The school holidays are here, and if the idea of glue, glitter and complicated crafts makes you want to hide – you're not alone. These 12 superb at-home easy holiday activities (especially if you’re not a crafty mom) are designed to keep the fun high and the effort low. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy art station or a DIY mindset to create holiday magic. Just a few simple materials, a sense of play, and these easy ideas will help you keep your kids entertained without the stress. Dive into these 12 superb at-home holiday activities (especially if you’re not a crafty mom) and reclaim the joy of low-key, screen-free fun. Written by Tanya Kovarsky, Rattle & Mum.
Some schools were recently on holiday, and I watched in fascination how moms posted their incredible crafty and arty pics that they had created with their kids. I’m always in awe of moms who take the time to research an arts-and-crafts project, buy all the tools, and patiently sit with their kids to execute the projects. I love living through them and seeing the creative projects these moms inspire, while reassuring myself that at least my kids, especially my toddler, get a good amount of creativity at school.
But, now that my toddler’s school holidays are approaching, I’m starting to get prepared and think about what fun things I can coordinate without having to be ultra-creative or crafty. My best advice is to plan in advance. Try to schedule something every day, preferably with the “buy-In” of your child if they are old enough. Whether it’s a DVD at home, baking biscuits, going to the park, or arranging a playdate, having something planned for each day eases your stress, plus it gives your child something to look forward to.
Other handy tips include stocking up with books (even at the library) before the holiday, making sure you have baking ingredients and basic art supplies, and adding some great “edutainment” apps to your smartphone or tablet if you have one, and organising playdates if it’s age appropriate for you child.
Here are some fun at-home activities that your kids might love – simply pick ones that are age-appropriate.
1. Plant some herbs or seeds
Head to your nursery and buy some herbs, seeds, soil and pots. Follow the planting instructions, or ask for advice at the nursery. Find out how often they will need to be watered, and encourage your child to tend to the plants, and watch their progress. You can also help them create pretty labels for each pot, which, when laminated, can withstand the outdoors. You could also paint names on small pieces of wood, and gently pop them into the pot.
2. Water play
Fill a bucket with water and bubbles. Place toys, cartons, cups, bath toys, etc. in the water and let the children have fun and use their imaginations.
3. Lollipops
Make your favourite juice and pour into lollipop moulds. Freeze and serve. Can also be made with Nutella (1/3 cup) and milk (1 cup) blended together and then placed in lollipop moulds and frozen.
4. Science experiments
These are great for older kids, and a lot of experiments don’t require a many items and ingredients. I’ve found some great and easy experiments at Science Kids (www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html), where children can do things like make glowing water or tell if an egg is raw or boiled.
5. Edible necklaces
Use O-tees or Fruit Loops (if you can find them) and thread one onto a piece of string and then tie a knot to keep the cereal on. Keep on threading until you have a yummy necklace to munch on.
6. Make play dough (see instructions here)
7. Paint with ice
Fill an ice tray with water and add food colouring to each cube. Freeze overnight. Place into a bowl and allow children to use the ice cubes as their “paint brushes”.
8. Baking
A basic biscuit recipe can yield so much fun if you have cool cookie cutters or some imagination to make your own shapes. Get some sprinkles, edible glitter or other toppings, and enjoy! You can also bake some cupcakes (a box mix is perfectly fine), and get the kids to decorate with icing (prepared from scratch or in ready-to-ice tubes) and sweets, sprinkles or chocolate.
9. Pyjama day
Create a movie and pyjama day – get some movies, darken the room, make some popcorn and create a fun film day.
10. Bring out the boardgames
Switch off the devices, and bring out the age-appropriate boardgames, whether it’s a matching puzzle, Monopoly (there’s a junior version too), chess, backgammon, card games (rummy, snap or Uno) and Bingo, to name just a few.
11. Have a treasure hunt
This one might involve a little bit more organisation, but it’s huge fun for kids to follow clues, get moving, and find a small prize. For older kids, you can include some problem-solving clues.
12. Make a movie
Children can make their own movies with their photos and video clips using an app, such as Magisto Video Editor & Maker. It also comes with music and special effects.
ALSO CHECK OUT: 10 arts and crafts activities for kids to try during the holidays
BabyYumYum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – 12 Easy Holiday Activities (Even for Non-Crafty Parents)
What kind of easy holiday activities can I do with my kids if I’m not creative or crafty?
The best activities are the simple, low-prep ones—think baking together, nature walks, building blanket forts, or having a movie night. They don’t require glue guns or glitter—just your time and attention.
How can I keep my children entertained without screens over the holidays?
Choose hands-on, engaging activities like treasure hunts, baking, gardening, storytelling, or puzzles. Even simple games like charades or “hide the toy” can keep them busy and screen-free.
Are there easy activities that also help with learning?
Yes! Try reading holiday-themed books, writing letters to loved ones, counting down days on a calendar, or playing educational games like word bingo, all while keeping it fun and pressure-free.
What’s a good group activity if I have more than one child at home?
Obstacle courses, building Lego towns, baking competitions, or indoor scavenger hunts are great for multiple kids. They encourage teamwork, creativity and keep everyone busy together.
What are some low-mess activities for indoors?
Try sticker books, water painting, board games, audiobooks, or card games. These keep things tidy while offering loads of fun, especially if you’re not keen on paint or glitter everywhere.
Can I involve my child in holiday tasks as part of the fun?
Absolutely! Kids love to help when it feels like play. Involve them in decorating, wrapping presents, baking, or setting the table—give them age-appropriate jobs and praise their effort.
What are some free or low-cost ideas?
Free activities include nature walks, picnics in the garden, DIY scavenger hunts, making paper decorations, or creating a holiday playlist and dancing together.
How do I stay relaxed when my child wants constant entertainment?
Have a few go-to activities ready, but also encourage independent play. It’s healthy for kids to get bored—it sparks creativity! Offer options, then step back and let them lead the play.
Are there easy holiday activities that work for toddlers and older kids?
Yes—baking, music and dancing, building forts, water play, or garden exploration work well across different ages. Just adjust the tasks and expectations based on age and ability.
What’s a quick activity I can set up while working from home?
Set up a holiday-themed sensory bin (with rice, pasta or pom-poms), a sticker scene, or a simple drawing prompt. These can keep children busy long enough for you to take that Zoom call in peace.
How do I balance activity time with rest during the holidays?
Keep a flexible routine. Alternate high-energy activities (like outdoor games) with calmer ones (like stories or puzzles). Don’t forget to factor in rest time—for both of you!
How do I make simple holiday moments feel special?
It’s all in the presentation! Light a few candles, play festive music, or make hot chocolate with marshmallows. Even simple moments feel magical when you slow down and enjoy them together.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and parenting support purposes only. Always supervise young children during play, and adapt activities to suit your family’s needs and preferences.
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