The summer holidays can be a challenging time for foster carers as children are off from school for up to 6 weeks. Keeping children of all ages meaningfully occupied during this long break can help prevent boredom, arguments and misbehaviour. This article provides suggestions for fun, engaging and affordable activities suitable for children of all ages that foster families can enjoy together.
Activities for Younger Children (Ages 3-7)
Younger children tend to have shorter attention spans but plenty of energy. Activities should be hands-on, encourage creativity and get them moving.
- Arts and Crafts – Do easy crafts like making potato stamps to print patterns, homemade playdough, painting rocks or colouring. Display their artwork to boost self-esteem.
- Baking or Cooking – Bake biscuits or no-cook recipes so they can join in mixing ingredients. Let them decorate baked goods after.
- Outdoor Play – Play with pavement chalk, blow bubbles, have a water fight or set up a miniature obstacle course in the garden. Go to the park regularly to climb, swing and run around.
- Indoor Play – Bring out the board games, jigsaws, magnetic fishing games and more. Have regular family game nights or build a fort with sheets and furniture.
- Local Events – Libraries, community centres and museums often hold free or low-cost events for children during summer. Attend readings, shows, crafts workshops and more.
Engaging Older Children (Ages 8-12)
Older children are more independent but still need structure and active stimulation. Involve them in planning activities they find genuinely interesting.
- STEM Projects – Do age-appropriate science experiments like building mini volcanoes or crystal growing kits. Give them hands-on engineering projects using materials like Lego, magnet tiles or model car kits.
- Outdoor Adventures – Go hiking, cycling, camping, canoeing or swimming in nature. Geocaching is a treasure hunt game using GPS coordinates. Harvest fruits at pick-your-own farms.
- Creative Pursuits – Spark their imagination through painting, photography, writing stories, cartooning or making short films. Put on talent shows and concerts for the family.
- Day Trips – Take educational trips to interactive museums, historic sites, aquariums, zoos and theme parks. Plan a multi-day camping or road trip if possible.
Keeping Teens Engaged (Ages 13-17)
The teenage years can be difficult, and you’ll have learnt about this in your training as part of the process of how to become a foster carer. So, emphasise respect, communication and compromise when planning activities. Find a balance between family time and teen independence.
- Community Service – Encourage volunteering at food banks, animal shelters or summer camps for younger children. It builds empathy, responsibility and work skills.
- Part-Time Jobs – Research local opportunities for appropriate summer or weekend jobs to earn extra pocket money and gain experience.
- Goal Setting – Help teens set goals for summer like improving in a sport, learning to drive, reading 20 books or practising a musical instrument. Check on progress weekly.
- Flexible Routine – Have regular family dinners, outings and home projects. But build in free time for teens to pursue individual interests, see friends and enjoy the break from school.
The summer holidays can be an enjoyable time for foster families when you plan plenty of simple, engaging activities suitable for your children’s ages and interests. Getting outdoors, learning new skills, using imagination and spending quality time together will keep kids meaningfully occupied.