Keeping the kids entertained over half-term
| 12:14 UK
time, Monday, 25 October 2010
FindÌýhands on activities on Wallace and Gromit's World ofÌýInvention website.
Autumn half-term is a welcome break in what can seem like a very long term, with days getting shorter and nights drawing in. You may be wondering how to keep the kids amused during the holidays. As it can sometimes still be quite mild, a visit to a theme park or some other outdoor activity could be an option if boredom is setting in.
Here are a few suggestions:
Look for an event on going on near you on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ searchable database Thrillseeker. Just type in your postcode and you will be given some suggestions, anything from sailing to diving or abseiling. Why not encourage your child to try something new?
If you are a keen cyclist like I am, then chances are your children will also want to cycle. It is a bit scary letting them go round to friends' houses by bike. Taking a cycling course during half term will help them be better prepared to use the roads. Some LEAs offer them for free. They can achieve level 1, 2 or 3 in the cycling proficiency test. Find out if one is being run near you by going on the website and looking for your area.
Swimming is always popular with the family and a great stopgap when it’s pouring with rain. Also if life’s too busy normally to fit in weekly swimming lessons, half-term is a chance to do an intensive swimming course. Check out the for more information on what's available near you.
Maybe your children are into History or have a project to do over the holidays? TheÌýHands on History website might help you sort it. You can see what events are happening on your doorstop and also find out about online activities.ÌýAlternatively you can find out about museums in your area that might be helpful by going on the A History of the World website.
If you’re anything like me, exhibitions take place at local museums or galleries and by the time I hear about them, they’re over. On the , you can discover what is going on near you ahead of time and be sure not to miss out.
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Baking is always popular with children whatever their age. If they are very young they can still help stir and pour in ingredients but may need a bit more in the way of supervision. Take a look at the CBeebies I Can CookÌýÌýfor ideas on recipes to try – they have both sweet and savoury ones.
Still on the cooking theme, if you have older children, they could organise a cake sale with some friends for Children in Need, who have teamed up with the. From chocolate brownies to banana bread, try baking it then selling it. Don’t forget to test it though!
Wallace and Gromit are back with theirÌý world of invention. And this time the website tells you how to have fun making anything from a magnetic bowling set to a balloon powered hovercraft.ÌýBuilding these models should keep a budding Einstein busy for a while.
Fiona Holmer is ÌýAssistant Producer on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Parents.
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