Budget-Friendly, Screen-Free School Holiday Activities
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The school holidays are here, and if you’ve read my earlier post on school holiday activities, you’ll know how much I value time away from screens for my kids. With the rising cost of living, I’m more determined than ever to create meaningful, budget-friendly experiences that foster creativity and independence.
While technology is an essential part of our lives, I believe it's important to carve out time for kids to enjoy the simple joys of life—whether that’s a DIY craft session, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying some quiet time with a good book. I find it interesting to compare these new ideas, inspired by the twins with those from 2021 where the girls inspired me;
Planting Seeds in the Garden: A Green Thumb for the Holidays
One of the first activities we've tackled is planting seeds in the garden. With the boys' interest in getting their hands dirty, we decided to try growing rocket, and to our delight, the seedlings sprouted in just two days! There's something so magical about watching something grow from scratch, and it's a wonderful way to introduce kids to the concept of patience and care. I’ll admit, though—I’m not sure how they’ll feel about eating the rocket once it's ready! But that’s part of the fun—growing something together and exploring new tastes.
For those without a garden, don’t worry—planting seeds in a small pot on the windowsill is just as rewarding! It’s a great way to bring a bit of nature indoors and still experience the excitement of watching seeds grow into plants. Whether you have a backyard or just a sunny spot by the window, gardening is a fun and low-cost way to get kids involved in nature.
Kinetic Sand: The Perfect Balance of Fun and (Somewhat) Tidy Sensory Play
Another activity that’s been a hit with the boys is kinetic sand. Yes, it can be a little messy, but it’s nothing compared to some of the other sensory play options out there. The soft, moldable sand provides endless hours of creative play, from building castles to shaping imaginary landscapes. And while I do have to remind them to clean up afterward, it’s well worth the fun and learning moments it brings. Kinetic sand is an excellent way to engage their fine motor skills and imagination—without the mess of traditional sand play!
Learning Time with Pre-School Textbooks and Wipeable Books
Now, I know this one might sound a bit "teacher-ish," but I have to say, the boys have absolutely love our short half-hour learning sessions using preschool textbooks and wipeable books. These activities have been a surprising hit, especially as we focus on counting, matching, and identifying beginning letters. Even though learning numbers and letters might not seem as exciting as other activities, it’s been wonderful to see them so engaged.
My boys are a bit more reluctant when it comes to writing compared to their older sisters at this age, so these books have also been a great way to help them get more comfortable with their pencil grip. It’s a gentle way to introduce learning without the pressure, and I can see their confidence growing each day!
Heading Outdoors for Any Nature Opportunity
When the weather permits, we love heading outdoors for any opportunity to connect with nature. Whether it’s a local walking trail, play by the riverside or simply exploring the backyard, time spent in nature is always a win. The boys love collecting leaves and rocks, examining bugs, or just running around and enjoying the fresh air. These activities are perfect for burning energy, discovering new things, and encouraging a sense of wonder about the world around them. It’s a free and simple way to engage the kids, encourage them to be active, and give them the chance to explore.
Making Food: Simple Cooking Projects That Serve a Purpose
One of the easiest and most rewarding activities has been getting the boys involved in making food. While cooking a whole cake might be too much for us right now, simple meals like scrambled eggs or smoothies are much more manageable and just as fun. Not only do the boys enjoy the process of cracking eggs, stirring, or choosing smoothie ingredients, but it also serves a practical purpose—we’re preparing a meal together! The Nutri-bullet has been getting a real work out these holidays so far! It’s a great way to teach them basic cooking skills and help them feel more independent. Plus, it’s always a bonus when the activity ends with a tasty snack or meal!
Simple, Screen-Free Fun for the Holidays
The school holidays don’t have to be expensive or full of screen time to be memorable. By focusing on activities like planting seeds, playing with kinetic sand, engaging in simple learning exercises, exploring nature, and cooking together, we can create fun and enriching experiences that are both budget-friendly and rewarding. These activities not only keep the boys entertained but also encourage creativity, independence, and new skills. It’s all about making the most of the time we have together and fostering an environment where both learning and play can thrive. So, as the holidays continue, we’ll keep finding ways to enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories—without the screens!
