This week’s Smart Reads are all about school holidays. The type that don’t involve travel but DO INVOLVE trying to think of copious activities to keep your kids having fun. Some do cost money but many don’t. There’s something for everyone!
Happy reading!
AT HOME
Staying at home during the holidays can be a bit messy. My theory is that I just have to ‘give up’ keeping the house semi tidy and just go with the flow. It’s only for a couple of weeks and then it goes back to some sort of resemblance ‘former glory’. Your home is bigger and has more play opportunities than you think. Have a read through these ideas and feel inspired rather than be full of dread. I particularly like the pillow idea from Learning 4 Kids. My kids once made a slide using the cushions off the couch and a spare foam mattress we have for sleepovers. They rolled down it for hours! So much fun. I even had a few goes!!
Play today: a mosiac of outdoor play
Encouraging childhood creativity at home
20 fun free holiday activities
OUT AND ABOUT
In Winter it can be so tempting to just stay inside in the warm coziness of your home. However, by about day 3 of the holidays this usually turns a bit sour in our home. We all love just hanging about and doing stuff at home BUT there comes a time when the walls start creeping in and we just need to get out and about. I tend to plan for these outings. That way, not only do we have something to look forward to, but we can pace ourselves financially and balance the free play with set activities. There are SO many ideas, many of which are free. Check out your local newspaper, city council and library – they usually have a great selection. In the meantime try this…
Kidspot – for loads of paid and free activities (just type in your closest capital city) and you’ll find art, dance, museums, sports, drama, rangers to name just a few…
MELBOURNE ONLY
I know this is a little biased but until our community spreads its wings a little further, most of our friends are Melbourne based. So here are few extras for you. Activities like these can be found at Kidspot if you’re not in Melbourne so don’t feel like you’re missing out!
Little Melbourne – something for everyone
Federation Square – loads of performances and activities
Affordable dance workshops – creative dance opportunities in outer Melbourne
National Gallery Victoria – trails and activities galour
National Sports Museum – McDonalds Holiday Allstars Programme has Olympic themed activities
HAPPY HOLIDAYS 
For more intentional reading, try one of our blogs. The categories and search functions on the right will help navigate your way around. Thanks for stopping by
Great list!! It really helps to have some great ideas handy for when the kids have the i’m bored moments. Thankyou for including me amongst your list!
My pleasure. With so many great ideas out there it’s a shame not to share them. Thanks!