Are you ready for a fantastic summer holiday without breaking the bank?
In this ultimate survival guide to the summer holidays, I’ll show you how to survive and thrive during the 2023 summer break. Whether you’re a busy parent with a toddler or looking for holiday survival tips, we’ve got you covered! Plan ahead, keep the kids entertained, and make this summer holiday one filled with magical memories!
1. Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Summer
As a parent, planning is the key to surviving the summer holidays with ease.
The biggest step to a stress free summer is to decide a plan of action ahead of time. Even if your plan for the day is to lounge in pyjamas and watch movies, having decided that ahead of time will make you feel more in control and relaxed about your days. The last thing anyone wants is to be running around at 10am still trying to decide what to do with the day!
Spend just a few minutes every evening creating a rough schedule in your mind for the following day. You don’t need to make any formal plans or write it all down, but by having a rough idea of how the day will go can really help to ease everyone’s anxieties and keep the sense of routine whatever you’re doing!
Having said that, it is important to remember that plans can change, so don’t feel you need to stick rigidly to what you have decided! Instead, consider it to be a starting point you will build upon as you get more information such as everyone’s mood, the weather and other events that creep into our days!
2. Fun-Filled Family Activities for All Ages
School holidays can be a stressful time for parents, especially when you have a toddler in tow. And of course I couldn’t go through an entire blog post without mentioning The Little Learning Hub! One of the best ways to feel confident in your summer activities is to grab a done for you service, like the Little Learning Hub, where you can choose from hundreds of resources at your fingertips. Each one is filled with creative, educational fun!
Other options might include planning a delightful picnic at your local park, bringing along their favourite packed lunch for an enjoyable time under the sun. You could arrange playdates for your little one with their friends, promoting social interaction and bonding or bring out the paddling pool for a splash-tastic time in the garden. Your little ones will be entertained, and you’ll get a chance to cool off and relax!
3. Cosy Movie Nights and Family Bonding
Summer survival means finding moments of relaxation amidst all the excitement. Make movie nights a regular part of your summer holiday routine. Choose family-friendly movies that the whole family will enjoy, and cuddle up with popcorn and healthy snacks. Create a cosy cinema atmosphere with dim lights and blankets for that perfect movie night experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond, unwind, and create treasured memories together.
Don’t forget to take some photos during these magical moments to cherish the memories forever.
4. Explore Your Local Area for Hidden Gems
You don’t have to go far to have an unforgettable family experience. Explore your local area and discover hidden gems that you may not have explored before. Visit free museums or join a summer reading challenge at the library to keep the kids’ minds engaged during the summer holidays. Consider becoming a National Trust member and explore historical sites or beautiful gardens nearby. Your kids will feel like explorers, and you’ll make the most of your staycation while avoiding travel expenses and the hassle of going on long journeys.
Try typing your local area along with “kids summer events” into Google and see what pops up!
5. Set Ground Rules for Fun and Responsibility
With the kids off school, it’s essential to set ground rules to strike a balance between fun and responsibility. Plan family days with exciting activities like board games or outdoor games in the local park. Encourage your little ones to get involved in planning these family days, making them feel more responsible and engaged. Make use of National Rail services for stress-free day trips to explore new places or take a ride on a heritage train for a unique experience. This way, you can enjoy quality family time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Decide on rules like daily screen time limits, bedtime schedules and outdoor times and stick to your decisions. This will help your children have fun and experience “freedom within limits”.
6. Keep Your Cool with Water Play
Summertime can get hot (I am still hoping we see a few less rain clouds and a few more rays of sunshine before we enter Autumn!) but you can beat the heat with water play and outdoor activities. Get a paddling pool or sprinkler for the garden, and let your little ones splash around to their heart’s content. Alternatively, visit a local pool or beach for a refreshing day out. In fact, there are many free splash pads up and down the country, so take a quick google search to find your nearest one. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your little ones from harmful UV rays during the sunny days.
7. Foster Creativity with Nature Walks
Enjoy nature walks with your little ones and encourage them to collect leaves, flowers, and rocks along the way. Use these treasures to create nature-inspired art together. It’s not only enjoyable but also educational as your kids learn about the environment. Take the opportunity to discuss nature, wildlife, and conservation to foster an appreciation for the great outdoors. Consider visiting nature reserves or local farms for a fun and educational day out during the summer break.
8. Enjoy Free and Low-Key Activities
Not every day needs to be jam-packed with expensive outings or expensive family holidays. Embrace low-key days with simple joys like playing at the park or having a family board game tournament at home. Let your kids get involved in planning these low-key days, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. Encourage them to invite their friends over for a playdate, promoting social interaction and helping them create lasting friendships. These low-key days can be just as memorable as grand adventures and will allow you to enjoy quality time together as a family without feeling overwhelmed.
If you are a Little Learning Hub member, your jar of summer fun resource is perfect for this! Simply choose an activity at random to keep your little ones engaged and occupied.
In Summary:
- Plan ahead and organise your time to make the most of the summer holidays.
- Enjoy family-friendly activities like picnics, paddling pools, and movie nights.
- Foster creativity with the Little Learning Hub activities for fun and educational ideas.
- Set ground rules and have fun.
- Keep your cool with water play and trips to the pool or beach.
- Foster creativity with nature walks and create nature-inspired art with your kids.
- Embrace free and low-key activities for simple joys and family bonding.
With these tips in hand, you’ll survive and thrive during the school summer holidays with your little ones. So, get ready to embrace the sunshine, keep your cool, and have a fantastic summer holiday in 2023!
Don’t forget to document your adventures and cherish the memories for years to come. 🌞👩👧👦 What will you be getting up to this summer? Let me know in the comments section!