Making the Most of the School Holidays

The summer break is a time for families to spend quality time together. But it can also throw up a few challenges. Getting the best from this time of year often means putting together the right plan – one that’s flexible enough to cope with unpredictable British weather, and rigid enough to provide some routine and structure.

Tap into free or low-cost local events

Finding ways to entertain the kids during summer can often be costly. The price of accommodation in a holiday resort, for example, will escalate dramatically the moment school breaks up.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the wealth of affordable or free, activities and events that might be taking place in your vicinity. This might mean trips to public parks or family events funded by councils. Just remember to budget for hidden costs, like parking and food.

Build a varied activity routine to beat boredom

After a few weeks away from school, it’s easy for children to feel bored. This is a gap that can be filled by video games, movies, and digital devices in general. But if you want to keep things healthy, and keep the kids outdoors for at least some of the time, you might provide structure in the form of outings to museums, leisure centres, and woodland trails. You might also make time every week (or every day) for activities like crafts, music, and storytelling.

Plan one special shared holiday—domestic or abroad

Of course, summer is a time for family holidays, as well as short excursions. You’ll only get so many of these, and thus it’s worth making sure that you get the best possible value from them.

Your holiday might be shaped by your preferences and budget. At the same time, it’s worth experimenting occasionally to see whether your family takes a liking to a certain kind of holiday. More adventurous families, for example, might enjoy last-minute ski holidays that allow you to learn a new skill whilst exploring the slopes.

In the UK, staycations have proven particularly popular in recent years, thanks to their flexibility and affordability. If you’d prefer to go abroad, you might involve the kids in the planning stages. They can help choose a resort – even if that just means expressing a preference when it comes to activities.

Create mini rituals and memory triggers at home

Your family rituals will help you and your children to forge a sense of belonging, and create memories that might be treasured for decades. These rituals might include themed dinners, scavenger hunts, or decorating sessions. In this sense, they can create a sense of fun and adventure, without you having to leave the house!