School holidays are an exciting time for kids as they have a break from their studies and get to enjoy some free time. However, it can be challenging to keep them entertained for an extended period. Here are some ideas on how to keep kids entertained these school holidays:
PLAN AHEAD
The best way to keep kids entertained during the school holidays is to plan ahead. This will give you time to research and organize activities they will enjoy and make a list of activities that are age-appropriate that will keep them engaged. This could include a range of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and playing at the park or indoor activities like board games, crafts, and baking. Friends and family can easily join in to make for a more enjoyable time.
ENCOURAGE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Encouraging outdoor activities is a great way to keep kids active and engaged during the school holidays. You could take them on nature walks, bike rides, or have a picnic at the park. This not only keeps them entertained but also helps them burn off some extra energy. Here are some great outdoor activities that they’re sure to love:
Tree Climb Kuitpo Forest provides a unique opportunity for users to indulge in nature while the interactive education elements highlight the importance of conservation and the environment. Working closely alongside ForestrySA, TreeClimb have opened a second venue in Kuitpo Forest. Find out more: TreeClimb Kuitpo
The Lobethal Bushland Park Playground offers a spectacular play space for the Hills community. This stunning spot boasts some smaller equipment and sensory play for the little crew, plus a huge climbing tower and tube slide for the big kids. Read more about it in a review from our friends at Kids in Adelaide: Lobethal Bushland Park Playground
Perfect for young kids, the Storybook Trail at Carrick Hill is designed to encourage children to explore and discover the natural world. Hiding amongst the delightful gardens are a collection of stories that have enchanted children and adults for generations. This free experience is one the whole family will love. Find out more: Storybook Trail
Cleland National Park provides an immersive nature experience, with a limited number of enclosures and the chance to get closer to some of our state’s most iconic animals, while learning about the importance of conservation. Apart from teaching our kids these important lessons, it’s also great for interstate and international visitors to get that classic pic with a koala! Find out more: Cleland Wildlife Park
The Eagle Mountain Bike Park at Crafers is perfect for teenagers and older kids that love extreme riding or mountain bike riding. With 21 kms of designated bike trails and rated with a double-diamond ‘extreme’ classification, it’s ideal for advanced riders who are well-equipped and capable of riding difficult terrain. Find out more: Eagle Mountain Bike Park
GET CREATIVE
Get creative with your activities to make them more interesting and engaging for kids. For example, you could have a backyard camping trip or set up a scavenger hunt around the house. You could also have a movie night or a game night with friends and family. Some other family favourites are:
Build a fort – Create a fort using blankets, coffee tables, couches, boxes or whatever you’ve got in your home. Then grab a few pillows, books, toys and a flashlight to create an epic hideaway for your little ones.
Create a paper plane challenge – there are free step-by-step paper plane tutorials where kids can create their own planes then see how far they can fly. Then get them to work out which designs fly the furthest, the highest, the longest in the air. Fine paper plane designs here: Foldnfly.com
Painted rocks are a great activity that offer many benefits – it’s calming and relaxing, reduces stress, increases happiness and also increases focus, so it’s a great project to keep kids busy. You could even make a tic-tac-toe set with ladybugs and buzzy bees and put them in a little cloth bag to travel wherever you go, like this one: Painted Rocks tic-tac-toe
JOIN A CLUB OR CLASS
Enrolling your child in a holiday club or class is another great way to keep them entertained. Many schools and community centres offer holiday programs that cater to different interests. Here are some close to Mount Barker:
Mount Barker Community Library – From story time to tie-dying and soap carving there are a huge range of holiday programs being offered at the Library so you’re sure to find one that suits your kids. Find out more: Library Holiday Activities
The Adelaide Hills Council offers a range of school holiday programs. Check their website for more information: Holiday Programs
The Wilderness Escape offers a range of school holiday programs for kids of any age. Check them out here: Wilderness Escapes
There is a myriad of options from chess classes to code camps to kids cooking classes. Simply google whatever interests your kids and explore what’s on offer.
MAKE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technology can also be a great tool for keeping kids entertained during the school holidays. There are many educational apps and games that can keep them engaged and help them learn new skills. However, it’s important to monitor their screen time and make sure they have a balance between technology and other activities.
Colouring In sheets – WIRES (wildlife rescue) is dedicated to wildlife education and knows that the future preservation and protection of Australian wildlife will be in the hands of our children. They have some great kid’s activity sheets and you can download and print for your kids to colour. Find them here: Kids Pages
Listen to stories online – simply go to YouTube and search for “free kids audiobooks” where you’ll find a huge range of stories that kids can listen to – a great way to keep them entertained in the car. Find some here: Kids Stories
There are plenty of free web-based educational games that can teach, engage and stimulate kids senses. Start with these then google and see what else you can find: Kids Games
For more ideas, check out our 10 Fun Things to do with Kids in the Summer Holidays.
Keeping kids entertained during the school holidays requires some planning and creativity. The key is to find activities that are engaging and age-appropriate, while also encouraging them to be active and creative. With these tips, we hop[e you and your kids have a fun and memorable holiday break.
If you’d like to know more about joining our vibrant kid-friendly community or to secure your future at Newenham, contact our Sales Team on 0429 107 497 or email sales@newenham.com.au
Visit our beautifully restored Sales and Information Centre at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker (check the website for open hours) or you can book a personal tour at a time that suits you.
Come and experience this beautiful pocket of the Adelaide Hills for yourself and see why so many people are choosing to call Newenham home.
