The summer holidays are coming!

by Ally Hunt on 14 July 2009  |  1 comment
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With schools about to break up for the summer, here are some ideas to keep your kids entertained if you're on a tight budget.

In the past couple of weeks I've been able to hear the far off cheering of children whenever I've stepped outside. Yep, the schools near me have been holding their annual summer sports days, which can only mean one thing - the summer holidays are coming! Aarrgh!

Well of course ideally you'd all be heading off to your Caribbean island for six weeks, to laze about and be waited on. But if your name doesn't end in "Branson" and you haven't booked a holiday to look forward to, six weeks of entertaining boisterous kids can seem formidable.

There are of course lots of summer holiday clubs, sporting and otherwise available to keep older children especially occupied. The trouble is, if you weren't quick off the mark you'll probably find it pretty hard now to get a place.

But there are plenty of other ways to keep them occupied - you just need to get organised.

Outdoor activities

Swimming, bike rides, and picnics with frisbees and balls in the park make for inexpensive entertainment. A paddling pool in the garden will keep them entertained for hours. And younger children adore holding "teddy bears picnics" with tiny doll-sized portions of food.

Library

Or spend the afternoon in the library - with books, computers, regular story telling and drawing equipment there's plenty to keep them occupied.

Most libraries are also running Quest Seekers this summer, a challenge where by reading books and playing games kids can complete quests to collect stickers, a bookmark, a dragon model, and ultimately a medal and certificate. Sign up at your local library from Saturday 18 July.

What if it rains?

If the weather isn't kind you could check out your local museum (most have free entry). Or get them to help with the housework (seriously!) or with making lunch/dinner (you can find some simple recipes here). And there's always arts and crafts - just put down plenty of newspaper.

Alternatively, if they need to wind down hold a "Cinema night". Hire a DVD, get them to draw tickets and posters to advertise, make some popcorn and settle down to watch the film (very popular in my house!).

Playdates

And of course, you should definitely think about sharing the pain. If you know another parent with similarly aged kids, take it in turns to have them all for an afternoon (ideally including giving them tea, too). Just having a few hours without the kids can make a massive difference!

Feeling inspired? Then why not print out a copy of the Netmums Summer Holidays planner. Stick it on the fridge, write down what you will do when and you'll feel super-organised - for the first week at least!