School Holiday Lockdown Ideas
With the school holidays starting many of us have had to smile through gritted teeth in answer to the innocent question, ‘What are you up to this school holidays’ from friends in COVID free states. There have been a couple of our members asking for ideas too and so I’ve gathered your ideas and searched for a few more to produce this list. This list includes both online, inside and outside activities. Here’s hoping that this combination will enable the kiddies to beat the boredom and create positive memories. They may also offer some respite and positive memories for you too.
For our Lego Fanatics
Legoland Discovery Centre may be temporarily closed but that doesn’t mean that the kids can’t still have some lego fun. The team at Legoland Melbourne are putting on live streams, story time, fun activities and more awesome things from the 18 September to 3 October. More information here.
NCA also has heaps of great school activity ideas including a downloadable list of instructions on how to build some of our national institutions and buildings out of lego. More information here.
For our Train Lovers
Puffing Billy Railway has a virtual school holiday program on. Hosted by their Education Officer via Zoom, kids can meet Puffing Billy's train driver and volunteer and take part in fun challenges. The sessions will be interactive and give the kids a chance to ask questions and learn about steam trains and our environment. For more information click here.
For our Adventurers
Thanks Matilde-Rose Andre for these ideas. There are some fantastic resources to help you and the kids have an adventure outside. Follow the links to access downloadable resources. There are also some great digital webinars too. Check out our events page for details of a local Yarra Ranges webinar. There's also a mindfulness in nature digital walk through Yarra Bend Park on Wednesday September 22. Finally there is a live tour around the You Yangs with Ranger Ebonne - a proud Wadawarrung woman.
For our Scientists
Museums Victoria have come to the rescue with a fantastic array of online courses and webinars this school holidays. Whether you have star gazers, green thumbs, artists or archeologists, there is something for everyone.
For our Movie Buffs
Cameo Theatre in Belgrave has a fantastic movie library, just in time for next week’s anticipated rain. You can also rent movies from their great selection. Click here for more details.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm – 6pm you can pick up your favourite movie snacks. Grab takeaway choc-tops, popcorn, beer and wine. Head here from more information.
For our Campers
In the second week when we hope the weather improves, we plan to pop our tent up in the backyard. I’ve found these links with tips to elevate your camping experience.
https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/guide-to-backyard-camping/
https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g27274046/backyard-tent-camping/
For our Future Chefs
Do your kids love to cook? Perhaps one of these online cooking classes may be of interest:
For our Crafy Kids
Kites
Given the number of windy days we are experiencing I thought this idea might be useful. The June 9th storm may have also resulted in some associating the wind with negative experiences. Making and flying a kite may help to create new positive memories and beat the boredom in the process. Here is a link to a ‘how to’ blog on kites.
Models
My boys LOVE building and painting model planes and cars. Model kits can be purchased from quite a few places close by including Gipettos Workshop in Sassafras, and RC Garage Hobby Shop in Boronia.
Posh Picnics
I’m thinking sweet grazing boxes from Mahli and Me, or grazing platters from places like Holy Smoke Ferntree Gully, Platter Pantry in Croydon, Carmeli’s in Cockatoo, Emerald Village Bakery in Emerald, Chieftains in Tecoma, and The Patch Store in The Patch.
We also have our Kind Home Family Activity Pack on our Resources page too. I hope these ideas will help to make these school holidays extra special despite being still a bit lockdowny. If you have any more ideas, we’d love to hear about them. Enjoy the school holidays everyone.