Creative Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained During the Holidays

Are your children taking up the chorus of “I’m bored!” as you try to keep them entertained while juggling work and chores? If your creative juices have fizzled out, don’t worry! We have compiled a helpful list of ideas to keep your kids entertained during the holidays.

Our blog has everything – engaging indoor crafts, energetic games, opportunities for outdoor exploration, and calm activities to relax the mind. We have taken into consideration expert advice from the NHS and credible child development centres to help you create a holiday activity list your kids will love!

Themed Craft Tables

Create craft stations to keep your kids busy. Get a big basket or a table with drawers and put all the supplies in there. Craft stations allow children access to all the supplies they need to create a particular type of craft. With the supplies handy, they won’t come to you asking about the whereabouts of papers, colours, and paints. They will just busy themselves with making the craft!

Craft station ideas:

• Painting and drawing craft station – Gather coloured pencils, crayons, markers, washable paints, paintbrushes, various types of paper, clipboards or easels, and plastic sheets. Ask your kids to spread the plastic sheet, put their clipboards on top, and get drawing!
• Upcycled arts & crafts station – Assemble different types of glues, tapes, scissors (child-safe), old magazines and newspapers, ribbon scraps, washi tapes, jewels and gems, buttons, empty toilet paper rolls, bottle caps, and any other bits and bobs you find around in the house. Kids can use these supplies to create multimedia art, collages, or other fun project
• Playdough and clay station – Get a big storage box and fill it with store-bought or homemade clay, cookie cutters, rollers, stamps, and plastic exacto knives and cutters. Kids will spend hours creating shapes and scenarios.
• Beading Station – Take a sectioned storage box and add beads of different colours, sizes, and shapes. Add fish wire, hooks, elastic, and kid-safe scissors. Prompt children to make bracelets, necklaces, keychains, etc.

Other craft station ideas are:

• Lego craft station
• Science and STEM craft station
• Sensory bins and nature craft stations

You can create a station for any activity that interests your child. Keep 3 – 4 options so kids can rotate between them without getting bored!

Indoor Games That Burn Some Calories

Obstacle Kids Games for Holidays

Stack up some cushions, line up the chairs, and turn your living room into an epic adventure zone. Time each kid as they dash, hop, and crawl their way through. Give stickers as rewards.

Treasure Hunts

Scatter photo hints all over the house, each one leads the kids to some little goodies. You can go full pirate mode or turn the place into a wild jungle adventure.

Balloon Rackets Fun

You can get a few paper plates that are easily available at home. Tape them to wooden spoons, and your makeshift rackets are ready! Ditch the ball, use a balloon instead.

The Mulberry Bush, a UK-based child development entity, encourages play and social development to nurture children’s development.

Outdoor Fresh Air Kids Holiday Activities

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Visit a local park or garden with grandma and friends. Prepare a scavenger hunt checklist of items like pinecones, smooth pebbles, acorns, and different leaves.

As kids collect each item, encourage them to tell some features about it and foster teamwork.

Mini Olympic Games Style

Some simple ways to keep kids entertained over the holiday break include setting up athletic games. Three-legged race, spoon balancing and hopscotch are some examples.

Reward with homemade medals.

Woodland Walks and Hot Chocolate

Who wouldn’t want to take a stroll in the woods with a cup of hot chocolate? Gather everyone and head to the nearest woodland. Outdoor play is one of the best activities for kids over the holidays.

Screen Time Intervals

Educational Channels to Watch

Limit screen time to one hour and have your kids watch educational programs. BBC Bitesize or National Geographic Kids are two good educational options.

Set Up a Home Theatre

Hire an outdoor cinema package or create a cosy theatre nook indoors to watch a movie. Add a dramatic touch with dimmed lights and popcorn.

Storytime Never Bores Kids

Reading is one of the best kids’ entertainment options during the holidays. You can add audiobooks or animated readings to spark creativity.

Themed Adventures

Pirate-themed Adventure

You can make felt eye patches, make a treasure map, and make your kids explore the garden for hidden items.

Space-themed Fun Activity

Use stargazing software to dream under the stars and build cardboard rockets. Make kids watch kid-friendly animated astronomy movies.

Themed Birthday Party

Birthday parties are always fun. You can hang fairy lights, play some pop music, and set up a food stall. Healthy treats and games keep the day full of vibes.

Calming Kid Activities

Reading nooks

Reading corners or nooks in the house can be an exciting way to engage kids during holidays. Set up a soft lamp, some cushions, blankets, and picture books.

Sensory play bins

Use trays filled with water beads, rice, or beans, and then add scoops and toys for a fun-filled sensory play.

Stretch it out: yoga classes

Let the children imitate stretches by playing a yoga video. Also, try breathing exercises, as physical activity is equally important for kids.

Planning Tips for Kids’ Entertainment During Holidays

• Maintain flexibility and don’t lock yourself into a rigid schedule.
• Adapt to changing needs throughout the day.
• Alternate between indoor and outdoor activities to keep engagement high and minimise fatigue.
• Engage children in planning. When they help select activities, participation and enthusiasm improve.
• Have all necessary materials organised and accessible to ensure swift transitions between tasks.

Finally, schedule regular downtime with quiet spaces so they can recharge.

Family Day Out in Holidays

Change is good, and sometimes it is necessary. You can explore parks, open spaces, and hangouts with kids near you.

1. National trust parks are often free for exploration.
2. Peppa Pig World in Hampshire is a great place for rides and fun.
3. Forest holidays are a nice place for outdoor play.

Conclusion

Keeping kids entertained during holidays is not a walk in the park. You need a good mix of arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor activities, and a little rest time too. Activities like scavenger hunts, walking in the woodland and reading corners are perfect for fun and learning.

For an organised setup, consider hiring furniture from Daniel Lay Event Services to make your activity setups creative. When holiday fun is well planned, you can also have time to take a break or a short nap with your kids.

FAQs

What to take to entertain kids on holiday?

You can pack a bag and put in craft kits, books/audiobooks, compact games, outdoor material, a sunhat, and a water bottle. Use assorted craft materials depending on the activity.

How to entertain an only child on holiday?

Balance is key. Provide opportunities for independent play, like sensory activities, alongside group-orientated play, like family board games.

How can working parents keep their kids entertained during school holidays?

Benefit from local daycare programs and holiday clubs. Balance structured activities like park visits, swimming sessions, or short family trips with a flexible work schedule. On off days, parents can plan engaging at-home activities.

Where is a good place to take kids on holiday?

Luckily, the UK has several family-friendly spots to take kids on holiday. These include nature parks, amusement parks, museums, coastlines, national trust sites, and family parks.