15 Fun DIY Holiday Activities for Kids

It’s almost time for the school holidays.

(Did we hear you ask “again?”).

And while we know you love your little ones, we also know that it can be difficult to come up with activities to keep them entertained all day long (and you from going bonkers).

That’s why we are here to tell you, fear not, we have some super fun, uber-cool, see-how-time-flies-by DIY holiday activities you can keep the youngsters busy with (and out from under your feet) these holidays.

15 Fun DIY Holiday Activities for Kids

1. Balloon Tennis

Image source: Unsplash

What could be more fun than a game of tennis? We know. A game of indoor tennis, of course! The bonus, Mom will love? Using balloons that can’t shatter her windows.

Just be sure to clear the area of furniture and tripping hazards, such as rugs, first.

We’d say that’s game, set and match!

What you’ll need: Balloons and plastic fly swatters to use as rackets.

2. Make Paper Flowers

These pretty paper flowers are a great way to get creative and add some colour and cheer to your home during the holidays plus, they will last forever.

Check out the above video to see exactly what you need to do to make your flowers bloom.

What you’ll need: Coffee filters, pipe cleaners, khokis and a spray bottle filled with water.

3. DIY Musical Drums

Image source: Morning Chores

Learning to play a musical instrument is of great value to a child and can help improve their memory and develop abstract reasoning skills.

Plus, it is great fun to dance to your own beat!

This holiday, why not start a family band?

Your first instrument can be this DIY drum set.

What you’ll need: Tins, elastic bands, balloons, dowels and beads for the drumsticks.

 

How to Make a Drum for Kids

Learn how to make a drum from an empty can, a balloon, and a rubber band. It’s easy enough for kids to make!

www.itsalwaysautumn.com

 

4. Tin Can Bowling

Another fun DIY holiday activity you can do with empty cans is tin can bowling.

Have the kids paint the empty tins (with numbers to mimic bowling pins) and line them up at the end of a long room or passage. A soft ball or tennis ball make for a great bowling ball.

It is a super easy, super entertaining activity the whole family can enjoy together.

What you’ll need: Tins, paint and a ball.

5. Make Your Own Slime

Image source: Lightly Sketched

It is no secret, kids LOVE slime. In fact, the slimier the better!

The great news for parents? Not only can they make their own slimiest slime at home, but it will keep them entertained indoors for hours on rainy days.

Try this foolproof glittery galaxy slime recipe.

(Oh, and don’t worry, parents, any stains can easily be wiped away with a little vinegar.)

6. Make Your Own Lego Crayons

Image source: Little Bins for Little Hands

Not only are these crayons super cool to make but they are SUPER GREAT for colouring. And we all know, colouring is a fantastic rainy-day activity.

Follow these steps to make your own lego crayons.

What you’ll need: Crayons, lego moulds (or any other silicone moulds).

7. Run Some Science Experiments

Here at Wonderdal we firmly believe in learning through play, which is why we LOVE home science experiments for kids. What better way to discover the world around you and all its wonders than through investigating it yourself?

Try one of these super cool experiments with your little ones:

• Make Magic Stars
• Find out how a polar bear stays warm in the cold
• Discover how many drops of water fit on a penny
• Make your own lava lamp
• Discover how to make raisins dance

8. Create a Stained-Glass Snowman

“Do you wanna build a snowman?”

We can’t guarantee snow for that, but we can guarantee you will really enjoy making a beautiful stained-glass snowman with this easy printable and these step-by-step instructions.

Once you are done, you can stick it in a window (just ask Mom first).

We promise this will be one of your kid’s fave DIY holiday activities!

What you’ll need: Downloadable printable clear contact paper, white, orange and black cardboard, a colour printer, scissors, white, light blue and dark blue tissue paper, glitter.

9. Go to the Drive-In

Image source: Pinterest

Beep-Beep!

We can’t think of anything more fun than constructing your own cardboard box car and then driving it (uhm, we mean, walking it) to the drive-in (in this case, the lounge or television room) for a great movie.

What you’ll need: Supplies for making a cardboard box as per the instructions, clothing pegs and a small, sturdy cardboard box or plastic basket to clip to the side of the car for holding popcorn and snacks.

10. Paint with Balloons

Image source: iheartartsncrafts

We’re pretty sure you have some balloons leftover from your tennis game, so why not use them for other DIY holiday activities?

Like painting with them.

This fun arts and crafts idea is low on fuss and mess :)

What you’ll need: Balloons, paint, white paper.

11. Construct Your Own Indoor Putting Course

Image source: Craft and Boogie

Another super way to get creative with a cardboard box is by turning it into a DIY golf station to practice your targeting.

Just be sure to choose a spot (such as a covered stoep) where you can swing your club without knocking over anything!

And, once the rain has passed and you are all practised up, you can ask Mom or Dad to bring you over to Hazendal’s Kleine Hazen Putting Park where you’ll be able to put your skills to the test on our 27-hole putt-putt course.

What you’ll need: Cardboard box, khokis, paint or washi tape for decorating, scissors.

12. Make Chocolate-Scented Playdough

Image source: The imagination tree

Why not make chocolate-scented playdough?

We know, it sounds crazy, right. But this playdough recipe is easy-peasy to make and everyone in your home will enjoy the delicious smell.

Plus, it might just put you and Mom in the mood to bake some delicious edible choc-chip cookies to dunk at tea time.

13. Make Your Own Animal Origami Bookmarks

Image source: Its Always Autumn

If your kids love to read, these DIY origami bookmarks are a MUST.

Not only are they super cute but very handy – no one will ever forget on which page they were on ever again.

All you have to do is download the animal printable(s) you want, print them in colour and get folding!

What you’ll need: Paper, scissors and a colour printer.

14. Make a Trinket Bowl

Image source: Pinterest

Artsy kids will love this DIY holiday activity where they get to make their own trinket bowl to keep loose change and other small bits and bobs in.

This example is in the shape of a flower but you can choose to make a circular or square bowl or even one shaped like a pumpkin or tortoise – there really are so many possibilities. Just remember to create a “well” to put your items in.

What you’ll need: Oven-bake clay, plastic beads.

15. Ice Dye a Hoodie

Similar to tie-dying but WAY COOLER because your parents never did it 😉, ice dying is a great way to create your own unique hoodie (or any other clothing item) and one of the ultimate DIY holiday activities in our minds.

What you’ll need: Powdered fabric dye, ice, a white clothing item you want to ice dye, a cooling rack and gloves.

There you have it, Moms and Dads, 15 DIY holiday activities you can entertain the kids with for hours and hours this holiday.

But if you do feel like an outing one day (before cabin fever sets in), why not visit Wonderdal? Our indoor facility is open rain or shine, and while the kids enjoy 2 hours of supervised edutainment, you can relax in our cosy Babushka Deli with a delicious coffee and some freshly baked goods.

Plus, there is a special holiday programme available for the little ones from 29 to 31 March and again from 26 to 28 April. Learn more about it here or book here.

For more great activities to keep the kids entertained in and around Cape Town, download our Ultimate Parents Survival Guide.