Twelve fun things for bored kids to do these holidays

And just like that another year is almost done and dusted and no doubt it’ll feel like about 5 seconds have passed before the kids start complaining about boredom. Nothing will send you scurrying to the calendar to check how many days are left before the new term starts than having bored little ones in the house - so these school holidays why not make a plan to keep them occupied right through the break! 

We’ve got some great school holiday activities that are guaranteed to keep them happy, interested and out of your hair over the break. It might be tempting to let them spend the day in front of the TV or stationed at the games console, but there are loads of kids activities that will get them moving, interacting and having a big dose of fun away from the lounge room. Here are our top 12 favourites:

1. Decorations - get them into the Christmas spirit by decorating the tree and working on some DIY decorations. For some great DIY Christmas decoration inspiration check out Stuck on you (we love the giant snowflake marquee), and HGTV (illuminated grape vine sphere anyone?). 

2. DIY gifts - while we’re on the subject of DIY, why not save a little cash this year and get the kids to make their own gifts for friends and family. There are plenty of awesome ideas over at Shutterfly and The Idea Room. 

3. Tempting delights - sticking with the DIY theme, how about setting the mini-master chefs loose in the kitchen to create a festive ginger bread house, some indulgent Christmas bliss balls or a rocky road Christmas tree. There are plenty of options for things to do with the kids that will keep them occupied for a bit while they help out with the Christmas festivities. 

4. Christmas bon bons - last DIY one we promise! You know those expensive Christmas bon bons that are a compulsory addition to the Christmas table and contain a paper hat and not much else?  It’s super easy to make your own impressive bon bons and fill them with interesting little trinkets. The kids can customise the gifts for each family member - and don’t forget to add a few decadent chocolates to sweeten things up! 

5. Plan a scavenger hunt - a scavenger hunt is an awesome way to get the kids moving and it gives their brains a little exercise too! Just give them a list of things they need to search for and then send them on their way – around the house, around the garden or around the neighbourhood. If you want some inspiration, take a look at My Kids Adventures. 

6. Head to the beach or the park - no holiday is complete without a few family days out to the beach or the park. Pack up a delectable picnic lunch along with the cricket bat and ball and you’ve got a recipe for family fun right there. 

7. Go camping – in your own back yard. Kids love to camp out so why not make a night or two of it by setting up the tent in the backyard and having your very own camping adventure under the stars. No TV or PlayStations here – just simple family bonding time. 

8. Play DIY bowling - Ok we weren’t quite finished with the DIY theme but everyone loves bowling and it’s super easy to create your own bowling pins at home. Once the kids have made their pins, set up an alley in the hallway and use a tennis ball to knock them down. 

9. Create an obstacle course - an obstacle course is a great way to get the kids active over summer and you can set it up at your place or at the park. There are some great ideas over at Playtivities, and Frugal Fun for Boys has all the details to create your very own Ninja warrior obstacle course. 

10. Create your own 'Amazing Race' - everyone loves the Amazing Race right? All those contestants following clues and racing around the world to be the first to arrive at the destination and pick up a cool prize. We’re not suggesting you give the kids a plane ticket and a list of instructions but you can create your own amazing race in your yard or at the park. For some great Amazing Race challenge ideas, take a peek at the well organised mom and millions of miles. 

11. Learn some magic tricks - the art of magic is timeless and mastering some illusions will keep them occupied for hours. Once they’ve learnt their tricks, get the kids to put on a magic show for family and friends. Check out some simple tricks for beginners at the Spruce Crafts and Kidzone. 

12. Play some card games - card games can keep the whole family entertained for hours. For what’s probably the largest collection of card game rules you’ll find anywhere, take a look at Pagat, or check out step-by-step instructions for the top three classic family card games at Bicycle cards.

So there are our top 12 ideas to keep boredom at bay these holidays! 

We know Christmas can be a stressful time for some people, particularly if the budget has taken a hammering during the year and there’s not a lot left to do all the things you want on Christmas day and throughout the holidays. If you need a little financial assistance to make your Christmas magical, just check out our cash loans from $1,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the money into your bank account within a few hours - so you can start planning your awesome Christmas today.

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