The Summer Holidays are upon us. We (especially the kids) look forward to a break from routine and a more relaxed schedule but 6 or more weeks can be, well, let’s say challenging?
We dream of long, balmy days, with smiley kids and lots of fun but we all know the reality.
Feel daunted?
Wondering how you’re all going to survive?
Just having some kind of structure to the day and keeping the kids busy will work!
Ok, so it’s never going to be perfect but with a little planning you’ll have a happy household and the weeks will fly by.
We can help by providing family picnic hampers for days out. But let us also suggest 5 fun ways to entertain them that involve creativity, physical activity and socialising which are all important for our kids’ development.
1. Hold a Scavenger Hunt
This is a great activity as it can be done inside or outside. Kids have to find items according to a theme that you’ve decided and tick them off their list. So, for example, they might have to find objects beginning with ‘B’ or objects that are red.
You might decide on a nature hunt so they look for certain bugs or leaves.
You can even do it on journeys. Looking for certain cars, lorries, animals, signs.
The list is endless, you can do it over and over again and it can be adapted to suit all ages.
Or - make up your own or buy Scavenger games online.
A simpler version, but just as entertaining, is the old-fashioned ‘hunt the thimble’- where you hide an object in a room or garden and let the kids find it. Be prepared for mess though as they ransack the place!
2. Plan a 'Water Day'
Giving yourselves a ‘theme’ for the day helps keep focus. Try a water- themed day. Suitable for all ages from toddlers up.
Head to the coast or stay close to home. Yes, it’s more weather dependent but kids don’t tend to worry too much about that. Paddling pools, buckets, water toys -all so much fun. Beach games are great for older kids and adults (cricket, volleyball, rounders etc) and you really don’t need wall to wall sunshine.
Add in a picnic hamper for the perfect day! Kids love them and it saves having to queue at busy cafes.
Find our family hampers here.
3. Get Them Baking
Good old-fashioned baking. A great way to keep kids busy and interacting – it seems the best conversations with kids are when you’re doing things together. Let them have fun mixing and scraping out the bowl then decorating and eating.
Adapt the recipes for different ages – think along the lines of chocolate crispy cakes, fairy cakes or simply decorating gingerbread biscuits for the youngest.
Be prepared for lots of mess – so plenty of patience needed!
Creative and timeless.
4. Plan a Places of Interest Day
Castles, museums, cathedrals, stately homes, zoos, libraries- a fantastic way to spend a full day. Most of these are geared up for families and hold special events during the summer holidays.
And many have great gardens and playgrounds- making them suitable for all ages, those interested in history, in animals, the very active kids and everyone in between.
Most have cafes that are great for kids or consider taking a picnic.
5. Hold a Murder Mystery
Fancy dress –have a particular theme or favourite characters. Kids, especially younger ones, love dressing up and will play for hours.
Easy food works well for a day like this. Kids love grazing, it’s fun.
Sandwiches, wraps, breadsticks, crisps, sausages, cheese, raw chopped veg and fruit, muffins, ice lollies and ice creams. Minimal crockery and cutlery needed when you keep it simple.
After a busy day, snuggle the tired kids down with cushions, blankets and popcorn and enjoy the film.
Sleepover? Kids love em, adults not quite as much, so as we say, optional!
Days out with the kids take some planning and organising which all takes time.
Kids have energy which needs fueling. Having the right food is important for a fun and memorable day. If you need a little help, take a look at our great range of hampers specially created with families in mind and suitable for indoor and outdoor dining.
Picnic hampers, staycation hampers, tuck box hampers…. we have something for everyone including those on special diets.
Enjoyed this blog about how to keep the kids entertained this summer? Join our BHC Membership to keep updated on further blogs and offers on family gift hampers!
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