Community Questions - School Holiday Activities!

"Any activities you can suggest for keeping my toddler entertained at home during the school holidays? Ideally not expensive and not too messy!"

Of course! Although school holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their toddlers, it's exhausting. In this article, we'll explore a variety of exciting at-home activities that are perfect for toddlers during school holidays that are tried and tested by us and that don't cost much if anything. Engaging in fun and educational activities at home can not only keep your little ones entertained but also promote their cognitive, social, and motor skills development. Hopefully this gives you some ideas!

1. Arts and Crafts

Let your toddler unleash their creativity with arts and crafts projects. Gather some child-friendly art supplies like washable paints, crayons, coloured papers, glue, and child-safe scissors. Encourage them to draw, paint, and create to their heart's content. You can even turn this into a themed activity by focusing on seasons, animals, or their favourite storybook characters. A huge win in our house is creating anything 'Paw Patrol' related!

2. Sensory Play Sensation

Sensory play is not only entertaining but also essential for a child's cognitive development. Create sensory bins using materials like rice, beans, sand, or water. Add in some child-safe toys, scoops, and containers. Let your toddler explore the different textures and sensations, which can help enhance their fine motor skills and sensory awareness. You can do this in mixing bowls or a washing up bowl!

3. Indoor Picnic Adventure

Transform your living room into an indoor picnic spot. Lay out a picnic blanket, and prepare some toddler-friendly snacks and finger foods. Engage in pretend play by encouraging your child to "pack" their picnic basket and "travel" to their favourite imaginary destination. This activity will surely spark their imagination and make mealtime more exciting.

4. Storytelling

Reading is a fantastic way to bond with your toddler and introduce them to the wonderful world of stories. Set up a cozy reading corner with soft cushions and a collection of age-appropriate books. Read aloud to your child using different voices and expressions to make the storytelling experience more engaging. You can also encourage them to retell their favourite stories in their own words.

5. Nature Scavenger Hunt

If you have a garden or a nearby park, organise a nature scavenger hunt for your little one. Create a list of items they need to find, such as leaves, flowers, rocks, and insects. This activity not only encourages physical activity but also allows your child to explore the natural world around them, fostering their curiosity about the environment.

6. DIY Musical Instruments

Get creative and make homemade musical instruments with everyday household items. You can use empty containers as drums, fill bottles with different levels of water to create a xylophone, or make shakers using rice or beans. Have a jamming session with your toddler and explore the joy of making music together.

7. Kitchen Little Chefs

Involve your toddler in simple cooking and baking activities. Let them assist in mixing, pouring, and decorating. Making easy recipes like cookies, sandwiches, or fruit salads can be a lot of fun and an opportunity to teach basic math and measurement concepts.

8. Dress-Up Playtime

Encourage imaginative play by setting up a dress-up corner with various costumes and props. Whether it's pretending to be a superhero, a princess, or an animal, dress-up play allows toddlers to explore different roles and develop their creativity.

9. Colour Sorting and Matching

Use colourful objects like building blocks, toys, or buttons to engage your toddler in colour sorting and matching games. This activity helps improve their colour recognition and cognitive skills while keeping them entertained.

10. Dance Party Bash

Put on some lively music and have a dance party in your living room. Toddlers love moving to the beat, and dancing is an excellent way to keep them active and energetic during the holidays.

Hopefully these ideas have helped. Remember, the most crucial aspect of these activities is spending quality time with your little one and making the most of these precious moments together.