15 School Holiday Funtime Ideas!

School holidays have rolled around again and although I have posted previously some “keep-the-kids-busy” holiday ideas and survival tips (here, here and also here) a group of Mums I hang out with at work brainstormed a huge, big long list of fun holiday activities that are either free or low in cost. Here are 15 of my favorite ideas!

1. Teach your kids to make their favorite meal – how win/win is this?? They learn something, they eat something and you can plan some time away fromt the kitchen!
2. Help them to change their bedrooms around – this was always something I wanted to do as a kid, but my Mum was less than enthusiastic. Make a day of it trying different configurations and let them take charge. Adolescents especially like to have say in the layout of their teencave!
3. Do a treasure hunt – if it’s a fine day, then the yard’s the limit! Try using cryptic clues to get everyone thinking and make the treasure something they’ll love!
4. A trip to the local animal shelter is always an eyeopening experience – maybe there is the opportunity to help out for a few hours or maybe the opportunity for a new family pet
5. Have daughters? Yes? Then a pampering day may be in order. A facial and pretty nails are always a treat no matter her age.
6. Buy some blank canvases (not very expensive from the $ shop) and let the kids create some artwork for their rooms.
7. Gather the neighbourhood kids for a soccer or cricket competition.
8. Check with your local council to see if they offer a holiday program – you may find some great activities are available!
9. Paint ball warfare at home. You will need: water balloons, helmets and NATURAL food colouring. Outside only
10. Do some Tie Dying – T-shirts, pillow cases etc
11. Plant a vegetable and/or herb garden. If you don’t have a big yard that’s ok, google search to find what grows well in pots.
12. Shaving cream fight – loud, messy but seriously good fun – you will need goggles during and a hose after!
13. Take the kids for a history lesson at the local cemetery - without being ghoulish, reading headstones can be such an interesting thing to do
14. Movie day – not watching but making! Either using photos and doing a slideshow or filming on a digital camera. Then of course you’ll need to have a film festival for showing them, complete with popcorn!
15. Visit a recycle center or op-shop and challenge the kids to create something new out of an interesting find!

Phew! Thanks to the Mum’s group, there should be enough ideas here to keep the kids active, out of mischief and importantly having fun these school holidays. What sort of holiday shenanigans do you plan for your kids, I’d love you to share!

It’s Tuesday! So, again I’m linking up with Jess from Diary of a SAHM and IBOT!

Check it out!