With the long Labour Day weekend coming up in a couple of days, Melbourne mums might be wondering what to do to keep the little ones entertained for one day longer than usual. Long weekends are the perfect time to get creative with your ideas, and do things you don’t normally get around to doing due to the busy nature of school and work. So here are some tips to get you started for any long weekend where you’re struggling for ideas to keep your kids entertained.
Play & Educate Simultaneously
It’s always a good idea to think of games that will educate your children while they are having fun. This reinforces the idea in their head that learning is fun, rather than a bore. Jane Wilson, a full-time Melbourne mother who also runs the personal blog Modern Housewives, shares how she does this with her daughter:
“I have a young daughter called Emily, and I do my best to make sure she is never bored, and that everything we do is both fun and educating. Sometimes we like role-playing, and sometimes we watch science movies for children and I make up interesting scenarios connected with the movie, so I can introduce the topic to her as a game.”
To get in touch with Jane, check out her Facebook and Twitter pages.
Do Some Decorating
If decorating a certain area of the house is something you’ve been meaning to do and simply not had the time to get around to, this is the perfect activity to do with slightly older children. It gets a job done and can be a pretty fun time for the little ones too. This is especially the case if it involves decorating their own room, as they will be able to add their own personal touch. This can involve picking out their own bed and furniture to fill the room, but can also include smaller details such as wall decals and how to organize their toys.
Make It A Family Affair
There’s nothing better than finally having the time to hang out as a family and spend some quality time together. Melly, who runs MellyS Photography, shares her ideas on activities you could do, from her experiences photographing families:
“DIY finger paints for the little tikes. Don’t like the mess?…...I also love taking families on a garden adventure where we find leaves and items of each colour of the rainbow during a photo session. Sometimes we then glue everything together into a collage afterwards. And the age old favourite which I find keeps all kids entertained forever.. Pet rocks”
To find out more, you can look up Melly’s Facebook page.
Act Out A Story
One fun indoor activity that involves minimal effort or materials is having your little ones act out a story that they love. This works particularly well if you have a few children as they can do this together as a sibling bonding activity. If not, you can get involved and play a character! This could involve a puppet show, singing, dancing or whatever takes your fancy. They can even have fun putting together their own costumes and props from materials you have around the house!
Have A Baking Day
Lisa, who runs a healthy recipe blog, Mummy Made It, has ideas to inspire you on how to get creative in the kitchen with your kids:
“I have some very simple cookie recipes that are great to get kids in the kitchen. They can get creative with using cookie cutters. I actually use (clean) playdoh cutters for my tiny teddies.”
She provides a detailed description of how to make healthy tiny teddies on her blog, which is one of the many things you can choose to make with your kids this long weekend. Creative and tasty!
“These Healthy Tiny Teddies are a revelation. I know that sounds way too grand to say about a simple cookie but they are one of my proudest ever recipes. Why? Because they are beyond simple and they cater for everyone.”
To find out more awesome, healthy recipes, follow Lisa on Facebook and Instagram.
So have a fantastic weekend trying out a couple of new fun ideas with your kids to make the most of the extra day!
