School Holidays with the Kids: Outdoor Activities to Keep Them Engaged this summer
As the school holidays approach, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about how to keep your kids entertained. Here are some fantastic outdoor activities to help you make the most of the break:
Den Building
Den building is a timeless and engaging activity that sparks creativity and teamwork. Whether in your local woods or your living room, gather materials like blankets, sticks, and chairs, and let your kids' imaginations run wild. Enhance the experience with a picnic inside their newly built den, turning it into a cozy adventure spot. The thing that we’ve observed about den building is that one the den is built, the fun isn’t over – they then tend to use that as a base for the rest of the day for their adventures and play.
Get outside
Of course we would say this, right? Getting outside for a walk or a play session is simple, free, and beneficial for both mind and body. Local parks, nature trails, and even your backyard can offer a refreshing change of scenery. There are some beautiful free areas around the Surrey and Hampshire countryside to keep you exploring for days.
Attend Local Events
Check out local libraries, museums, wildlife trusts, and community centers for special events during the holidays. Many places offer low-cost or free activities designed to entertain and educate children. Check out your local Facebook page for your area, have a look online at some of the organisations mentioned above, ask your friends – there’s bound to be some fun things going on around you that you can tap into!
Enroll in Holiday Camps
If you need childcare while you work, consider enrolling your kids in holiday clubs like the ones offered at Hidden Valley Grayshott. These clubs provide a variety of outdoor activities, from forest school sessions to bushcraft skills, ensuring your kids have a blast while learning and making new friends. No two sessions look the same but we can guarantee that your little ones will have a fantastic time exploring our awesome woodland site, making new friends, playing games and getting involved in all manner of Forest School activities from fire lighting to outdoor crafts to marshmallows round the campfire and so much more!
Embrace a Cozy Day at Home
Not every day needs to be filled with activities. Sometimes, a relaxing day at home is just what everyone needs. Drag the duvets to the sofa, make some popcorn, and enjoy movies or board games together. These restful days can be a wonderful way to bond and recharge, especially when the weather doesn’t play ball. We live such busy over scheduled lives, sometimes allowing ourselves some time to rest and do nothing, is the best gift we could give to ourselves and our kids.
More Outdoor Activities to Consider:
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in your local park or garden, such as different leaves, flowers, or rocks.
Bug Hunting: Equip your kids with magnifying glasses and guidebooks to identify various insects.
Outdoor Art Projects: Use natural materials to create art, such as leaf rubbings, stick sculptures, or rock painting.
Gardening: Involve your kids in planting flowers or vegetables, teaching them about nature and responsibility.
Outdoor Sports: Organize a friendly game of football, frisbee, or badminton in a nearby park.
These activities not only keep kids entertained but also help them develop a love for nature, creativity, and physical fitness. Enjoy the holidays and make lasting memories with your little ones!
For more information on our holiday clubs and activities, visit Hidden Valley Grayshott.
