In his latest column, Miles Picknell, manager of the Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre in Upminster, with some ideas on how to keep the little ones entertained over the summer holidays.
Believe it or not, the school summer holidays are upon us at the end of July.
Finding new ideas to keep the children entertained can be a challenge, especially after having them at home so often over the last year.
Thinking ahead, doing a bit of research and creating a plan or timetable of activities to keep the kids occupied can help to take some of the stress out of this time.
Read on for fun ideas you could try and enjoy a stress-free summer holiday with the family.
Get outdoors
We’ve all experienced the blessing that is the great outdoors during lockdown, and with the weather looking good, getting out and about over the summer is a no-brainer.
- Make packed lunches and take the kids on a nature hike. There are activity sheets you can download online to help get the kids hunting.
- Create a treasure hunt in the garden or check out geocaching.com – both fun activities for zero cost.
- Get together with friends and organise a mini sports day followed by a group picnic.
Get crafty
For those days when the weather isn't too great, it’s good to have some ideas of activities you can do indoors.
- If you’re planning a mini sports day, get the kids making medals, score sheets and maybe some bunting out of leftover fabric.
- Kids often have their own unique sense of style so customising their old clothes can be a fun way to let their creativity loose. This can be enjoyable for kids of all ages – and adults too! Search for up-cycling tips online.
Get adventuring
With many places reopening with limited numbers, it pays to plan a trip in advance. Theme parks and zoos can be an expensive day out for a family, but there are ways to cut some of the costs.
- Travel by train. There are various deals around.
- Look out for discount vouchers on products in the supermarket.
- Bring the zoo to you with Chester Zoo’s official YouTube channel. Create that fun adventure vibe by setting up a blanket in the living room and having a picnic lunch.
For more ideas, check out:
Four pools to enjoy in and around Romford
Seven landmarks to visit in Havering
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