School holidays are a much-anticipated and well-deserved break for pupils. These precious weeks offer a chance for families to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily routines and reconnect with one another.
However, the challenge many parents face is finding engaging, screen-free activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
It’s all too easy for children (and adults!) to become glued to their devices, missing out on the opportunity to truly unwind and create lasting memories.
The lure of endless entertainment at our fingertips can make it difficult to pry ourselves away and embrace the simple joys of quality time spent together.
Yet, these school holiday breaks hold immense potential. They are a unique window for parents and their children to rediscover the simple pleasures - playing board games, exploring nature, or embarking on new adventures.
Planning activities to keep children entertained during the holidays can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that boredom has its benefits too, according to Miroslav Říha, LEGO® South Africa's country manager.
Říha emphasised that while structured activities are valuable, allowing children the freedom to explore their imaginations can significantly boost their creativity and problem-solving skills.
To help parents and kids not just survive but thrive during the upcoming school holidays, here are a few simple and effective ideas:
DIY busy bags
Starting the day on a positive note can be as simple as preparing busy bags or buckets filled with engaging items for the little ones. These can keep younger children entertained while parents enjoy a moment of peace with their morning coffee or tackle their to-do lists.
From home-made puzzles using ice cream sticks to sensory bags filled with soft and squishy items, there are plenty of options to choose from.
You could even include mini builds to spark creativity. Busy bags are not just about keeping kids occupied — they also offer a chance for them to learn and engage in meaningful play.
Get some fresh air
To avoid the dreaded cabin fever, Říha suggested planning a few outdoor activities that are both fun and easy. Gardening, for example, is a fantastic way to soak up some sunshine while teaching children about the germination process first hand.
For a bit of adventure, consider taking ‘excursions’ to your own garden or a nearby park.
To make these outings even more exciting, let the kids create their nature jewellery. Simply wrap a piece of tape, sticky side up, around their wrists and encourage them to decorate their bracelets with flowers, seeds, and other natural treasures they find along the way.
Make room for quiet time
Time for solitude is also important when it comes to keeping a calm and relaxed home environment. Storytime podcasts are a great way to help kids wind down after energetic activities and a good alternative to screen time.
You can also create a cosy reading nook near a window in a sunroom for some quiet time with a good book.
Get kids involved in mealtimes
From helping to prepare meals to getting involved with cooking and even baking their favourite snacks and treats, getting kids to help out in the kitchen teaches important life skills and can be really fun too.
A great way to get smaller kids involved is to clear out a cabinet or drawer that they can reach, and stock it with kid-friendly crockery and cutlery, as well as snack packs they can help themselves to, teaching them a sense of independence.
Set up a holiday fun station
Get kids excited with a special space in the home dedicated to school holiday fun. Make sure it’s in a part of the home that’s easy to keep an eye on while you relax, work or get chores done, and where you don’t mind becoming a little messy for a while.
“Active playing and learning are crucial for children’s development,” says Jana Nel, an early childhood education specialist at Care for Education.
“Activities like building with LEGO bricks not only foster creativity but also help children develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities.”
Take the stress out of school holidays and take this time as an opportunity for to bond, learn, grow, and have fun together as a family.
Spend some time preparing ahead of term break by creating your own DIY activities and spaces dedicated to fun and learning in the home, but don’t forget to leave room for kids to use their own imaginations in keeping themselves entertained.