There are about three weeks left of the summer holidays, and while many parents will be thinking about back-to-school time around now, that doesn’t mean the rest of the holidays should be a write off.
Now is the time to tick off the things on your kid’s summer bucket list that they haven’t got to yet, and to really help them embrace the rest of the time they have off.
Before you know it, it’ll be all early mornings, school uniforms, homework and after-school activities, and we’ll be wishing for time to do the things we love.
So, before you have to deal with routines, here are five things the kids can do before the sun settles on the summer.
1. Go swimming (preferably at the beach)
Dip those toes in fresh sea water before it’s too cold to even take off your shoes and socks. The weather has been an absolute delight these past few months, and while it has definitely taken a turn in recent days, we have been promised a return of the good times before the summer is out. If the beach is a no-go for you though, the local swimming pool is a fab alternative. All you really want is for your little ones to get a bit of exercise, have fun, and GET AWAY from their devices!
2. Go see a movie at 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon
There is something about heading to the movies in the middle of the afternoon that makes it a little more special. There are so many lovely movies on at the moment as well: Luis and the Aliens, Christopher Robin and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Holidays, for example. It’s also great for those days when it’s a bit wet and gross outside, and the kids are starting to drive you mad.
3. Join a band (or get your kids to start their very own one)
Growing up, many of us dreamed of the day we could become our own version of Avril Lavigne or Alex Turner, and joining a band was something most of us had a go at, even if it was just in the grotty shed in your mate’s house. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in music, make new friends and even boost their confidence, especially when they get to perform on stage. Which is exactly what they’ll get to do at RockJam, Dublin’s innovative new music course. The course runs for 10 weeks and allows girls and boys, aged 7 to 17, become part of their own rock band, learn how to play new instruments and write their own music. At the end of their term, students get to perform in a cool venue in front of family and friends, where they can really show off their new skills.
4. Ramble around the African Savanna (at Dublin Zoo)
Dublin Zoo is a really lovely place to spend an afternoon. The African Savanna area in particular allows you to see a number of animals, like giraffes, rhinos and zebras interacting with each other. Why not make a day out of it and arrange a trip with their cousins or friends so they can really make lasting memories. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
5. Introduce your kids to the games you used to play
Nowadays it’s all Pokémon Go, Fortnite, Minecraft and whatever other game is having its time in the sun. This summer though, why not introduce your kids to the types of games you used to play? Whether it’s Curbs, Tip the Can, or even Cluedo, the summer is a great time to show your little ones the fun they can have, away from the iPad.
