Device-free activities for the holidays

As we head into the school holidays, we take a look at some top tips to keep your boys busy, happy and off their devices.

Puzzles
An oldie but a goodie, you can often pick up puzzles from the local Opp shop. Why not get a few and have a competition to see who in the family can finish theirs first?

Treasure hunt
For younger children, this is always a fun way to spend some time. Parents can hide small items around the house and garden for the kids to find or leave written clues with each clue directing them to the next hidden clue.

Cooking competition
A great way to get kids interested in the kitchen! Have a bake-off where each child makes something and family, friends or neighbours judge the winner or pick a night each week when the kids cook (or help to cook) dinner for the family.

Try origami
While technically you may need to use a device to look up some patterns, origami is a brilliant way to improve fine motor skills and concentration – not to mention the ability to follow instructions.  There are lots of great websites with projects to suit all age ranges. 

Bedroom makeover
Let your son redesign his room (using furniture that’s already in there). Just moving the position of his bed can create a whole new feel and make it more fun to spend time in there. 

Painting and drawing
Have your son create some wall art for his bedroom or a specific spot in the house. Putting the artwork into a frame can help instill a sense of pride in the work. If you don’t have a spare frame in the house, the Opp shop is a great place to pick up inexpensive frames.

Learn a new language
While this might seem a bit ambitious, learning a few key phrases in another language can be a bit of fun. Select your language and try to greet each other, say thank you and of course goodnight in that language for the duration of the holidays.

Start a holiday journal
Encouraging your son to write a little summary for each day of his holidays is not only great for his writing and storytelling skills, but encourages him to look back on the day and think a little more deeply about what he enjoyed or what he’d like to do differently tomorrow. It’s also a lovely thing to look back on when he’s older. 

Chalk drawing
Creating a colourful world on the footpath in front of your home is a rite of passage for many kids. It’s a great way to get the kids outside and to think big.  Artwork can include imaginary animals, dream house floor plans or funny poems and jokes for people passing to enjoy. Giant chalk is often available at office supply shops and newsagents.

Camping
If you own a tent or can borrow one from a friend, setting up camp in the back garden is a fun way to spend a night (or day if the kids are not keen on a night outside). If you have a trampoline, draping sheets over the safety net can create an outdoor room for a fun overnight sleepout.

Have fun and enjoy the holidays!

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School