Ways to keep your kids entertained during summer holidays

With the summer holidays on the horizon and kids gearing up for several weeks away from the classroom, it’s time for parents to begin the often daunting task of keeping the little ones amused during that period.

It isn’t easy, such is the draw of video games and other forms of digital entertainment. So, how do you tempt the kids to put down their Playstation controller and make the most of this joyous time of year?

In this post, we’ve got some brilliant ideas that will help you keep your kids entertained during the summer holidays.

At home

As noted above, at home, kids have numerous digital distractions to keep them preoccupied, but we’ve picked out a few ideas that will get them spending time with the family and making the most of the summer.

Play chefs

Combining fun with learning is a brilliant way to make the most of the summer holidays. Tap into your kids desire to get messy with a day spent in the kitchen; it’s a lovely way to bring parents and kids together and there are plenty of recipes for kids to choose from on the web. 

Outdoor cinema

If you have a covered patio area in the back garden, why not take your TV outside and ask the kids to pick a couple of their favourite films to watch in that setting? The change of scenery and chance to get the whole family involved in a spot of outdoor cinema will be completely out of the ordinary and a joy for all.

Build a den

If the weather is nice, you could do this outside, but anywhere counts when it comes to building a den at home. All you need is a bunch of cardboard boxes, cushions, some blankets and your child’s imagination.

Dress up with old clothes

Don’t throw away those old going-out trousers just yet! Kids love dressing up and there are few better ways to repurpose old clothes than to let them try them on. It may make you question fashion choices of old, but the kids will love it. 

Out and about

Providing Mother Nature doesn’t try to spoil the party, the summer holidays represent the best chance to get out and about with the kids. Here’s what you could get up to:

Hold a treasure hunt

You need venture no further than your own back garden for this one. Hide a few sweets and other treats in crafty locations and write a few clues for the kids to follow. Hide the treasure well enough and it’ll keep them busy for a considerable amount of time.

Host a mini Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics got us all rather excited about competing and exercise, so why not keep the momentum up by holding a mini Olympics for the kids in the back garden? If yours is big enough, you could stage mini sprint races, sand pit long jumps and tugs of war!

Go camping

The idea of staying in a tent in the middle of a field will feel like a real adventure for kids, but if you’d rather not head to a camping park, you can make just as much fun of it in your own back garden for a night or two in the summer!

Walk in the woods

Convincing children that walking is a nice way to spend time away from the house isn’t particularly easy, but combine it with a day of exploration in a local forest and they’ll soon change their tune. Searching for signs of wildlife and taking unexpected turns down tree-covered forest corridors will really appeal to their sense of adventure. 

Summary

You don’t have to spend a fortune when it comes to entertainment for the kids during the summer. What’s more, the tips above should ensure they won’t end up spending their entire time away from school sat in front of the TV. We hope you find the tips above useful during the warmer months.