It's almost half term and although I no longer have any children in school I clearly recall that slight sense of panic about how on earth to entertain them without breaking the bank. Here's some ideas of things to do, come rain or shine.
- Theme days. Children love a theme and the excitement of planning it can be almost as fun as the doing it, especially for younger children. Here's an example - I once did "lion day." We made a picnic with lion sandwiches, I did lion face paint and we used the zoo membership we had at the time to go and look at the lions at Whipsnade Zoo
- Pamper Day. A lovely bath is the perfect anecdote to overhyped or exhausted children. Some children get really deregulated when school is out and their routine is disrupted so calm them down with a bath made more interesting with the cool and stylish So Bomb mini bath bomb dispenser. The fun style, bright colours and amazing scented bath bombs bring all the fun to bath time! The dispenser is filled with 20 wonderfully scented bath bombs which contains charms inside. There are 10 to collect to make your own friendship bracelet! Watch the bath bombs fizz and enjoy the sweet smell of strawberry, vanilla or pineapple! Refill kit available to keep the fun going and make more friendship bracelets!
- Treasure Hunt. This one is great for indoors or out and you can adapt it for all ages. Think Easter egg hunt for different seasons. You can do a clue trail to a treasure hoard (new crayons and colouring book, sweet treats or a reward like screen time or a movie.) Or run a scavenger hunt by creating a list of things they have to find. In the house that might be a blue shoe, a red toy, something you wear for instance. Loan them your phone and let them photograph their finds so you dont have to tidy up after the hunt. Outdoors it might be a pine cone, interesting stone or green leaf. They will be so absorbed they won't get bored on their walk.
- Beauty Parlour Game. Buy some cheap and cheerful hair accessories and maybe even some spray in wash out hair colours or hair chalks and let them do their own hair, each others or even yours. Children love doing their nails (whatever their gender) so consider the Style 4 Eva Nail Art Gel Studio with press on nails they can paint and decorate with stickers and gems.
- Sport's Day. I actually did this as a birthday party once. Set up an obstacle course, organise running races, hopping races and egg and spoon races with some stickers or even plastic medals for winners/participants. If the weather looks dreadful maybe team up with some other mums and hire a hall and make a day out of it. Ask everyone to bring a packed lunch and running shoes and that's another day survived with happy children who should sleep well after running about!
Children also need rest days so don't pack their time off with a million activities. It's great for children to learn to be comfortable occupying themselves not requiring your input all the time. Sometimes a good new book is all they need to be happy and give you some peace!
Disclaimer: I have previously written about the mini bath bomb dispenser and the nail art gel studio which were gifted to me last year. Views and opinions remain honest and my own.