How to keep the kids occupied indoors during the holidays

The winter school holidays are in full swing, and we have some ideas on how you can keep your children occupied indoors. 

With two more weeks to go before school re-opens, you are probably running out of ideas to keep them busy.

Not to mention the money you have spent taking them to the mall to watch movies, or other costly activities outdoors. 

But why spend all that money entertaining them away from home, when they can have just as much fun indoors - for free?

Here's how you can keep them occupied in the comfort of your own home. 

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Pyjama Day 

There is nothing kids love more than watching movies in their PJs. Organise a pyjama day for your children and let them watch their favourite films while snacking on their favourite treats. It will certainly buy you a few hours of peace. Here's a list of the Top 10 films from Rotten Tomatoes' Top 100 kids and family movies. 

1.  The Wizard of Oz (1939)
2.  Inside Out (2015)
3.  E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
4.  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
5.  Toy Story 3 (2010)
6.  Toy Story 2 (1999)
7.  Up (2009)
8.  Finding Nemo (2003)
9.  Pinocchio (1940)
10.  The Jungle Book (2016)

Fun with board games

Board games are a great way to keep your children occupied indoors. Parenting expert, Nikki Bush says not only are board games, puzzles, cars, and arts & crafts fun activities, but they can also teach children skills such as being creative. The whole family can also join in on the fun. Nikki says it can be a great way for families to connect. “Kids love a sense of togetherness with family members. Find those board games and craft kits stashed in a cupboard somewhere and get playing. It’s guaranteed to keep the kids busy and entertained this holiday... But above all, these types of games mean uninterrupted playtime, there’s no need to rush with a board game, a deck of cards or a puzzle,” she said in a statement.  

Nikki adds that it can also help six-year-old kids prepare for school, and stimulate the brain. She says the games will teach children strategic thinking, planning, taking turns, as well as hand-and-eye coordination. David Tredinnick, Founder and Chairman of Toy Kingdom, says board games, puzzles, and cards have other benefits as well. “The ranges we have available, like Monopoly and Game of Life are not only entertaining for the whole family, but it also teaches kids, (in a fun way), how to obey rules and encourages social engagement as well," he said. 

Homemade playdough

Keep your children busy by getting them to make their own playdough - with your supervision of course. Kids enjoy making animals, shapes, and other fun objects with playdough. They will get excited about making the dough, and then have hours of fun playing with it! 

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