The school holidays are just around the corner. This is a great time to relax more and enjoy spending time with your kids. Still, it can be a challenge for parents who want to keep them constantly entertained. Happily, we’ve got a few ideas on how to keep them occupied during the big break.
Take A Hike
The joy of South Africa is that it’s got a treasure trove of natural beauty. While winter holidays don’t exactly lend themselves to the beach, you can still enjoy the great outdoors by wrapping up and hitting a local trail. Just be sure to choose a hike that’s not too challenging for the littlest or least fit member of your group, pack a snack, slap on the sunscreen and don’t forget to take water.
Hang Out With Animals
You don’t have to go on an expensive safari to enjoy spending time with animals. A quick search online will help you find a visitor friendly farm near you or you could pay a visit to your nearest aquarium or animal park. A few examples include Drakenstein Lion Park in Paarl, World of Birds & Monkey Park in Cape Town, Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park in Johannesburg and Holmeleigh Farmyard in Gqeberha.
Bake Something Delicious
Most kids love to bake. It’s a fun way to learn a new skill and the end result of all their hard work is a delicious treat. If the weather isn’t great, use that rainy day to make something delicious that the whole family can enjoy with afternoon tea. Better yet, make a huge batch of rusks. They’re easy to make and can be stored for months in an airtight container to be enjoyed long after the holidays come to an end.
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town
It’s the holidays, so why not do as the holiday makers do? So many people spend their whole lives living in a particular area but never get around to seeing the highlights that attract people from afar. If this is you, now is your time to be tourist in your own town and see the spots that put you on the map, be it Cape Town’s Table Mountain or Gold Reef City in Jozi.
Enjoy A Movie Marathon
Sometimes you just want to lie on the couch and a movie marathon gives you the excuse to do exactly that. To make it into an event, break out the popcorn and choose a bunch of movies the whole family can enjoy. Alternatively, pick a theme or commit to watching a film series from beginning to end. (Top tip: If you’re wanting to make a weekend out of it, Harry Potter’s saga spans a whopping eight films!)
