11 Summer Holiday activity ideas
School’s out for Summer! In many parts of Rotherham, the summer holidays have begun. For many foster carers, the six-week break can seem like a daunting time, especially since you may have exhausted your list of boredom-busting activities over lockdown.
To give you some inspiration, we've compiled a list of things to do and see over the summer break. Whether you'd like to opt for a more budget-friendly activity or you want to explore some of the many attractions Rotherham has to offer, we've included something for everyone to help make up for some of the memories your family may have missed out on over the past year.
Cheap and Cheerful
Bring the Olympics to you. It's another long-awaited summer of sport and we're set to be inspired, so why not recreate what you see on screen and host your own Olympic event? The egg and spoon race can be just as exciting if it's complete with your own medal ceremony and the support of a personalised team mascot.
Become a fashion designer. You may have already cleared out your wardrobe four times over in lockdown, but if you've got any spare unwanted items, why not encourage the kids to try their hand at fashion design? Grab the fabric paint and craft scissors and make some catwalk ready creations.
Create a mini-festival. After last year's disappointing cancellations, music festivals are still set to make a comeback in 2021. The festival experience doesn't have to be pricey; opt for a low-cost alternative and get the kids involved in organising their very own garden fest.
It's a great way to introduce them to your music taste and expand their musical knowledge, plus they can create their dream festival playlist and sing and dance along.
Go Outdoors
One of the benefits of travel restrictions was that we learnt to appreciate what's on our doorstep. South Yorkshire boasts some great parks and outdoor spaces that are only a stone's throw away from home.
Put your detective skills to the test. Hunt for hidden clues and take in the sights of South Yorkshire on one of its many self-guided treasure trails. The usually quaint village of Wentworth is transformed into a mystery that has the whole family scouring for clues; the tour takes around 2.5 hours and is only a 10-minute car journey from the centre of Rotherham.
Ideal for getting some fresh air and putting those problem-solving hats on!
Tip: If you don't want to make the journey, a treasure hunt is also an easy activity to recreate at home!
Pick Your Own. A firm favourite with children and adults alike, Pick Your Own farms are a great way to get outdoors whilst teaching kids that healthy eating can be fun. Eastfield farm in Tickhill is only a 20-30 minute car journey away and is open from early June to mid-August with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and more!
Plus, there's a farm shop with lots of other produce grown on the farm. It's also a great one to keep in mind when pumpkin picking season comes around.
Rainy Days
It wouldn't be a proper British summer without a few rainy days - or weeks. It's only wise that we have a couple of ideas in the bank ready to use when it's perfect weather for ducks.
Summer reading challenge 2021. The Summer Reading Challenge is back! This year the Reading Agency has teamed up with WWF to create a special challenge centred around the 'Wild World Heroes'. Participants can learn more about standing up for our planet as they're challenged to read six nature-themed books. Head to your local participating library to find out more.
Jump In. After hosting the Olympic Games in 2012, the UK saw an increase in the number of children participating in sport, and it's set to be another exciting year in 2021.
Indoor trampolining at Jump Inc is the easy way to feel like an Olympian and burn off some excess energy on the days we can't get outside. As always, it's essential to book your spot to avoid disappointment.
Bring the outdoors in. You can still experience the magic of camping without the mud and rain! Pitch up your tent indoors, tell your favourite ghost stories in the dark and make s’mores; find a recipe here.
It’s just as exciting as camping outside but with the added bonus of having all your creature comforts within arm’s reach.
Adventure Days
Make science interactive. One of Rotherham's better-known gems, Magna Science Park is educational, interactive fun that appeals to all ages, budding-scientist or not.
Take a tour and get hands-on to learn about the four elements, Air, Earth, Fire and Water; each section is filled with activities to get stuck into. Make sure you book ahead to secure your spot.
Make a Splash. Last year we may have had to make do with water balloons and water fights, but this year Sheffield Aqua Park has reopened! Much like total wipeout, the park hosts a crazy inflatable obstacle course with loads of challenges sure to make the trip a memorable one. Please remember this activity isn't for the faint-hearted, so we don't recommend bringing the little ones along. Make sure to book before you travel to guarantee a session.
Visit a tropical climate. You don't have to travel the world to experience the rainforest! It can be found right on your doorstep in South Yorkshire. Sheffield's tropical butterfly house is home to lots of exotic wildlife such as butterflies, birds and reptiles and every day there's an exciting timetable of animal encounters.
At the moment booking is still essential so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Room to share the summer fun with one more? If you're considering fostering, we'd love to hear from you! Why not book an information call and one of our experienced, friendly fostering advisers will be in touch to tell you more about becoming a foster carer and answer any questions you may have.