Let’s be honest, the last couple of weeks of the long summer school holidays can be tough. The kids are pleading for something interesting to do and you are left to scour the internet for ideas.
If you have a foster child in your care over this time, you may want to provide them with an activity they will be talking about for weeks afterwards!
To help you save time, we at Challenge Community Services have highlighted five activities to help save you scouring the internet and encourage playful activities to create memories.
Get social with rock painting: With thanks to social media, 2018 saw rock painting collide with hide-and-seek as people across Australia decorated ordinary rocks with pictures and messages to hide around parks and suburbs for others to find. Each state has its own Facebook group; with members uploading creations and finds.
Capture your holiday memories: The National Museum of Australia reminds us that everyday objects can tell a lot about ourselves and the times in which we live. Why not create a time capsule to capture your holidays together, including photos, letters to yourself, or even little treasures! The National Museum of Australia provides a tutorial online as well as other activities to keep everyone crafty these holidays.
Family movie or games night: whether it’s a late-night or day-time activity, why not gather the family for a movie marathon, where kids can pick their favourite movie and foods for your family to feast on. For those who are not a fan of screen-time, you could create a play together or visit pintsizedtreasures.com for a list of family-friendly games.
Host your own colour run: Bring some colour to your days and host your own colour run or battle in your backyard. To download a recipe for colour powder and for tips on how to host a successful colour battle, visit cuteasafox.com.
Get creative in the kitchen: Get creative in the kitchen! It could be a fun activity that all the family could take part in and enjoy. This can also teach children fundamental life skills which will benefit them later on.
If you have a child under six years in your care, raisingchildren.net.au has launched 20 new free activity guides to give parents inspiration for low-cost activities for indoor and outdoor play with children. For a list of low-cost or free activities for all ages, visit your local library or council website.
If you have activities you’d like to see added to this list – let us know! Feel free to share with us any activities your family enjoys via our Facebook or Instagram pages.
Happy New Year!