20 Holi-stay Ideas to Keep You Sane and the Kids Excited
Summer holidays are a heartbeat away, but with the year we’ve had, you may prefer to enjoy family time right in your own space. Sure, sandy beaches, camping, cute cabins and hotel stays with spa treatments, room service and heated pools leave you feeling rejuvenated, but who says you can’t enjoy all this at home, or in your own little neighbourhood? It’s more affordable, and let’s face it, who likes packing suitcases, hot car trips and, “Are we there yet?”
So here are a few ideas, guaranteed to make your home vacation more exciting.
1. A sundae decorating station
Perfect for birthdays or any day, really – set up a few flavours and let the kids add their own sprinkles, fruit, chocolate sauce and nuts. Breakfast ice cream, anyone?
2. A DIY drive-in
Create a real outdoor cinema with this DIY home projector using a smartphone, magnifying glass and shoebox! Hang a sheet, make cardboard ‘cars’ or snuggle under the blankies and grab the snacks for an authentic flick night.
3. Kids’ choice day
We love it when kids choose the day’s activities or theme – like Pancake Wednesday or Dress Up Day. Let their imagination take the reins but set some rules so there are no Disney-trip requests.
4. At-home Olympics
Host a sports tournament or backyard bootcamp – make an obstacle course or play ping pong, water volleyball (toss water balloons over a net using towels), or a game of Marco Polo in the pool. Break into teams and cheer each other on. Winners choose what’s for dinner.
5. Home spa day
Grab the cucumber slices, mint water and fluffy gowns for a relaxing spa day! Do face masks, mani and pedis, and just lounge around.
6. Be MasterChefs
Have a cook-off and see who wins the coveted title. You’ll find recipe inspo here. And for parents? Host a ‘best cocktail battle’ after the kids go to bed.
7. Be CEOs for a day
A fresh lemonade, fruit smoothie, doughnut-decorating or marshmallow-dipping stand is so much fun. ‘Sell’ your colourful and tasty creations to family.
8. Host a game night
Gather everyone's favourite board games or teach the kids games you used to love.
9. Perform acts of kindness
Help others as a family. Buy a stranger a juice box. Donate food. Bake cupcakes for an old-aged home. Make digital cards for a children’s hospital.
10. Stargaze
Pick a clear night, then relax under the stars. Try to spot some constellations and give them your own names. Make a toilet roll ‘telescope’ for a ‘closer’ look!
11. Do science experiments
At-home science experiments can be just as fun as at the Science Centre. Check out our 8 Science Hacks for Kids.
12. Go to a virtual aquarium
If your kids love sharks or penguins (who doesn't?), try an aquarium online – a fun way to learn and explore without going out. If you’re lucky enough to stay near one, pop into Two Oceans or uShaka and learn about taking care of marine life and our precious oceans. You can even try scuba diving and have an exhilarating face-to-face encounter with rescued penguins with a trained birdkeeper.
13. Put on a live show
Let each family member show off their talents or learn something new, like a song or magic trick. Invite granny and grandpa, or cousins and aunts for a golden oldies vs rap battle.
14. Pack a picnic bag
Grab yummy snacks, icy popsicles and games like Swingball, and head out to the garden or a nearby park. Try a sunset picnic on a wine farm before relaxing under the stars.
15. Have a pizza party
Order bases and cheese online and let eager little chefs stack on their favourite toppings.
16. Pyjama party or camping in the backyard
A tent, braaied marshmallows, spooky stories by the fire and shadow puppets using a torch are what holidays are made of, and you can enjoy them in your garden. Or, make a good ol’ indoor blanket fort. Add fairy lights, fuzzy pillows and read books together.
17. Around the world
Let each family choose a holiday destination on a map and spend the day learning about the culture, music, languages, sights and most importantly try the delicious cuisine. You can even ’visit’ top destinations like the Statue of Liberty, virtually.
18. Host a family shoot
Make memories with happy snaps. Use a photobooth and quirky props then hang the pictures on the Christmas tree.
19. Set up a takeaway drive-thru
Braai some burgers, add chips and smoothies and set up a ‘drive-thru window’ complete with a till and ‘money’, to teach little ones subtraction.
20. Take a day trip around your city
Itching to stretch your legs? Be a tourist in your hometown and explore the surrounding areas with fun activities like these:
- Visit local landmarks: Scout attractions, historical buildings and learn about cool bridges. Choose quiet spots, and bring your masks and sanitiser!
- Up for adrenalin: Try hot air ballooning, abseiling, ‘riding’ trees on a canopy tour, river cruises and sandboarding or surfing. Or, for a chilled afternoon, go horseback riding, whale watching, fishing or cave exploring. Here are some ideas.
- Take a scenic trip on an old steam train: Kids adore trains and will love taking in the stark beauty of the Karoo, picturesque beaches or the lush Garden Route. Find trips here.
- Go fruit picking: Visit a farm or orchard and pick the season’s best berries. Make a pie with the loot.
- Go kayaking: If there's a nearby lake, nature reserve or river that allows canoeing, enjoy a fun family outing. The kids will have a blast.
- Take a hike. Look up a nearby trail, put on your hiking boots (and bug spray!), and explore together.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article/post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Woolworths or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and/or advisors.