3weeks, 5 days and 23 hours to go until I can send them back to school… ugh!
For more articles on health, well-being, and lifestyle, sign up now for my newsletter: drleannemullan@ck.page
