With social media, online gaming, and technology dominating our kids’ lives now more than ever, keeping them engaged and entertained during the school holidays can feel like a super-human challenge – particularly if you’re trying to limit their screen time. But instead of resorting to screens, why not connect them to the outdoors and their community? They’ll gain valuable life skills, and have the opportunity to explore different types of learning outside of the classroom.
Here are our top 10 ideas for keeping the kids entertained while making an impact these school holidays.
1. Become a trash hero in your community
Environmental issues are more pressing than ever, and you might just find your kids are more concerned about this than you realise. Encourage them to play a part in reducing our environmental impact by joining a community clean-up event, or starting their own. Head to a local park, beach or reserve in your local area armed with gloves and rubbish bags, and turn it into a fun challenge – who can collect the most rubbish? Aside from becoming trash heroes, your kids will learn teamwork and responsibility, gain a sense of achievement, and witness first-hand the impact of even the smallest actions. If you’d rather join an organised effort, Clean Up Australia holds annual events, provides information about local community-led events year-round, and has plenty of resources to help you organise your own.
2. Give back with a mini fundraiser
Organising a fundraiser this school holidays is a great way to get your kids excited and teach them about empathy and the joy of giving back to their community. Whether it’s a lemonade stand, bake sale, craft stall or sausage sizzle, it’s a rewarding experience for kids of all ages, and of course, social responsibility lessons aside, it puts their maths skills to the test and helps build confidence, too. The best part? They can choose a cause they’re passionate about – whether it’s an animal rescue, funds towards fixing up the school pool or their local sports club. Platforms like GoFundMe make it super simple to skip the cash and help spread the word.
3. Dig in to local garden projects
Whether it’s in your backyard or a community project, encouraging your kids to get their hands dirty in the garden is a hugely beneficial experience to germinate. They’ll gain a deeper connection with where their food comes from, an understanding of the lifecycle of plants, and an appreciation for sustainability. Gardening comes with known health benefits too, ranging from physical to mental. If you’re unsure where to start, you could help the kids tackle a raised garden bed project, or to help out in the community, Community Gardens Australia has a directory of projects across Australia.
4. Attend or host a sports play day
A super easy way to keep the kids occupied, active, and social these holidays are with sports. If your kids aren’t involved in a team already, now is the perfect time for them to dip their toes in a few different codes to see what sparks their interest. From soccer to cricket, swimming to baseball, find a club near you or organise a sports play day with a few of their friends, pack some snacks and drink bottles and head for a day out at the local field, pitch or pools. Sports help your kids build confidence, work on their developing coordination, strength and teach valuable teamwork and communication skills. Plus, it’s a great way to split childcare responsibilities during the holidays, to burn off some energy, and to catch up with other parents on the sideline.
5. Declutter and donate to foster gratefulness
From toys to clothes to books and the myriad of fidgets, key chains and other must-haves, kids outgrow things at a lightning pace. A great play on their thirst to be all grown up is to set aside an afternoon for decluttering under their watchful eye. Encourage your kids to sort through all their things and put them into keep, donate and bin piles. Bundle up goods to donate and head along to your local charity shop so they can understand the entire process. This will set them up for the new school term with a refreshed, balanced space, and teach them about generosity, gratefulness and the joy of giving.
6. Foster a pet and share some love
If you face a constant barrage of pet requests, fostering might just be the answer you’re looking for. Many shelters are overflowing with animals in need of temporary homes, allowing you and your family to dip your toe in a short-term stint of pet ownership. Fostering a pet is a wonderful experience that’ll teach your kids responsibility, dedication, empathy and care, and perhaps best of all, it’s a valuable opportunity to see what it’s like to own a specific pet without the forever commitment. Will your kids really clean out the cage and remember to feed the pet every day? Whether it’s a kitten, puppy or even a bunny, don’t go into it with your eyes closed though – there’s every chance you’ll fall in love, adopt the pet and become one of the many ‘foster fail’ homes!
7. Embark on a market day
Heading to the local markets is a fun and engaging way to teach kids about money management, small business, communication and decision making. Give them a small budget and a mission – like finding the juiciest of apples and empower them to do all the talking, negotiating and shopping. They will gain plenty of financial insight, get closer to where their food comes from, and often learn about different cultures and traditions. Whether it’s a market filled with produce, handmade treasures or local delicacies, it’s sure to be an enjoyable day out for you and your sidekicks.
8. It’s showtime!
The school holidays are always packed with shows and events vying for your attention (and dollar), so it’s a good idea to make a plan and decide what (if any) events you’ll head along to before they sell out. From family friendly laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, carnival fun and entertainment at the Sydney Easter Show, the Gold Coast Film Festival for movie buffs, the Perth Royal show for rides and animal encounters, or catching one of the AFL Round 6 Easter weekend games is also a great way for the kids and adults alike to enjoy an Aussie sport and experience our most popular sport in Australia. For train enthusiasts, a visit to the Hunter Valley Steamfest is a must! There’s an event for every interest, and you can even get your kids involved in the decision making, so they can understand the costs of various events and weigh up the options.
9. Egg-stra celebrations these holidays
Even if you don’t celebrate specific Easter traditions, there are plenty of holiday-themed events for kids of all ages (and adults) on the horizon to enjoy! From giant egg hunts, egg and spoon races and craft workshops to family-friendly festivals with food trucks and live entertainment, you’ll find a mix of ticketed and free events happening all over Australia. If you’re looking for something a little different, our 8 Egg-stra Special Ways To Celebrate Easter has you covered with everything from baking to crafting and heading away on a long weekend adventure.
10. Plan for some fun family down-time
Sometimes the most appreciated (and affordable) school holiday memories come from simple, quality time at home where your kids can take the lead, enjoy some much-needed downtime and explore their creativity. Whether it’s setting up camp at home – complete with s’mores and hot choccies, a family movie night, wandering your neighbourhood, or creating a family story book – brainstorm some wallet-friendly ideas with the kids and see where it takes you. If your family includes a four-legged doggy friend, include them in your plans too!
Make these school holidays count with fun, family, and connection
The school holidays are the perfect time to connect with your local community, create lasting memories, and make a positive impact while you’re at it. From clean up events, caring for a pet, supporting your local markets or revisiting past fun ideas, these experiences will not only entertain, but also instil valuable life lessons. And if you’re looking for a home in a vibrant community to connect with, reach out to your local First National Real Estate. Your local property experts will provide exclusive real estate market insights and help you find the perfect place to call home.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.