No reason for bored kids in summer!
David Ahern
David is the editor of The Majellan
How often do you hear children complain they have nothing to do? Even in this day-and-age of technology overload with iPads, smartphones and computers, some youngsters like to push the envelope with mum and dad.
It’s though every generation believes it’s their rite of passage to express dissatisfaction with the number of holiday activities on offer. The words, “I’m bored” are enough to make even the calmest parent want to pull out their hair and scream! But in reality, there’s no shortage of things to do. From organising games in the backyard with other siblings to searching local government websites for free events — holiday time should never be boring!
A lack of thought and creativity are the only obstacles to having family fun time. Every room in the house is potentially a games’ ‘treasure trove’, starting with the kitchen where would-be Jamie Oliver’s can cook up a storm. Biscuits and cupcakes are a favourite, especially with the young and a myriad of recipes are easily accessible on the web. Depending on the age of the child, adult supervision may be needed unless you want a kitchen floor resembling a snow-covered Swiss village.
It almost goes without saying that the TV room — long a fortress for holding children’s undivided attention — still has much to offer. From watching the latest DVD or playing games, such as FIFA, football and cricket, TV is a great entertainer, especially if the weather is on the nose and outdoor activity is limited! Summer can toss up the odd wet and cool day.
But it’s not all about electronics and modern technology! There are card games, like Snap, Go Fish, Gin Rummy and poker and perennial favourites like Monopoly, Cluedo, Pictionary, Scrabble, Mouse Trap, Snakes and Ladders, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, Chess and Chinese Checkers. And if you want to keep it really simple — and with the only requirement being a pen and paper —noughts and crosses, hangman and battleships have entertained countless generations.
Other inside pursuits include Lego, jigsaw puzzles and finger painting while for more physical exertion outside there’s backyard cricket, soccer, chasey (get the next-door neighbours involved), hidey, hopscotch, Frisbees, and skipping rope.
So, while new technology may seem to be all the rage with the young, it’s nice to know some of the old games are still providing amusement in the 21st century.
More fun activities
- Arts and crafts, including origami
- Dress up costumes
- Colouring in books
- Science experiments
- Build a cubbyhouse
- Treasure hunt in the backyard
- Visit the zoo, museum or botanical gardens
- Have a picnic in the park
- Go for a ride on your bike
- Play mini golf
- Take a train or bus and visit somewhere new
- Visit a park or playground
- Go ten pin bowling
- Hold a theme day with friends, e.g., pirates, princesses, fairies or animals
- Go Ice-skating or roller-skating
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