OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

So, your kids are off school. And, so are everyone else’s. How do you keep your family happy and busy on a public holiday or on school holidays without spending lots? Here’s a guide to fun and busy activities without breaking the bank:

As South Africans, we’re lucky to have access to fun and budget-conscious activities outdoors. Whether it’s going to the beach or kicking around a ball in the local park we have lots of choices close by.

VISIT A PARK
SANPARKS provides many beautiful backdrops for your activities. Get the kids involved by pretending you’re nature detectives or explorers in a foreign land. Try to identify as many species as you can (Google always helps!)

PICK YOUR OWN FRUITS AND VEGGIES            
What better way to get your kids to eat their greens by getting them to pick it themselves! PICK YOUR OWN has a list of seasonal produce and locations for picking. PYO is an activity and grocery shopping all in one!

GARDEN CENTRES AND FARM STALLS
Whether you’re in the heart of the city or in the country, garden centres and farm stalls provide great places to visit with the family. For the price of a cup of coffee, your kids can play on the playground, run around and let off some steam. Here’s a list of South Africa’s favourite farm stalls.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

In South Africa, we’re often blessed with great weather. However, if the holidays happen to fall on a day where you’d rather stay inside, try one of these activities to keep the little people busy:

BAKE A CAKE
Kids love to bake and feel like they’re involved. Whether it’s getting them to add the ingredients, licking the spoon or decorating the final creation, this activity will provide a few hours of entertainment.

INDOOR CAR TRACK
Make use of all those toy cars lying around and set up an indoor car track. Use household items to create different settings: use a blanket for a mountain, house plants as a forest and maybe even a bowl full of water for a lake.

INDOOR CAMPING
Who doesn’t love a good fort? Use old blankets and pillows to build yourselves a little cave. Take it one step further by packing a lunch and a set of playing cards for a real indoor adventure. Check out these inspiring indoor forts on Pinterest

HOMEMADE CINEMA 
If it’s really rotten weather, there’s nothing better than settling in front of the tv with your loved ones for a good movie. Let the little ones choose the film. Help to make it feel more authentic by making popcorn and serve in paper cups.

SAVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If you plan ahead for the holidays, you may be able to save some additional cash to fund your activities.

LOYALTY POINTS
Cash in your loyalty points to either purchase some staples for the day or else to fund a day out. Find out how much you have banked away.

GET CASH TO SNAP YOUR TILL SLIP 
Coupons, vouchers and cashback sites give you cash back for purchasing products that you would have anyway. Some, like SnapnSave, a free mobile and web application, gives you cash back simply for snapping your till slip. You can go to the store to buy your supplies for the day and get cash for shopping. Click here to download the app on GOOGLE PLAY or iTunes APP STORE

KEEP THEM BUSY AND HAVE FUN
Whether you’re out enjoying the great outdoors or cuddled up inside, enjoy the time with your kids. They’re only this age once and the memories you create during these public holidays will create memories forever.