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7 November 2024
10 Child Friendly Summer Activities
By Crawford International
With just six weeks left in the academic calendar and the year drawing to a close, many families are looking forward to a well-deserved break. As summer approaches, we have put together a list of child-friendly activities to make the holidays memorable. From family outings to engaging activities for teens and younger children, these ideas are tailored for our school community, ensuring plenty of fun and learning opportunities.
Summer Activities to Do as a Family
- Beach Day and Sandcastle Competition
South Africa boasts stunning beaches, from Clifton in Cape Town to Umhlanga in Durban. Spend a day building sandcastles, swimming, or exploring rock pools. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun together as a family.
- Visit a Local Nature Reserve
Explore South Africa’s biodiversity by visiting a nature reserve or national park. Parks like the Kruger National Park offer day trips where families can experience wildlife, have a braai, or simply enjoy the outdoors (SANParks, 2023).
- Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a projector in your garden for a cosy family movie night under the stars. This simple activity creates lasting memories without leaving home and can be as elaborate or low-key as you like.
- Stargazing and Astronomy Night
On a clear summer night, take the family outside to explore the night sky. Apps like SkyView Lite can help identify constellations, planets, and stars, making it a fun and educational experience. This activity encourages curiosity about science and the universe and is perfect for both kids and teens.
Summer Activities for Kids
5. DIY Art and Crafts Day
Gather some basic supplies and let the kids get creative with arts and crafts. Set up stations for painting, clay modelling, or making jewellery. Not only is this fun, but it also promotes fine motor skill development.
6. Learn-to-Swim Programmes
Many local pools offer learn-to-swim courses during summer. Swimming is a valuable skill and an excellent way for kids to stay active in the heat. Look for heated pools nearby that run swimming programmes tailored for young children.
7. Library Story Time and Reading Challenges
Visit your local library, which may offer holiday reading challenges and story time events. Libraries like the Johannesburg City Library often have children’s programmes to keep younger kids entertained and learning over the holidays.
Summer Activities for Teenagers
- Join a Holiday Workshop
Teens can explore interests like coding, photography, or cooking through holiday workshops. These sessions provide valuable skills and are available at youth centres across South Africa, often with a variety of topics to suit different interests.
- Outdoor Adventure Sports
For active teens, outdoor options like mountain biking, zip-lining, or indoor rock climbing provide an exciting challenge. Areas like the Drakensberg offer trails and zip-lining courses suitable for beginners and adventurous teens (Adventure SA, 2023).
- Volunteer at a Local Charity
Many charities and non-profits welcome youth volunteers during the summer holidays. Volunteering is a meaningful way for teens to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experiences.
With these ideas in mind, parents can ensure their children enjoy a balanced mix of fun and educational activities this summer. Whether it’s a simple day at the beach or learning a new skill, these activities provide enriching experiences for children of all ages.
