fostering and the summer holidays; including 16 ideas for things to do
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
The prospect of six weeks with the children at home for the summer can be daunting as well as something to look forward to. Especially at the moment, when budgets are tight for many, entertaining children for such a lengthy time is hard.
We wanted to share some tips and ideas for helping make the summer holidays manageable, fun, budget-friendly, and memorable for you and your family.
plan the summer holidays in advance for your fostering family
Setting expectations is key when it comes to the summer holidays. Planning activities can help you feel less overwhelmed day to day trying to come up with things to do, and can also help children not to have unrealistic expectations. Here are some tips for planning the holidays:
Talk about the summer holidays together and ask what activities or outings they would enjoy. Involving them in planning can help build excitement and give them something to look forward to.
Help children understand that there may be times when they feel bored during the holidays, and that this is okay. Encourage them to think of ways they can entertain themselves independently or with siblings and friends.
Consider displaying a large holiday planner where everyone can see it. Having a visual overview of the days and activities ahead can provide reassurance and help manage expectations.
A flexible daily routine can be beneficial. For example, mornings could include quiet time, reading, creative activities, or independent play while you complete household tasks. Afternoons might then be reserved for outings, organised activities, or family time. Don't forget to include a regular tidy-up time too.
It is particularly important to discuss screen time expectations in advance. Clear boundaries can help children understand when and for how long they can use devices, reducing the likelihood of disagreements.
Children often seem hungrier when they are at home all day during the holidays. If appropriate, consider providing each child with a snack basket containing their allocation for the day. This can help manage expectations and encourage children to make their own choices about when to enjoy their snacks.
If you are caring for a teenager, a summer job, volunteering opportunity, or work experience placement could be a positive way for them to develop confidence, skills, and independence. They may need support with finding opportunities and completing applications.
Encourage children to stay connected with friends, family members, and other positive relationships during the holidays. Regular social opportunities can support their wellbeing and help prevent feelings of isolation.
Think about ways to help the child create lasting memories over the summer. This could include trying new experiences, keeping a scrapbook, collecting souvenirs, taking photographs, or creating a photo book together at the end of the holidays.
entertaining on a budget
Some of the most special summer memories can be of the simplest activities where children get absorbed in play and feel carefree. Here are some ideas for activities that are free or low cost:
Visit a beach or lake and take a picnic.
Go on a walk and create or download a scavenger hunt list.
Meet friends at the park and take a picnic.
Set up a paddling pool in the garden on a hot day and provide cups and plastic boxes for a water fight!
Encourage your child to create a 'boredom box' where they put in it things they enjoy doing, books, and toys they haven't played with for a while. Then when they are bored they can choose something from their box to play with. Encourage them to decorate their box to make it feel special and novel, even if the items inside are from their room. If you can afford it, buy one thing to add to the box that is a new toy, activity, or book.
Go to your local library and participate in the Summer Reading Challenge.
Put up a tent in your garden for some camping sleepovers and also a place to play or read quietly in the day. Or put a pop up tent up inside and make a den or reading nook.
Do some arts and crafts, there are lots of ideas and tutorials on Youtube and other websites.
Do some baking.
Do some gardening and plant some seeds.
Take the chance to go through the child or young person's clothes with them and recycle or take to charity anything that no longer fits. It's a great opportunity to teach them about recycling and not throwing things away that can be used by someone else.
Let them set up a den in the lounge.
On a rainy day, have a movie marathon with homemade popcorn and snacks.
Visit a National Trust park.
Use Tesco Clubcard vouchers and/or look out for deals to make a day out to a zoo or theme park affordable.
Go to a Pick Your Own fruit and veg place, if there's one near you.
make time to replenish your energy
For your wellbeing, ensure you plan in moments for time alone where you can refresh yourself to be your best for the children in your care. Go for a walk, have a quiet evening reading a book or take a bath. It is very draining looking after children all day every day and planning in these times can make a huge difference to fostering in the summer holidays.
