For most parents, summer vacation means making elaborate plans to keep their children happy and entertained. However, things are so costly these days that you end up spending a fortune in the name of children’s entertainment. Here are some ideas that will create lifetime memories for your child without spending a fortune.
Build a birdbath
If you feel thirsty in the summer, so do the birds! Making a birdbath is a fun activity to do with your child, not to mention the pleasure of watching the birds themselves have a bit of fun, quenching their thirst. All you need is a flat pot with water. Set the birdbath up in a quiet corner in your garden and, together with your child, watch the birds come one by one. Magpies, then the mynas, common treepies, white-headed babblers, small green barbets and the flameback woodpeckers are usual visitors. Give your child the responsibility of changing the water in the birdbath every couple of days.
Watch old classics
It’s never too early to introduce your child to old classics. When introducing your children to movies, try to start with recent films and work backwards.
Kitchen time
Put on your aprons and teach your kids how to prepare a simple salad or how to bake a cookie. It comes with an edible reward.
Children’s books
Take children to the library and let them choose what they would like to read. Even though children may be reading well on their own, parents should continue reading aloud. Reading aloud also offers opportunities to introduce children to books they might not discover on their own, such as classics and non-fiction.
Build a sandcastle
Days at the beach are always fun and while you are at the beach, splash around in water, look for seashells and, most importantly, build a sandcastle. To build a sandcastle, you need to work together to design your castle and plan the décor. Don’t forget to carry a camera to capture the moments and, of course, your masterpiece.
Arts and crafts
Paint a picture together, make paper cranes, thread a needle and do some cross stitch patterns… Crafts are a great past time and an educational tool for kids. It not only keeps the kids entertained but also fine tunes the child’s fine motor skills, help them develop concepts such as
colour and numbers, helps them explore their creativity and more.
Gardening
Gardening helps children build an understanding and respect of our environment. Let your child choose the plant they would like to grow be it flower or vegetation. Plant the seed in a pot and remind him/her to water the plant daily. She will have the pleasure of learning about how things grow, the cycles of nature and the cycles of life.
Discover your neighbourhood
Introduce your child to the nooks and corners of your neighbourhood so that they are familiar with the places and neighbours and won’t get lost if you ask them to pick up groceries from that corner store. You can also attend walks like Tree walk and Heritage walk, so that they will learn to appreciate the city, its culture and its flora.
Play games
Summer is the perfect time to get your child outdoors. However, getting them outside isn’t easy when so many electronic options beckon indoors.
Instead of them turning into couch potatoes, encourage them to move outdoors with games. Throw ball, shoot hoops, play hopscotch, go swimming…
Board games
Kids enjoy playing and board games are opportunities for families to play together. Most board games are a good way to learn through fun.
How about Monopoly to teach children to handle money or Scrabble, which will help develop the vocabulary? Board games also teach children to wait for their turn, patience, and how to be a good sport.
Picnic
Going on a picnic is a great outdoor activity and so much fun for the kids. Pack a basket full of goodies and head to one of the parks in town or to the beach. Carry a towel to lounge on and for entertainment, bring a few books, a ball to throw around or a Frisbee.
Household chores
Inculcate responsibility in your child by encouraging them to pitch in the house work.
