Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Best indoor activities for children during the school holidays

3 months By Chumasande Matiwane

School holidays are a great time for kids to rest, play, and explore new interests—but the cold winter weather can make outdoor plans tricky.

The good news is that there are plenty of fun, affordable indoor activities that keep children entertained, learning, and active right at home or nearby.

Also see: 5 must-have foods during the Easter holidays

School holiday fun

Arts and crafts at home 

One of the easiest and most creative ways to keep children busy is through arts and crafts. Using simple materials like paper, cardboard, glue, and recycled items, kids can make:

  • Masks and puppets
  • DIY greeting cards
  • Scrapbooks of their holiday memories
  • Painted rocks or canvas art

Many families use craft time to introduce cultural creativity, like beadwork inspired by local traditions.

Image Credit: Pexels

Also see: Fun activities your kids will enjoy for autumn holidays

Indoor game days 

Turn a rainy day into a family game event. Board games and card games are perfect for building thinking skills and bonding.

Popular options include:

  • Monopoly or Uno
  • Snakes and Ladders for younger kids
  • Puzzles for problem-solving
  • Charades or ‘guess the word’ games

These activities are great for siblings and cousins spending the holidays together.

Home movie and popcorn days 

Create a mini cinema experience at home. Choose age-appropriate films, dim the lights, and make popcorn for a full movie-day experience. South African family favourites often include local films or animated movies available on streaming platforms like Netflix or DSTV.

Indoor obstacle courses

Even inside the house, kids can stay active. Use cushions, chairs, and tape to create obstacle courses or mini fitness challenges. This is especially helpful for energetic children who need physical movement during cold or rainy days.

Community holiday programmes

Many community centres, churches, and malls in South Africa offer supervised holiday programmes with arts, sports, and educational activities. These are a great way for children to socialise safely while staying active.

Also see: How to avoid being scammed these Easter holidays

Featured image: Pexels

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