What is it about the school holidays that seems to make kids want to eat more? How about using this to your advantage to entertain them?! My children love nothing more than having a “party” this usually means just putting together some nibbles together (a mix of sweet (junk and fruit) and savoury). Furthermore you can get the children really involved by getting them to help prepare for the party.
- Making Party Cakes
Decide on your theme and get the kids to make cakes to go with the theme. I personally don’t like to make too much of a big deal about Valentine’s day with the kids in regards to presents and cards but who can say no to heart cakes. You can substitute the topping for whatever goes with your half term party theme.
We use an all-in-one mix to make the cakes; not only is it easy for the kids to do but it is also easier for them to remember. Just literally weigh out the ingredients and whisk them in a bowl.
- 6 oz self-raising flour
- 6 oz cake butter
- 3 oz castor sugar
- 2 medium eggs
The boys love using the hand mixer, and of course licking the bowl afterwards. For an extra treat (and to encourage good behaviour) for our “party” I allowed them to add some chocolate buttons to the mix. This was a little science experiment as they wondered if they would melt or stay as lumps in the mixture. Of course the weighing and measuring was all good maths skills too.
We used pink cases but again this can really enhance your theme. Spooning the mixture out is good for hand-eye co-ordination. Besides when it goes everywhere it teaches them the importance of cleaning up after themselves. We buy coloured frosting but you could use icing or butter-icing – again using colours to fit your theme. We then simply used heart shaped cake toppings from the cake aisle in the supermarket to decorate. See how just changing the cases and toppings can make such a difference with the dinosaur cakes at my dinosaur birthday party.
- 2. Face Paints
We love a bit of face painting for entertainment. There are loads of designs online and again can be tailored towards your theme. Or you can just let the children have whatever they fancy. My face-paints actually come with a how-to guide and it is good to let children pick what you can copy. Don’t worry if you do not do a great job because it is just for fun. Or why not let the children paint you! Just remember to have something to help you clean them off afterwards. Plus a little tip is that I always find red hard to get off, so if your child really does want to be a red faced devil think about putting a base layer of white on first. I feel that flowers are a good theme for this time of year.
This was particularly a big hit with our Superheroes party – where the boys had the choice of being a superhero or villain! Obviously you don’t have to have a party to play with face paints – or you can have a practise go before the big event.
- 3. Going Shopping
Now I know this can sound like a bit of a nightmare but if they are going for the purpose of choosing their own party food things can be really difficult (and you may even be able to pick up those essentials you needed without them playing up!)
If you can get them to walk there then this is even better! This gives them a chance to burn off any excess energy, plus you can talk about things you see on the way. Maybe play a game – who can spot the most blue things, things beginning with the letter S (and so on). Talk about the changing season (how spring flowers are budding early) – and may be even why this might be because of.
Decide before you go what your boundaries are – can they pick one thing each? Is there anything they can/can’t have? What is your budget? Will you be buying decorations (balloons, how about some bubbles?) Whilst there you may even discover more things that will entertain them whilst at the party (or during the holidays in general) – such as craft activities or why not make it a sowing party!
For example, our LEGO Pirate party the boys really enjoyed making LEGO frames to insert pirate pictures, making LEGO juice covers and marshmallow LEGO bricks.
Other Bloggers Take on 3 Things to do at Half Term
- Helen gives you three unusual days out with kids at half term if you’re in and around London, plus a bonus craft activity for a pyjama day!
- Penny has three easy creative projects to do at home which could also fire their imaginations for bigger activity, because we love it when one thing leads to another.
- Alice has some simple but successful tips for keeping kids entertained on the beach even in this cold February weather.
- Becky has 3 thrifty and simple ideas for half term happiness
- Cass shares her favourite three ways to have fun at half term without spending a penny!
- Emma has three ways to enjoy half term on a budget
- Joanne shares three indoors ‘days out’ incase of horrid weather
- A visit to a National Trust property is always fun in half-term, here Michelle shares with you three of her favourites.
- Marianne has three fun suggestions to do with the kids over half term in Kent.
- Michelle introduces you to three fun seaside towns in East Sussex
- Kirsty can help families in Hertfordshire, who need inspiration to help keep boredom at bay!
We are definitely going to do some baking and have a family party over the holidays as like you say the kids love it. Mich x
It’s a great idea! Sometimes we panic about how to fill the days during a school holiday, but I’ve often found that hanging out at home, doing all the things we never find time for during the school term, is just as fulfilling as peppering the week with activities.