1. Make an obstacle course.

Obstacle courses are fun for all kids, and can provide hours of entertainment. They encourage your little one to clamber on, under and over your household furniture. This not only strengthens their muscles but also challenges their little minds as they try to figure out how to negotiate the obstacles! With a little thought, you can use an obstacle course in a variety of different ways to challenge your child’s gross motor development.

2. The great outdoors (and the garden!)

Sunny days are great for simple activities like picnics and ball games. This can be done as close to home as in the back garden!

Organise a treasure hunt around your home and garden with clues and treats for the children to find Hold your own mini Olympics with games that require little equipment… a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt! Use your imagination.

If outside is dry, wrap up and go to the park or a nice walk somewhere quiet with the children with a flask of hot chocolate – sure to go down a treat!

If you have a tent, you could arrange a camping trip in your garden with the children for one night!

Kites are great if it is a windy day and they can be bought from bargain shops very cheaply

3. Put on a show

Through music, children learn essential skills for language development and early social, cognitive, and communication learning. If you are having friends around for lunch, encourage the kids to put on a show for you. The planning and practicing will keep them busy for some time while giving you a chance to have an uninterrupted conversation. Pull out any musical instruments so that they can include singing and dancing in the act and find dress up costumes to add to the entertainment.

4. JOIN THE LEGO CRAZE

It’s popular for a reason and picking up a kit especially for the holidays will keep idle hands busy building and playing for hours on end.

5. Get Crafty

You may be forced to adorn your walls with their holiday creations, but it’s a small price to pay for the hours of entertainment that a craft box will supply.