School holidays lockdown survival pack for parents and kids
After a term of online learning, there are lots of free and affordable activities families can do during the school holidays that are fun and stimulate the body and mind, despite the current COVID-19 restrictions.
While the holidays provide children a break from school, they can also bring added pressures to already stretched parents. Remember it’s ok not to have plans!
Here’s some ideas to give the kids (and you!) a healthy break these holidays:
Tips for a growing, healthy body
- More sleep! If your family doesn’t have commitments one day, an extra 30 minutes of sleep may do everyone well!
- Get active – you don’t need a lot of room to have some fun. Here are some big activities for small indoor spaces. If you prefer something a bit quieter, why not try some free yoga and mindfulness for kids.
- Eat well – all local councils are taking part in Library Health Month and there are some free online health talks including healthy snack and lunch ideas for children on 24/9 and 30/9. Download a free Health and Wellbeing booklet for more.
Out and about
- Green time – enjoy some fresh air your local neighbourhood and have a picnic. Be sure to follow current COVID-19 restrictions for your area.
- AFL skills – ahead of the Grand Final, The Hills Council are running online AFL skills sessions.
- In the garden – a backyard scavenger hunt, blowing bubbles, an obstacle course or skipping are all great options regardless of the space of your yard. More ideas here.
Get mindful through craft and wellbeing activities
- Blacktown Council have put together a school holiday activity book for children. It’s jam packed with activities such as science experiments, craft ideas, recipes and colouring competitions.
- The Hills Council are planning cartoon drawing classes.
- Parramatta Council is running Craft Bingo.
- Cumberland Council are planning a Charge up seminar for 12-18 year olds with mindful tools to reduce stress and anxiety, improve their sleep and mental health.
“It’s wonderful to see local councils adapt to whatever the current COVID-19 restrictions are and continue to provide accessible and fun school holiday activities,” said Helen Ryan, coordinator of the Partnership and Healthy Places team from the WSLHD Centre for Population Health.
“They’re supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of the children and families, during these challenging times.”
Find out more activities in your area these school holidays here:
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