With half-term just around the corner, it's time to put on our thinking caps and come up with a game plan to keep the little ones entertained – rain or shine. And lets face it - who knows what the weather will do next? Maybe we prepare for snow?
We all know how challenging it can be to keep kids occupied during school holidays, so I've rounded up some fun and free activities that will not only keep them busy but also help them learn and grow along the way. Let's dive in!
Good Weather Activities:
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Grab your magnifying glass and venture into the great outdoors for a nature scavenger hunt! Encourage your kids to explore their surroundings, from parks to backyard gardens, in search of treasures like leaves, feathers, and rocks. This activity not only promotes physical activity but also enhances observation skills and fosters a love for nature. You could also print some pictures of things you know will be in your garden or park and make it a treasure hunt. Think Easter Egg Hunt crossed with Eye Spy!
2. DIY Water Park: Who needs a fancy water park when you can create your own splash zone at home? Break out the sprinklers, water balloons, and inflatable pools for a day of wet and wild fun in the sun. Not only does this activity keep kids cool on hot days, but it also promotes gross motor skills and encourages imaginative play.
3. Outdoor Art Gallery: Unleash your child's inner artist with an outdoor art gallery! Set up easels, paints, and canvases in the backyard or local park, and let their creativity run wild. If you don't have any of them - chalk on the patio, water and a paint brush on any surface, or let them make their own paint by crushing leaves and petals in some water and painting it on paper. Painting outdoors not only provides a change of scenery but also stimulates sensory exploration and fine motor skills development.
Rainy Day Activities:
1. Indoor Obstacle Course: Turn rainy days into indoor adventures with a homemade obstacle course! Use pillows, blankets, and furniture to create a challenging course for your little ones to navigate. This activity not only burns off energy but also promotes problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
My personal favourites that work brilliantly with my little one:
balloons - practise catching, don't drop the balloon game, practise kicking, if you really need to get those "zoomies" out get your child to run from one side of the room to the other and try and hit them with a balloon - it's a guaranteed laughter game
hula hoops - throw balloons through the hoop, jump in to the hoop(s) like hop scotch
cones and balloons with an obstacle course - a bit like an egg and spoon race
if you have balancing beams they are great for grounding kids
bean bags - or anything that they can colour sort in a race
2. DIY Science Experiments: Get hands-on with science by conducting DIY experiments right in your kitchen! From homemade slime to vinegar volcanoes, there's no shortage of fun and educational experiments to try. Not only do these activities spark curiosity and critical thinking, but they also teach valuable scientific concepts in a playful way. (I will be doing a blog on this later)
3. Storytime Theater: Transform your living room into a theater with a fun-filled storytime session! Encourage your kids to act out their favorite stories using props, costumes, and their imagination. Not only does this activity promote literacy and language development, but it also boosts confidence and creativity.
Crafty Case Products:
Looking for more ways to entertain and educate your kids during half-term? Check out Crafty Case – a collection of 16 games designed to develop key skills while keeping them entertained for hours on end. From problem-solving puzzles to creative challenges, Crafty Case offers something for every young learner.
So there you have it, folks – a lineup of fun and free activities to keep your little ones entertained during half-term, rain or shine. Whether you're exploring nature or getting crafty indoors, these activities are sure to keep boredom at bay while nurturing essential skills along the way. Here's to a memorable and enjoyable school holiday for the whole family!
Let me know what you think of these ideas and what you'd like to see more of.
Evlynne
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