The holidays are here. A couple of decades ago (or just the one) you would have been the first one out the gate, laughing all the way to the bus as it pulled out and left the school hall behind. Freedom; sweet, seductive freedom and it was yours, even for a few weeks. The days flew by in a haze of long days down the beach, at the movies, shopping centres, friends places and family based trips to the middle of nowhere – it was wonderful to be beholden to no one, with no responsibility and plenty of sugar to get you through the insanity of your parents…But now, you’re the parent and you understand the same mythical detachment of mind your Mum and Dad glanced at each with, when you demanded another day out. Yep, the holidays are here and now it’s down to you to decide how your kids will enjoy their time off, without losing your last nerve in the process.
you know they’re afraid of deep down…
Theme Parks
Have your little ones been streaming videos from themeparks.com.au on Youtube again? Pulling your leg or whatever extremity available to attain permission to climb to dizzying heights before plummeting to earth, pulling “heaps of G’s” and generally trying not to launch a lunch of Dagwood dogs, chips and ice-cream. Doesn’t that sound fun? Now, don’t fret, if your little one is around the late primary years, why not invite a couple of other parents too and make a day of it, catching up on the in’s and out’s of everyone’s lives while the kids chill out, spin in circles, and test their courage against thrill rides you KNOW they’re afraid of deep down? Pack plenty of sunscreen, take food made at home and enjoy a spell at Movieworld, Dreamworld or Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Volunteer
Giving back to the community is one of the most under-rated yet highly fulfilling activities an adult or child can do during their spare time. Contact a local animal shelter and see if you can organise a few hours a week for the kids to learn lesson or two in accountability, animal care and kindness, bathing puppies and kittens in need, feeding their hungry bellies and generally having an adorable time understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership. You never know, this may stave off those lingering requests of, Mummmmm, can we have a dog? Or at least guarantee they know what is involved in looking after our much loved pets.
Stage Plays
If your child is a bit of a leader or a creative soul at the core, perhaps a stage-show will sate their curious spells and direct their energies into something a little bit different and highly enjoyable. Let them take charge, whether they would like to focus on designing costumes or organising little actors to fill their imagined roles, it’s about putting them in the drivers’ seat and letting them deal with consequences or complaints that may arise from their decision, incorporating play with another essential life lesson.
What did you do last holidays? Do you have any tips to share with your fellow readers? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by Jessica Hannah
the coming holidays is the best time for kids to enjoy to the fullest, the season filled with love, happiness and excitement 🙂
It’s a good thing that not only do these activities entertain kids but they also hone their creativity and interpersonal skills rather than playing video games all day long.
Theme parks can really be a memorable way to spend the holidays for kids.
These are indeed three practical and interesting ways to keep kids entertained during the holidays.
That looks like a fun ride. There are plenty of great ways to spend the holiday. My sisters have a nice list too which I can use someday. Thanks for sharing this.
Kids often get bored and this is a good outdoor activities to keep their mind and body busy.
This is a good thing to know that at least a kid starts to become aware of the world and be exposed.. You know it is some kind of making them to have good self-esteem.
those are really great suggestions on how to entertain our kids. hopefully i’d get to do all those with my little man!
Maybe this holiday we would visit a theme park for my 5-yr old kiddo. It’s important for kids to enjoy the holiday with family bonding and at the same time he will learn.
These are great suggestions. It would have been fun to go to theme parks here however the weather normally does not permit us due to snow. I guess the kids would have to settle in public parks or in our garden and build a snow man.
during Holidays or long weekends, we travel.. even if I want to bring them to theme parks, it’s impossible to man 4 kids hahaha, kaya most of the times, we stay in a hotel na lang 🙂
Would love to do volunteer work with the kids. They would definitely take life lessons home and appreciate what they have. I would definitely try the ideas here. We often go on theme parks and my daughter is part of a play in a known theater so I guess those two other suggestions are covered…. 🙂