Scavenger Hunt
This one really gets creative juices flowing and your kids will expend a lot of their energy on it. Hide a selection of items around the house (bonus if you have a yard) and send your kids on a quest. You can write out clues for them to follow, and these can come in a variety of ways.
Some clues can be picture-based, and others can be riddles. The main thing is that it gets your kids to stop and think, and doesn’t simply point them exactly where they need to go. Once they complete the hunt, they can win prizes – which every kid is highly motivated by.
Backyard Camping
Having a backyard is ideal for this, though not fundamental. If you’re doing this outdoors, pitch a tent and get a (safe, controlled) fire going. You can make smores together, and tell scary stories. Then, you get a night under the stars. To make this work indoors, your kids can build their own ‘tents’ out of blankets, and you can put glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling. You’ll have to forgo the fire, but smores and scary stories are still on the table!
Science Experiments
Before you freak out, Mom, we promise this is worth hearing out first. With just sugar and water (and optional coloring), you can create your own rock candy at home. You can also find out what happens when baking soda mixes with anything carbonated, though that one you may want to do in an empty bathtub.
Turn an egg into a bouncy ball by soaking it in vinegar, or make your own lava lamp using vegetable oil, water, and some food coloring. The options are endless.
Don’t Be Afraid
We know the school holidays are daunting, but there’s fun to be had for everyone. And the best part? You’ve probably already got everything you need to make for a Summer to remember.