The school holidays are the perfect chance for kids to kick back and have some fun, but for those staying home instead of heading off on a vacation, the real challenge is keeping them entertained! Too much screen time can quickly turn into boredom or a serious case of the “couch potato” blues. If just thinking about this situation is giving you a headache, don’t worry – look no further.
Here are 10 exciting indoor activities to do during the school holidays that will get them off their screens and back to having fun!
Let the indoor fun begin!
1. Easy & Fun Science Experiments
Scan QR code for some easy science experiment ideas
Regardless of age, nothing excites a child more than the “magic” that comes from a science experiment. Get your children involved in simple, yet safe experiments like creating a mini volcano using baking soda and vinegar or growing crystals from salt.
Even better, encourage them to execute cool experiments they have learned from school to refresh their memory about the science behind it. A fantastic way to combine fun and learning!
2. Fun DIY Greeting Cards
Since it’s the festive season, take your children down memory lane by reviving the old-school tradition of greeting cards! Encourage them to put on their creative hats and make DIY cards for their favourite relatives.
You can also suggest they send the cards by post to distant family members, giving them a glimpse of how we used to send greetings before the internet. Not only is this an endearing way to foster artistic values in children, but it also teaches them to appreciate family.
3. Stay at Home Glamping
If your family loves camping but time, budget and the weather seem to be constraints, you don’t have to deprive your children from that experience. Simply bring the camping excitement to your home!
Clear out your living room or any spacious area in your home and set up ‘camp’ using sheets or blankets to create a tent. To make it even more special, consider building forts with pillows and couch cushions. Don’t forget to add a little extra glam and coziness by stringing up some twinkle lights.
To add to the fun, establish some ground rules, such as “no phones,” to encourage everyone to unplug and fully enjoy the experience. This engaging activity will not only bring joy to the kids but also help spark their imaginative skills as they embrace the spirit of camping together.
4. Family MasterChef
Instead of just having a normal family cookout, why not add some fun by turning it into a challenge? Get the whole family on board to join in your very own version of MasterChef by setting up a cooking challenge with a theme either individually or in a team.
Plan and establish rules, budget and judging criteria then mark those dates on the calendar for everyone to look forward to. This fun activity will not only help your kids enhance their cooking skills but also teach them valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline and collaboration in the kitchen.
5. Home Car Wash
Transform your car porch into a bustling car wash centre where your kids can unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit! Set up all the necessary equipment and supplies, just like how they do in an actual car wash. Each parent takes on the role of a customer, ready to have their cars washed.
After the kids complete their tasks, reward them with a playful payment for their hard work. This fun activity serves a dual purpose: not only can you teach children valuable life skills by encouraging them to do chores, you can easily save time and money by avoiding a trip to the car wash. To top it all off, the whole family can indulge in a little “Songkran Festival” fun at the end, splashing water and celebrating together!
6. Family Game Night
This is for all the ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’-like families and those with older kids. Organise a lively game of Charades or Pictionary and invite everyone to join in on the fun. Choose the silliest themes you can think of, and watch as the kids burst into laughter at the hilarious antics that unfold.
Not only will this create a joyful atmosphere, but games like these also serve as excellent practice for children to build their confidence in public speaking.
7. DIY T-Shirt Tie Dyeing
Scan QR code for a simple tie-dye tutorial for kids
Of all the arts and crafts activities you can do with your children, T-shirt tie dyeing is definitely a thrilling one. Bring back this groovy trend of the 70s and let your kids go wild in this ultimate DIY experience!
These days, you can easily get your own tie-dye kit in art supplies stores, or easily grab one online. This activity is also a fantastic way to add colour to your whole family’s wardrobe by recycling old, plain white T-shirts. Sustainable art, from the comfort of your own home.
8. Acting and Role Playing
This activity is perfect for families filled with drama queens and kings! It can also be a fantastic addition to larger family gatherings. Encourage the kids to perform a drama or scene, allowing their creativity to shine. To make it even more entertaining, switch roles with your children—parents become kids, and kids become parents.
This fun role reversal offers a unique opportunity to see how your kids perceive your behaviour and antics. Not only does this provide a delightful performance, but it also serves as a valuable learning experience for parents, helping you understand your children better and ultimately become more effective caregivers.
9. Kids Journal Adventures
This is for the artistically inclined parents with little kids who miss their own journaling days. You can also engage and encourage your children to make journaling their favourite pastime. Instead of just handing them over an empty book, consider designing creative journaling prompts for them to inspire their writing and decorating.
This activity offers an excellent opportunity for your child to develop emotional expression, communication skills, self-awareness, and healthy self-esteem—all while sharpening their artistic abilities.
10. Family Yoga Session
Yoga with kids is a fantastic and engaging activity to enjoy during the school holidays. Incorporate fun yoga games like “Strike a Pose,” where they freeze in a pose when the music stops, or use yoga cards for a playful way to learn different postures. Themed sessions, such as “Animal Yoga,” can make it even more exciting.
Teach simple breathing exercises to promote relaxation and mindfulness, and wrap up each session with a calming cool down. This enjoyable practice not only enhances physical health but also fosters emotional well-being and strengthens family bonds.
This school holiday, if a long family getaway is not on your list, make sure you get the whole family to try out these ideas to create lasting memories and keep the excitement alive within your home!
