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Parent24 : Travel : Fun during the school holidays…

Fun during the school holidays…

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Don't dread the school holidays! These quirky but fun-filled suggestions should help you beat the boredom...

Ulpha Edries

Pic: Getty Images

Article originally in GoTravel24

Earn some cash…
Usually, doing chores can be a mundane task…well not necessarily if cash is at hand. Instead of making the chores a battle with your kids, pay them to do it. It will ensure their rooms are always tidy, while teaching them responsibility at the time.

Help the environment…
Nothing beats getting involved with nature. Take to places such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where they can learn more about the ecology and biomes and what they can do to save it. Check you local community halls and newspapers for other nature-induced activities in your area. Finding natural fun is easy for you and your kids.

Jamie Oliver, look out!
Ever realise that you could have a young Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson in the making? Together with Food24, you and your child can make boring times in the kitchen, fun times. There are lots of fun child-friendly recipes - try a new one every day of the holidays.

Ice-skating galore…
Rollerblading was so yesterday…the Ice Station at the Grandwest will keep adults and children entertained for hours. There are ice shows, ice hockey championships and their famous late-night party sessions (but this would be past their bedtimes). The best part is that you don’t actually have to be able to skate. They will teach you. The added bonus of the Ice Station is that they cater for the school holidays with their prices and schedules.

Release that warrior…
Paintball shooting is not for the faint-hearted. This adrenaline soldier type activity is for the older kids and will keep them entertained for ages. With various places offering this activity across South Africa, like Action Paintball Games in Cape Town, Paintball Games in Jo’burg, Wargames in Durban, it is fast becoming a well-recognized activity.

To be…or not to be…that is the question…
Most kids have vivid imaginations and are dramatic by nature. Why not allow them to put that imaginations, and vast amounts of energy to good use. Put on a show. Let them create and have all their friends get involved as well. From tickets, to popcorn, your children will appreciate your input. You can also help by creating a stage with curtains and all.

At the movies…
Talking about theatre, why not create one at home. Hire lots of DVDs and let your kids be entertained for hours. But don’t let them sit for too long because too much television is also no good.

Mini Olympics…
Go to the park or your backyard with some sports equipment such as a soft ball, skipping rope, and whatever else you can find. Take turns to challenge each other to games, and keep score. Organise simple races between the children, for example weaving in and out of trees along a certain length of the park. Other things such as a sack race, hopping race, a three-legged race or an obstacle race can really be fun, especially if more kids are involved. But just remember that if there's a wide age gap you can give the younger children a head start. Don’t forget the trophies!

Get knowledgeable…
We know that school’s out and the last thing kids would want would be to go to the library or the museum. But be different. Show the Maritime museum and the many other great historical places that we have that is not just a boring history lesson.

Get cultural…
Because South Africa has so many cultures learning about them will broaden young minds. Visit the Ndebele Cultural Village. It's one of our country's most cherished cultural sites and allows you to journey through four periods of settlement of indigenous people, starting in the late Stone Age.

There really is no excuse for the holidays to be a bore!

For info on the best family travel deals available, visit GoTravel24.com