It’s officially that time of year. The school year is coming to a close and you’re probably wondering how to keep your kids entertained over the festive period. It’s been a long time coming and you’ve finally got the opportunity to kick back, relax and spend some quality time with the family. So what are you going to do?
Here are some ideas:
Get crafty
The festive season can take its toll on your pocket (especially if you’re buying presents for everyone in your family) and it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to please everyone involved. Instead of spending money on going out, put on your DIY hat and encourage your little one to get crafty with you. With the help of Pinterest and a little bit of glue, you and your daughter/son could make a picture frame or a cute little ornament to live on your desk at work.
If you don’t mind spending the extra buck, you and the kids could visit Artjamming at the Cape Quarter, Cavendish Square, The Paddocks, V&A Waterfront or Willowbridge Centre. There, your kids will have a safe space to get creative and mess around as much they like.
The Clay Café in Hout Bay also offers similar facilities that allow you and the kids to get your art on by means of sculpting and painting.
Go See a Festive Flick
We’re all suckers for a good Christmas film and Galileo Open Air Cinemas gives you the perfect excuse to see some of the classics in much more favourable settings once again. With family favourites like Enchanted, Mrs Doubtfire, Brave and Home Alone (to name a few) shown on the big open air screen, you and the entire family can enjoy a night out among the stars in one of their perfect idyllic backdrops.
Live Reading
Spend a Saturday morning at The Book Lounge on 71 Roeland Street, where you can sit and enjoy a blend of your favourite cuppa while your little one’s imagination is engaged in a live read. These are held every Saturday and they’re completely free! With a myriad of interesting and unusual books to explore, this is by far the best way to spend time on a Saturday.
Do a good deed
The festive season is a time for giving and receiving love, but it is also a time to share with those who are less fortunate than us. Teach your little ones the meaning of giving back by letting them donate a few of their older (gently used) toys to charity. Since they’ll likely receive new gifts this time around, this selfless act will cost you nothing.
The good will doesn’t need to end there; you and the kids could also volunteer to feeding and toy drives to help uplift the community. Do research on local non-profits and choose an activity as a family.
Explore the city and its surrounding areas
Pack a picnic basket, make sure that everyone’s comfortably attired and hit the road on a family road trip to explore some of the surrounding city areas. Visit a local farm or stop by a local wildlife sanctuary to let the kids interact with indigenous wildlife and ecosystems. They are certain to learn something new and the fresh country air will undoubtedly do the entire family good.
Options include:
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
No matter what you’re doing this festive season, make sure that you’re spending it in good company and doing the things that you love.
This December, we’re spreading love by giving away daily gifts and discounts for 14 days. Find out more on the December Deals.
