It’s coming up to the end of the summer break and I’ve left it a bit late to have a whole itinerary planned for the little ones. We have done all the usual things and I find myself constantly having to think of ways to keep them entertained.
I didn’t want to plan too much as I never know what is happening withthe spread of Covid but I am excited to get out an about though as restrictions aren’t as tight. Are you feeling anxious about taking the kids out on excursions?
My boys still get excited about going to the park and getting to ride their scooters and bikes when we go and pick up some milk. I get away with not having to spend a fortune on big days out, I tend to leave this to their grandparents anyway.. seeing as it’s their job to spoil them.
I’ve found that prepping the dinners works wonders when you don’t have a plan for the day. If I get that lasagne or pie ready in the morning, then we just have to make sure we’re back in time to warm it up. It just means I can potter around with the kids without the added stress of making sure dinners ready on time.
I plan on keeping it local this summer, like I said I’m excited to get out but I’m also that bit hesitant. I’ve got a few afternoon ideas where the kids won’t feel like they’re missing out.
Simple afternoons out
- Go to your local park with a picnic and a ball – there’s always kids around in the holidays so yours will easily be kept occupied
- Go on a bike ride
- Go to a local farm
- Find somewhere to go strawberry picking
- Go to the woods, pick up whatever you like to make a collage with
- Check out the local historic houses. They usually have nice grounds to go and walk around
- Go and feed the ducks
During lockdown I found so many new activities the boys enjoyed doing at home, so here I’d like to share for those lazy or rainy days… I mean I know we’re in a heatwave at the moment, but it wouldn’t be a British summer without rain!
- Getting creative – invest in a pop-up cardboard car/rocket/playhouse, these are great for keeping the kids entertained, they can stick/colour/paint it throughout the holidays, and play inside it, our rocket lasted for a month and they just added to it every other day
- Baking – it’s so simple and easy, you just need to be prepared to clear the mess up! This could take up an afternoon, bake your cake, make some cookies, decorate your cake once it’s cooled
- Puzzles – these are great for quiet times, my eldest can’t sit still, but once he gets into a puzzle, he’ll be kept occupied for at least an hour
- Hammer beads – these are great for giving as gifts to the family – make a ton and give them out for Eid and birthdays.
- Making cards for family and friends
- Have a BBQ and take the paddling pool out (sometimes they are more fun in the rain!)
Writing this got me sorted for my summer! Hope this helps ladies and feel free to add to the list!