Five tips for grandparents who are babysitting these school holidays

Although it seems like it was only last week that the shopping centres cleared of their throngs of screaming children, the school holidays are once again upon us.

For the grandparents out there, this can only mean one thing: the call of duty to take up where the schools left off and provide the nine to five entertainment and supervision of those beloved grandkids (special shout out to the Queensland grandparents who have been blessed with unexpectedly early visitors as a result of the severe weather!).

It’s doubtlessly a blessing to spend this precious time with the littlies, but that’s not to say that keeping school aged kids happy and entertained is easy work.

To take some of the hard work out of coming up with a fun and stimulating schedule, we’ve compiled a list of ideas of things that you could do with your grandchildren these Easter school holidays.

1. Movies

There are a few movies playing in cinemas that the kids will love, and hopefully the adults will too. Beauty and the Beast is the live action remake of the classic Disney animation we all know and love. Starring Emma Watson, this one is getting rave reviews. It is rated PG though, so might not be suitable for the really little ones.

The smaller children need not miss out entirely on the cinema experience however, as there are the options of the Lego Batman Movie, Boss Baby, and Smurfs: The Lost Village.

2. Indoor Play Centres

If you’re keen for the kids to expel a bit of their endless energy without taking it out on your house, your local indoor play centre should be on your list. There are places for tiny tots to safely play, as well as trampolining, indoor rock climbing, and inflatable play centres for the older kids available in many places – see what your town has on offer. The kids can run, jump, climb, and bounce all while Grandma or Grandpa enjoy a coffee and slice in (relative) peace.

Read more: Starts at 60 school holidays: Build the best blanket cubby!

3. Baking

Not every school holiday activity needs to cost a fortune for the kids to get something out of it. Helping you to bake not only teaches them valuable skills in the kitchen, as well as mathematics in measuring, but it’s also quality time spent together that you and they will cherish. And there a bonus yummy afternoon tea to enjoy together!

4. Craft

This one is pretty broad. We all know that kids love making stuff, and they especially love making a mess while they’re at it! If you’re not keen of getting the paper, paint, glue, and glitter out at home, check your local newspaper to see what’s on offer. Often shopping centres run craft activities over the school holidays, or you may have a local plaster painting store where you and the kids can choose your own special pieces to paint. Fun for all ages!

5. Explore your local parks and playgrounds

There’s nothing more enjoyable than getting out for a walk in the fresh air and seeing what your local area has to offer. We often miss things when we’re driving by in our cars and not only is it healthy, it’s great for everyone’s moods too and will help stave off the cabin fever.

What are some of your favourite things to do with your grandkids? Let us know in the comments below!