Share This Article
School holidays can be both a blessing and a challenge, here’s a guide on what to do in the holidays at home. On one hand, it’s precious time to connect with your kids, make lasting memories, and take a break from the everyday hustle. On the other hand, keeping children of all ages entertained at home—without tearing the house apart or resorting to endless screen time—can feel like an impossible feat.
That’s where this guide comes in! Whether you’re wondering what to do during school holidays at home, looking for ways to engage an energetic toddler, or planning a creative project for older kids, we’ve got you covered. From babies to teens, this family-friendly round-up is full of ideas to make your school holidays enjoyable right at home.
Things to Do During Summer Holidays at Home
Making Home a Hub for Fun and Creativity
When planning fun school holiday activities at home, the key is to turn your living space into an adventure-filled playground. Start by creating a loose schedule; balancing structured activities with free play helps keep the kids involved while giving parents a much-needed break.
Why Staying Home Works
Staying home means flexibility. You avoid the expense and stress of travelling while still packing the day with excitement. Plus, there’s less reliance on fixed-time venues, making it easier to tailor activities to younger kids and older ones alike.
- Family Game Night: Dust off those board games or take the opportunity to create your own board game. A little friendly competition can make evenings lively.
- Family Movie Night: Set up a cosy corner with fairy lights and snacks. Choose your kids’ favourite story, or try a new film that everyone will love. It’s the perfect excuse for a movie night and family bonding.
- Cooking Fun: Introduce older kids to cooking skills. For younger kids, get them involved in decorating cookies or cupcakes. The whole family will enjoy the results!
What to Do with Babies in School Holidays
When it comes to babies, the simpler, the better!
Start with Sensory Play
Babies explore the world through their senses. Try activities like finger painting, playing with textured fabrics, or simply filling a container with water (or rice) and letting them play. These no-fuss activities are as educational as they are enjoyable.
Baby Bonding Time
Reading together is a powerful way to keep a baby engaged. Use funny voices while reading their favourite story to make it extra special. Tummy time isn’t just a developmental milestone; it’s a bonding moment! Make it fun with baby-safe mirrors and colourful toys.
Outdoor Suggestions
If indoor activities aren’t cutting it, take your baby on a mini nature walk. Observe trees, birds, or flowers together—even the paper towel rolls from your crafting can double as a fun “binocular” prop for them! Consider enrolling into newborn swim lessons as bonding and development learning.
Keeping Older Kids Entertained
Older kids often need more variety to stay engaged. Luckily, their curiosity makes them prime candidates for imaginative and skill-building activities. To increase social skills within children, invite friends over to participate in free activities.
Craft Projects
Create a fairy garden or upcycle cardboard boxes into castles, spaceships, or cars. Kids love seeing their creativity come to life.
DIY Science Experiments
Simple science projects, like making slime or building a volcano, are always hits. These projects work wonders for improving problem-solving skills while keeping the kids busy.
Active Outdoor Challenges
Set up a backyard treasure hunt or obstacle course. These energetic activities not only entertain kids but also give them a chance to blow off steam.
Online Experiences
Interactive virtual tours of museums or online courses (like beginner coding or a new language) are excellent options that combine education with entertainment.
Outdoor Fun
Checking out family-friendly concerts in Brisbane as a special treat. Free events like markets have live music, Christmas markets, QAGOMA or Museum of Brisbane. For a more adventurous activity, try kids party venues or adventure parks. It’s a great way to get the kids out and about.
How to Keep Kids Entertained on the Holidays at Home
If every day feels like the same routine, jazz it up with themed days or lighter activities that provide much-needed variety.
Daily Themes
- Adventure Day: Turn the house into a mysterious explorer’s paradise with a treasure hunt.
- Creative Day: Supply kids with props and have them act out their very own play or puppet show using sock puppets.
- Relaxation Day: Help create a sense of calm with art sessions, guided meditation, or soothing storytelling.
Self-Guided Fun
Activities that kids can do independently, like completing puzzles or building Legos, offer relief for busy parents. Another idea would be to enroll in a preschool dance class to keep little ones active, boost coordination and confidence. These tasks also spark creativity and nurture self-discipline.
When Indoor Fun Isn’t Enough
Getting outside—even in your own backyard—can make holiday activities that much more rewarding.
Outdoor Games
Why not turn part of your yard into a mini sports zone with DIY indoor bowling? Another idea would be to use a speaker and have a dance party or play musical statue. Or use chalk to mark hopscotch boards and other games.
Gardening Projects
Introduce your kids to basic gardening by planting herbs or flowers. Watching their little patch grow is a fun, rewarding experience. Bonus? You’re sneaking in a science lesson disguised as fun!
Water Play Ideas
From sprinklers to paddling pools, water-based outdoor activities are perfect for a hot summer break. Even washing toys or cars can become a splash-filled adventure.
Dining Al Fresco
Break up a routine day with an outdoor picnic. Spread a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy each other’s company in the sunshine.
Budget-Friendly Activities
Wondering how to keep the fun going without draining your wallet or taking them to the nearest shopping centre? Try these creative ideas that make use of what you already have at home.
DIY Entertainment
- Build a fort using sheets or cardboard boxes.
- Turn empty paper towel rolls into quirky craft creations, like pencil holders or binoculars.
- Design your own board game using simple materials like paper and markers.
Upcycling Fun
For more fun, repurpose old toys into new creations. Turn a dollhouse into a home for action figures or give old items a fresh coat of paint to spark new interest.
Meaningful Tasks
How about creating a family photo album? Pick favourite snapshots and memories to tell the story of your life adventures. Even better, explain the family tree to younger generations as you flick through old images and stories!
Memories in the Making
School holidays don’t have to mean scrambling for things to do. Whether it’s cuddling your newborn during newborn swim lessons, hosting a bake-off, crafting sock puppets with the kids, or setting up an epic movie night, remember that home is where family holidays shine.
Start with a mix of ideas from every section of this blog to keep all ages occupied while fostering creativity, joy, and family bonding. And don’t forget to explore your local area for inspiration—after all, sometimes a friend’s house or a nearby national park adds just the right amount of adventure to your time together. Whatever you choose, the goal is simple—spend quality time together and createlasting memories!
