I don’t know about you, but I am starting to feel a little daunted by the upcoming school holidays, so I have put together some ways to survive school holidays so we can be ready to embrace the chaos that comes with school holidays.
The key to juggling everything is to plan! For example, do you have to work certain days, do you have to attend any appointments?
Plan everything, such as days out and playdates and holiday activities.
I recommend holding a family meeting and even let the children get involved. This will allow them to give their opinion on anything that they may like to do or anywhere they would like to go.
Cut the cost of childcare by joining forces with other families from school, share the childcare by taking it in turns and remember to plan who has the children on what days.
Many different holiday camps run during the school holidays, ½ day or full days. Over the years, my girls have had pony days, Gymnastic days, outdoor adventure and craft days. In addition, you can find after school and holiday clubs in your area here.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun! When looking for days out, look at your local radio stations and local newspapers for some discount vouchers.
This summer, I am planning a trip to Flamingo Land Resort for my family. I have found the ½ price family tickets on Stray FM and also on Yorkshire Coast Radio.
These sell out fast, but you can see on the website the dates and times they are available.
Over the years, I have found with my children that keeping them busy and sticking to as much of a routine as possible has been the key.
Change 4LIfe has teamed up with Disney this summer to keep children active with their 10-minute shake up games; these games are an excellent idea for when you need a few minutes to prepare dinner or put the laundry on.
Playdates in the park can be even more fun with a game of Capture the flag.
Rudding Park in Harrogate has a beautiful outdoor heated pool with a children's paddling pool which is open to the public. (You need to call them to book a time slot)
A day trip to the seaside made even more fun for all those little explorers by looking for fossils across the Jurassic Coast.
The Primary Times is a handy website. Primary school-aged children often bring a copy of this magazine home. It is usually full of fun ideas and lots of information on any activities in the local area.
Be sure to check out your local church; they often hold Messy play sessions for younger children. Also, you can have a look at the Messy Church directory here.
The summer reading challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays; you can sign up at your local library for free. The challenge encourages children to read six books of their choice to complete the challenge. There are also lots of activities and competitions on the reading challenge website. Click here
Check out these ten free places to visit in North Yorkshire
Check out these ten fun summer holiday activities
Check out these easy party food ideas, which are also great for playdates.
Really great tips! If we don't plan things the wheels fall off the track fast!
These are such great ideas, my aunt would love them because it's tough with the kids at home and summer camp is very expensive
OH MY GOODNESS! Yes! summer break can get expensive quick! its def helpful to plan in advance! i've actually got a summer bucket list over on my blog with 101 cheap/free things to do with kids this summer. I'm all about the savings LOL
These are such great ideas, my aunt would love them because it's tough with the kids at home and summer camp is very expensive
Love the 6 week reading challenge idea! We personally, utilize the city pool and make such a great use of it, plus it's fairly inexpensive.
Oh, I SO AGREE about the INSANE expenses that happen!
The reading challenge is a really good idea! Anything to keep my kids off of their electronics,which is where they spend most of their free time.
These are some fun ways. I normally prefer drawing and quizzes with kids. They are fun and learning experience.
Perfect tips as school will start soon, and it can be expensive.
Your ideas are superb, with this surviving holidays is so easy.
You are 100%! Planning is the best way to avoid the Mom/Dad we're bored, last-minute impulse, suck your wallet dry, what are we gonna do today, last minute, oh what the heck expenses. Great points, great suggestions
Great tips. This is worth sharing.
These are some awesome tips for planning to spend time with your kids!
I agree, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun. But you have to plan things out carefully specially when $$$ is involved. It can be challenging but if you do your research you can save a lot. I'd opt for the reading challenge. Thanks for the recommendations!
Especially planning ahead is key to not having to spend a fortune!
I must say kids nowadays just need a tablet and wifi, that is not an expensive hobby unless you have a shopaholic of a child.
I must say kids nowadays just need a tablet and wifi, that is not an expensive hobby unless you have a shopaholic of a child.
My cousin's son has summer holidays now and they were worried about how to make it better. Will pass this info!
The reading challenge is a really good idea! Anything to keep my kids off of their electronics,which is where they spend most of their free time.
OH MY GOODNESS! Yes! summer break can get expensive quick! its def helpful to plan in advance! i've actually got a summer bucket list over on my blog with 101 cheap/free things to do with kids this summer. I'm all about the savings LOL
Especially planning ahead is key to not having to spend a fortune!
These are some awesome tips for planning to spend time with your kids!
Your ideas are superb, with this surviving holidays is so easy.
Really great tips! If we don't plan things the wheels fall off the track fast!
Oh, I SO AGREE about the INSANE expenses that happen!
Great tips. This is worth sharing.
Perfect tips as school will start soon, and it can be expensive.
Love the 6 week reading challenge idea! We personally, utilize the city pool and make such a great use of it, plus it's fairly inexpensive.
You are 100%! Planning is the best way to avoid the Mom/Dad we're bored, last-minute impulse, suck your wallet dry, what are we gonna do today, last minute, oh what the heck expenses. Great points, great suggestions
These are some fun ways. I normally prefer drawing and quizzes with kids. They are fun and learning experience.
My cousin's son has summer holidays now and they were worried about how to make it better. Will pass this info!
I agree, you don't have to spend a fortune to have fun. But you have to plan things out carefully specially when $$$ is involved. It can be challenging but if you do your research you can save a lot. I'd opt for the reading challenge. Thanks for the recommendations!