Beads for making necklaces
The cool weather is upon us and if your children are like mine and don't like sitting still for more than a few minutes, then here are some ideas to keep them busy and entertained over the cooler months.
Local libraries offer story time and craft activities each week over a 1 - 2 hour session for babies to pre school age children, which is great if you have a baby and a toddler. During the school holidays they offer many other activities for older children (free).
Museums are great for children, they have many interactive displays, which children love and learn from without knowing. They are free for children and often have a specific children's area that they can play and run around (kids are free).
Big
shopping centres often have a play gym, which is not my favourite thing as it's nearly impossible to get them out and it's hard to see what's happening with other children.
Over the school holidays many shopping centres offer activities that include craft, face painting, balloon workshops, sand pictures and so on for free.
making biscuits
At home there are many things you can do to keep them entertained. My children love
cooking and some simple things are;
Anzac biscuits,
chocolate truffles, and many other
simple recipes.
Play dough is easy to make, the kids can help get the ingredients ready and play with it once it's made, great for all ages and it doesn't matter if a small child accidentally eats some. How to make play dough: 2 cups of plain flour, 4 tbs cream of tartar, 2 tbs cooking oil,1 cup of salt, food colouring, 2 cups of water.
Mix the ingredients in a saucepan, stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until it congeals.
Something easy that my young ones love is a makeshift
cubby. It's as simple as a sheet over a table and it keeps them amused for hours, they take books in to their house, toys, blankets and a great imagination.
craft ideas, fold paper again and again into a small square and cut shapes out to reveal your pattern
Most kids love
craft and painting, it can get messy but they certainly enjoy it. Find a large moving box and let them decorate it, they will have many hours of fun getting in and out of the box.
Bead threading; my girls love making necklaces with beads and string. It will keep them busy and it's great for hand eye co-ordination. You will find young boys will like this too.
For more activities in the state you live in, have a look here for:
Melbourne,
Sydney,
Brisbane,
Canberra,
Perth,
Darwin,
Adelaide,
Hobart.
Do you have any free kids activities/ideas you would like to share that keep your kids happy?
finger painting