Valuable together time…
Planning holiday activities for children is a joyful and rewarding exercise, especially during the summer holidays when spirits are elevated. It’s generally easier to occupy children when on a coastal holiday; and, after a day of sun and sea, most children are ready for bed at a reasonable hour. Remember sunscreen and hats!
Parents living inland, most often, must be more creative than their coastal counterparts as they pursue activities that suit their children’s unique interests and abilities. This, however, leads to fulfilment as the family unites in valuable ‘together time’.
Here are several activity ideas to help create a magical and inclusive summer holiday.
Crafting keeps children – particularly those with special needs – engaged, while promoting fine motor skills and creativity. Set up a calm, sensory-friendly crafting station at home. Materials such as textured paper, soft cotton balls, ribbons, and beads offer tactile stimulation. Simple activities such as decorating gift stockings or making ornaments allow children to engage at their own pace. For children with sensory sensitivities, we suggest you tailor the environment with low lighting and minimal noise, thereby creating a comfortable crafting space.
Parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves are ideal for peaceful outdoor adventures. Everyone enjoys a picnic, so plan a nature walk and take a picnic basket to a local park where children can enjoy the fresh air and explore at their own pace. Apply a little creativity by preparing a sensory-friendly picnic with a variety of textured and visually appealing foods. Observing birds, collecting interesting leaves, or simply sitting on a blanket can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, especially for children who may find crowded or noisy spaces overwhelming. Cumberland Nature Reserve, Midmar Dam, and the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary are a few of the many ideas available in the Pietermaritzburg region.
Many children with special needs may enjoy the holiday season’s visuals but find crowded theatres overwhelming. So… create a cosy movie day at home and watch classics in a calm and familiar environment. Setting up a sensory-friendly movie station with bean bags, and soft blankets needs little effort. Allowing children to pause or take breaks during the movie ensures they enjoy it at their own comfort level.
Baking together can be a worthwhile sensory experience and a bonding activity. For children with special needs, tactile activities such as rolling dough, decorating cookies, or adding sprinkles can stimulate their senses and encourage fine motor skills development. If necessary, you could simplify recipes and focus on the fun aspects – shaping the dough or using festive-themed cookie cutters.
Museums offer a quiet atmosphere, where learning without teaching happens. Ideas for those living in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands include:
- KwaZulu-Natal Museum, a popular educational centre offers visitors a feast of attractive displays – visit https://www.nmsa.org.za/
- uMsunduzi Museum focuses on acknowledging the histories and cultures of the various South African population groups – visit https://umsunduzimuseum.com/
- Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates a moment in history – visit https://www.thecapturesite.co.za/
