School Holiday Activities With Kids Summer has finally arrived, at least in the eyes of the academic year, and you’ve got the kids at home for 6 weeks before they’re back in the classroom. It can be a tricky feat keeping them entertained during the hours they’re usually at school. To give all the brilliant parents out there a helping hand, we have put together a little list of ideas to help spark inspiration in your home. Especially when the British weather is doing its thing. When the Sun is Out In the UK we know how precious sunny days are and sometimes they can catch us off guard, so it’s always worth having a quick and easy activity up your sleeve to seize the opportunity for a day outside. Go for an ‘I Spy’ Nature Walk Get them out to stretch their legs and burn off some energy whilst sneaking in a little education with a nature-inspired checklist to keep them entertained. This is perfect for bringing them along on a dog walk. Write up a list of common items and animals found in your area (or search for one online). Print out your list (one for each child or get them to work together) and gather colourful pencils. When the sun comes out, pop on the suncream and hats and head out to your local woodland or countryside walk. As you walk, encourage them to spot and tick off each item on the list! For a bonus, take a photo of them with each item as they find it. Build a Den in the Woods Get their creative thinking hats on in nature whilst developing their problem-solving skills. Who doesn’t love to build a den!?! When you’re out on a walk, look for a good spot with plenty of large sticks and trees. Work with your youngsters to build a small den from what they can find around them. Find a solid tree with a little space around it, lean the branches against your chosen tree to create a teepee-like shape. Look for large leaves to add décor, you could even bring some string and a tarp with you to elevate your creation to the next level. Once you’ve finished the DIY den and you’re happy it’s safe, the bambinos can use it as part of their make-believe game. Don’t forget to dismantle your den before you leave! Craft with Nature Much like the ‘I Spy’ adventure, this activity helps your child learn all about nature whilst getting creative and developing their decision-making skills. This can be done when you’re out on a walk or at home in the garden. Get them to gather leaves, sticks, fallen flowers, etc. They can then use the items they collected to create a picture on the ground outside. Finished their picture? Take a photo and they can create something else! Not So Sunny? When it’s a little too soggy to go out, make the most of the opportunities for fun and creativity contained within your home. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy, we have a great range of Easy Clean Fabrics and all our Loose Covers fully remove from your Collins & Hayes Sofa and can be machine washed! Build a Den in the Living Room Dens are definitely not just for outdoors! Turning your living room into the snuggest nook for family time and possibly a sleepover, is a memory everyone who has had this experience cherishes. Gather all your blankets and cushions, it’s about to get mega cosy! Work together as a family, using anything you can find around the house to build the largest, cosiest den. Grab your laptop and enjoy a movie night with snacks in your incredible creation. Junk Modelling Is the pile of cardboard becoming a mound? Give it another life before it’s collected by the bin lorry. Gather any cardboard and plastic from your recycling. (Think cereal boxes, milk cartons, loo roll tubes, yoghurt pots) Set your children up with a collection of cardboard, safety scissors, pens and glue. Let their minds go wild! Struggling for ideas? Build an enchanted castle, get dressed up with DIY wearable wings and a mask, or craft your favourite animal. The possibilities are endless! Homemade Bird Feeder Help them craft something for when the sun comes back out with a tasty treat for our feathered friends. Do you have some loo roll middles left over? Put them to use! Gather a few loo roll tubes, string, bird seed and either Peanut Butter or Lard. Put down a wipeable surface as it’s about to get a little messy. Spread the bird seed out in an oven tray or shallow box. Smother the tube in the Peanut Butter or Lard and roll it in the tray of bird seed until well coated. Cut a good length of string, feed it through the middle of the tube, tie together to make a loop. Pop in the fridge to harden a little. When the sun comes out, find a good place to hang your feeders and watch the birds enjoy their treat! So, there you have it, our picks for activities to keep the bairns entertained over the school holidays. Will you try any of these out? If you’re looking for new family-friendly furniture, make sure to take a look at our full range of Sofas, Chairs, Snugglers and Footstools to get your perfect Suite started!
