By CAITLIN RAMSAY
Twenty things to do these summer holidays
Summer holidays are the one thing young kids and teenagers look forward to for the entire school year, but for some parents it can be a battle with boredom and having literally too much time and so little to entertain their children with.
Whilst teenagers tend to find their own path, younger kids could be different.
So here is a list of 20 great and budget friendly ideas to entertain everyone these holidays!
1. Slip and slide
Possibly one of my all-time favourite things to do during summer as a kid and the best part is you don’t even need to buy one from the toy store. Just grab a long piece of tarp, a hose and lots of washing detergent. If you need some more help, just look online for some DIY slip and slides.
2. Fruity icy poles
It’s set to be a very hot summer this year so why not prepare by making some healthy smoothies and freezing them! It’s a great idea to keep kids busy and healthy! There are so many different recipes to choose from but a favourite combination is banana, honey, cinnamon, milk and some yoghurt!
3. Family picnic
Grab a rug, some homemade sandwiches and lemonade and head on down to your favourite park or beach and enjoy the day with the whole family.
4. Visit a market
There are plenty of fruit, farmers and antique markets on in the Geelong Region. For more information on these and specific dates and times check out intown.com.au which will give a list of markets.
5. Make homemade pizzas
On a cool summer’s night, heat up the oven or grill and get the kids cooking with homemade pizzas that taste 100 per cent better than the bought ones. Ditch the traditional margherita and let your kids’ imagination run wild!
6. Lemonade stand
Pick or buy some fresh lemons and other fruits and make some traditional lemonade and fruit juices! Invite over friends and make some signs to advertise, maybe even donating the money to a charity!
7. Gardening
Find a free space in the front or backyard reserved just for kids’ antics. There are cheap seeds or saplings at local hardware stores or nurseries and just show kids the basics. They can then plant and dig away in the beautiful sunshine while you sit back and relax.
8. Beach day
A pretty obvious must for summer, but plan ahead and make a day of it. Invite friends and bring lunch and dinner! Maybe even some fruity icy poles for afterwards a day of guaranteed fun for everyone.
9. Bike ride
Pick a mild day, one that’s not too hot and ride through a local park. Make sure to pack water, sunscreen and some snacks!
10. DIY shoe designs
Buy some white canvas shoes and some fabric paint pens or sponges. Let your kids make their own with all sorts of colours and designs that they can wear with pride.
11. Friendship bracelets
Head to a local craft store and buy some embroidery thread or a friendship bracelet kit and look up some designs online or make your own.
12. Help set up a small business
I know that as a kid I was a bit of an ambitious entrepreneur. I had a cupcake business (failed), newspaper business (failed) and a hair bow business (successful). Get your kids to do the same, hand out flyers to your closest neighbours. Some ideas could be dog walking, baking or garden minding. A great way to earn some pocket money!
13. Outdoor theatre
As a kid I was quite the actor and I would always get together with friends and create plays and then present them to my parents and their friends. Pull out the dress ups and some cardboard and create a set and script. The kids will surprise you with their creativity.
14. Outdoor concert
This makes for a fun night with family and friends. Invite your kids’ friends families over and set up the stereo and barbeque. Maybe even some lanterns for decoration.
15. Photography challenge
Grab your phone/camera and a list of things to find and take photos of such as flowers, colours and foods. Try and complete the list with kids in most of the photos (and you too).
16. Invest in a hammock
Probably one of the most comfortable things to read in, sleep in and relax in. It’s even better that they’re portable but on a beautiful day it’s like heaven.
17. Head to a museum or art gallery
Find a gallery or museum with free or gold coin admission and admire the works on offer. Play a fun game of what’s in this painting and come up with as many ideas as possible.
18. Write letters or postcards
Remember that old friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in ages? Get your kids to help you write to them! An old fashioned hello will be greatly appreciated. If you have any overseas family, send them some photos of the kids or your house!
19. Play some board games
Pull out the Pictionary and Scrabble because it’s a beautiful day to play a board game. If it’s sunny take it outside! Maybe even invest in a new board game!
20. Create the ultimate summer playlist
Collect a list of the greatest and latest songs that the whole family love and burn onto a CD to listen to in years to come, so you will always remember that summer in 2015!
