Looking for activities to keep the kids entertained and having fun over the Christmas break? From homemade gifts to hedgehog hotels, we have some great ideas to keep them busy without breaking the bank. They are also fun for the whole family and guaranteed to keep everyone entertained so, win-win.
Christmas baking
Whether it’s gingerbread or a last-minute fruit cake, baking can be a great activity that allows you to have your cake and eat it! Not only do you get to keep your children entertained but you can also have some tasty Christmas treats to enjoy as a result. A great tip is to freeze your creations so they can be whipped out over Christmas and well into the new year.
NOTE: If your children (or you) are impatient, leave a few out to eat and call it quality control. This is an important part of the baking process!
Give back to nature this Christmas
Just because it’s wet and wintery, it doesn’t mean you have to hibernate inside (unless you want to of course). However, if you’re looking to get outside with the children, there are plenty of ways you can reconnect with nature. Hedgehogs are always looking for new homes so why not get muddy and build your very own hedgehog hotel. Alternatively, you can look after the creatures in your neighbourhood from the comfort of your home, by making bird seed ornaments. Not only do they decorate the trees outside, but they help feed the birds throughout winter. They’re also a great way to bring new birds to your garden, meaning you can finally take up bird watching.
Snuggle down and read together
East Sussex Libraries have a wealth of online resources to meet all your book-related needs this Christmas. Why not snuggle down, escape the screens and enjoy reading a family favourite together. Reading is also great for helping us to relax and wind down so could be an ideal activity during the day or at bedtime. There are lots free e-books and e-audiobooks to hire meaning you can take your pick from the comfort of your sofa. If you chose to hire an audiobook, you can lay back and enjoy the story. Some of our favourite e-audiobooks include:
Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Have fun crafting for Christmas (with paper)
Arts and crafts can sometimes end up being expensive once you’ve bought everything you need. However, there’s lots of creative things you can do to keep the kids entertained that doesn’t cost much (or anything). If you’re looking for an affordable activity that is fun, why not try your hand at paper crafts:
- Get crafting with paper to elevate your Christmas decorations. Not only is it cheap but it can be a great way to relax and learn a new hobby. From Swedish paper stars to origami trees, there’s something for everyone. Whether you hang them on the tree or from the ceiling, they are bound to become a favourite tradition.
- Make a tree shape out of your Christmas cards by blue-tacking them to the wall or on the side of a unit. This is a great way to enjoy the cards you’ve received from loved ones. It also doubles up as a fun activity for the kids.
For more craft ideas that branch out beyond paper, check out Have yourself a homemade Christmas.
Let us know in the comments which activities you will do to keep your children entertained and having fun over the Christmas break.
