School Holidays On The Cheap

Let’s be honest, kids hear “school holidays” and their gorgeous little eyes light up, dreaming of all the nights they can stay up past their bed time, the play dates with friends, the lounging about without the thought of homework haunting them. Then there’s the hours spent in front of an iPad playing their favourite app without the constant nagging from a parent, eating whenever they like, and more importantly, just not going to school. Now let’s ask ourselves, when parents hear “school holidays” what the thought process is: late nights, which means entertaining the kids for longer hours than used to. And let’s be real – generally, there is a little sigh of relief when the school holidays are over. I don’t doubt for a second that all parents love spending time with their children, some wish they could have school holidays everyday of the year whilst others say two weeks is way too long. Regardless, the pressing issue is how to entertain these little rugrats that are more clued in, curious and have the energy of a humming bird on a budget?? 1. Shopping centres can be a little chaotic during this period and parking is a nightmare! However, a lot of the Westfields, and even local shopping centres, cater around kids these days. Free entertainment, such as shows, arts and craft, are available daily. Check out your local shopping centre and write down what the kids would be interested in! 2. Libraries – don’t underestimate them. Most local libraries have fun-filled free days that can entertain your child for hours and stimulate the genius within. 3. Get together a group of mothers with their kids and spend a day at a playhouse. The little ones will definitely get tired from all the jumping, bouncing, sliding and dancing, and the bonus to that is parents can sit with their friends and have lunch or even just a coffee. Again, most play houses have activities for kids in the school holidays and usually it only costs the entry fee you would have had to pay regardless. 4. If the play centres are all too loud and crazy for you, what about eateries that have an indoor play area while you sit and enjoy your day with friends? I recently came across this website (http://www.mumsonthego.com.au/) and found an RSL bistro that had an enclosed play area for kids under 12 and all it cost was a coffee and dessert for the kids! 5. Unfortunately, this weather is unpredictable. The weekend that passed Sydney was yet again cold, after a few weeks of summer days and warmer nights. This weekend we organised a few friends with their kids to come over and we transformed the TV room into a cinema room. We had pillows everywhere, popcorn in paper boxes, lolly bags (just like you would at the movies) and watched Toy Story 1, 2 and 3! There are so many more great ideas to entertain the kids and still stay on a budget. For arts and crafts at home, visit: http://nurturestore.co.uk/screen-free-week-kids-activities http://simplemom.net/20-indoor-activities-for-kids-besides-tv/ Be in the loop with everything that is happening in your area, visit: http://ellaslist.com.au/

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Posted 11 years ago 3 Minute(s) to read