Keeping boredom at bay doesn’t have to break the bank
Here are some creative, low-cost ways to help keep boredom at bay during the upcoming school holidays.
- Explore the great outdoors
Nature is the perfect (and free) playground. For an adventure-filled day, visit a local park, natural reserve, or beach. Hiking routes, scavenger hunts, picnics, and animal watching are just a few ways to appreciate nature. With a little imagination, your own garden can be transformed into a jungle adventure or camping location.
- Visit the local library
Libraries are excellent sources of free entertainment. Many include school holiday activities such as story times, arts & crafts, and science experiments. Beyond events, children can borrow books, CDs, films, and games.
- Host a home movie day
Turn your living area into a cinema. Allow the kids to choose a few favourite films, pop some popcorn and make homemade tickets for the entire experience. You can even plan themed days, such as movies that start with a certain alphabet, animation movies, movies about travelling etc.
- Get crafty
Arts and crafts are a great way to fuel creativity. Use items you already have at home such as old magazines, toilet paper rolls, paper plates, fabric scraps, or buttons. Create greeting cards, or try easy DIY science experiments using household items.
- Start a garden project
Even if your area is restricted, growing a few herbs, veggies, or flowers in pots may be both educational and enjoyable. Children can learn about plant life cycles and responsibility by watering and caring for plants on a daily basis.
- Take advantage of community events
Many communities provide free or low-cost holiday activities such as outdoor movie evenings, sports clinics, museum visits, and art workshops. Check local municipal websites, community centres, and social media for listings.
- Play chef for the Day or Hand washing clothes
Kids love doing ‘chores’ that keep them occupied for hours. Baking cookies, making homemade pizza, or even putting together their own sandwiches teaches valuable life skills—and the outcomes are wonderful.
Also, kids always enjoy playing with water. Give them a basin of soapy water and a bowl of clean water for rinsing, and then instruct them to wring them out and hang them on a low-strung washing line. They can wash their own or teddy/doll clothes.
- Organize game days
Dig out board games, card games, or puzzles. For added fun, create a tournament and keep score throughout the week. If you don’t have many at home, some libraries lend games, or you can print out free ones from the internet.
- Encourage them to volunteer their time.
Get stuck into some activities to help others. Some options include helping neighbours, participating in community clean-ups, donating to food banks, supporting animal shelters, or getting involved with local charities. Make sure the activities are age appropriate.
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