School holidays don’t always look like packed calendars, big outings, or expensive activities. Sometimes they look like a child who’s overwhelmed, a plan that fell through, a tight budget, or a day where getting out the door just feels too hard.
And that’s okay.
Sometimes a low-key, restful holiday is exactly what the family needs to recharge, regulate and prepare for the next school term ahead. It can also give kids opportunities to explore and create, free of big outings with noise, crowds, and transitions that can end up being too much for everyone!
Here are some flexible, low-pressure ideas for what to do when staying home is the best option.
Download these activity sheets as a back up plan or to combat the “I’m boreds”! Each contain a range of activities and ideas for children to try at home – both independently and with a little help.
Here’s some inspiration for ideas to keep everyone occupied at home during the holidays, including a mix of supervised activities and independent play.
Pick a movie, grab a snack! Go all out and dress up, either in fancy clothes or in the theme of the movie.
All you need are some chairs, blankets and pillows to create a space for imagination and play!
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that behaves like both a liquid and a solid depending on pressure. Just mix roughly 2 parts cornflour to 1 part water and stir until it feels solid when pressed, liquid when relaxed.
At night or in a dark room, use torches or glow sticks to create a fun glow in the dark experience!
Always a favourite! Fill the cupboard with some holiday snacks and entertain the kids at the same time.
Items like water, rice, or playdough, placed in a tray can be a great invitation for sensory play. Repetitive activities like pouring, sorting, and mixing can be a great option to support emotional regulation.
Choose snacks, set up a picnic (inside or outside), and enjoy your own special mealtime.
Create an outfit using things from around the house and do a mini fashion show.
Make up your own game and teach it to someone else.
Put random objects in a box and guess what they are by touch only.
Puzzles can be a great way to connect with kids and give them some down time. Set up a table and complete gradually over the holidays.
Mix glue + baking soda + contact solution to create stretchy slime you can play with again and again.
Make salt dough using 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup table salt and 1 cup warm water. Mix and knead the dough, then shape it and let it dry to create decorations or keepsakes.
Start with simple games like Snap or Go Fish – or for older kids, teach games they can play independently like solitaire.
Use flour, salt, cream or tartar, water and oil to make your own dough – add colour or glitter for fun.
Great for older kids – research and practice magic card tricks to wow friends and family.
The OzChild village have a wealth of knowledge – we’d love you to share! If you’ve got some other great tips for keeping kids entertained at home – let us know by email and help other families make the most of the holidays too!
Email UsThe Raising Queensland report, and the recent Commission of Inquiry into the child protection system, point to the same conclusion: when families are supported earlier, and systems work together, fewer children reach crisis in the first place.
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