Do you have fond memories of summer when you were a kid? At a young age, the school summer holidays can feel incredibly long – and many stressed parents may feel the same. But these six-week gaps can be hugely beneficial for your children’s wellbeing and development, as well as your personal bonds.
The key is finding a mix of activities that they enjoy, first and foremost, and that are sustainable with your budget and lifestyle. Don’t worry about filling every single second though; many medical experts are pointing to the benefits of boredom for young minds!
If you’re feeling stuck for ideas and worried about what the summer break will hold, here are five ideas for keeping children active and engaged.
Sports
Perhaps the most obvious way to keep kids active is getting them involved in sports. The NHS advises that children and young people aged 5 to 18 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day.
This could include paid sports classes and camps for football, netball, tennis, hockey and so on. Alternative options include martial arts, gymnastics and rock climbing.
Don’t forget about simple bike rides and trips to nearby parks too. Getting their friends involved is an easy to way to get them on board!
Gardening
One highly educational option and another good way to get outdoors is gardening. Deborah Wood at Premier Polytunnels, makers of commercial and garden polytunnels, says:
“Getting the kids involved with some great gardening projects, particularly over the long summer break, helps to avoid the “holiday slump”, which is a known phenomenon that can set some children back with their learning due to a lack of engagement in learning activities.
“Starting a vegetable garden, growing the tallest sunflower, making a bug hotel, or playing in the mud kitchen are just some of the great outdoor activities for children to enjoy.”
Family days out
While you may need to plan around work or other commitments, having regular family outings can broaden their horizons and give them things to look forward to every week.
Museums, zoos, aquariums and historical sites all offer educational benefits, while local centres may provide child-focused workshops. Alternatively, get into nature and enjoy a family hike or perhaps a swim in the sea, keeping them active while showing them new environments on their doorstep!
Volunteering or work
If your kids are a little older, they could gain valuable experience by volunteering or taking on paid work to boost their pocket money.
That could include charity or community events for example, which can be a great reflection of a positive attitude on their first CV. Alternatively, many cafes and leisure businesses take on extra staff over the summer, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the value of money.
Reading, writing and crafts
Perhaps your child is interested in the arts or has a creative flair. Reading is a great way to engage the imagination and continue developing while out of school, while journaling will help refine their writing skills further.
Drawing, painting or even baking can boost their creativity too, and you may be able to pick up some handy resources at your local library.
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