Real play is key to the success of KidZania London, a children’s paradise that invites children to act as independent explorers in an indoor city run by kids.
The fun, educational and safe environment makes for a fantastic day out, but the fun doesn't need to end there.
Together with the JC, the lovely people from KidZania have come up with some fantastic ways to blend learning with reality and entertainment in your own home, with some brilliant hands-on activities that will ensure that children – and adults – have a very happy half term.
Cooking up a storm
Kids love finger-licking fun in the kitchen. You might not be ready to let them loose with the knives, but that doesn’t mean they can’t whip up a few delicacies.
Grab a recipe, pop on an apron and get your little ones to have a bit of fun choosing, planning and creating their own lunch or dinner.
Once they’re in charge, you’d be amazed at how much more adventurous they can be.
Acting out
It might look like a messy front room to you, but with a bit of imagination and role-play any space can become a jungle, a spaceship, or whatever your little one dreams of.
Create a dressing up box from old costumes and your hand-me-downs, then use a few blankets, dining chairs, furniture and anything else that might make a handy prop to transform the landscape of your lounge.
Write now
With just paper and pencil, kids can write themselves into a world of adventure. While some might be natural wordsmiths, others may need encouragement.
Spark vivid imaginations with props, pictures, a list of random words to choose from or search online for a children’s creative writing competition to enter. After all the hard work, be sure to cuddle up on the sofa for a proper story time at the end.
Art for art’s sake
A fully equipped arts and crafts drawer goes a long way during half term!
As well as coloured pens, pencils and crayons, stock up on coloured paper and card, glue, glitter, stickers, material, feathers, ribbons, pompoms, magazines, foil, cotton wool and just about anything else you can think of! Be prepared for the mess by making a feature of getting the brood to help with tidy-up time at the end.
A sporting chance
School’s out but that’s no excuse to become a couch potato, so flick off the TV and get moving! Not everyone has the space for a football pitch, but it’s always possible to get active.
An outdoor space provides a great opportunity for ball games, races and skipping ropes, but rainy days and tight spaces are no excuse. Budding gymnasts can utilise any flooring, while there are loads of kid-friendly workout videos online.
À la mode
Allow mini fashionistas to delve into your wardrobe to create their own individual look.
A bit of make up or face paint can add a touch of glamour and who doesn’t love some bling? If they avoid the limelight, let them have a go at creating their own garments.
Sketch out some ideas on paper or have a go with a needle and thread and a few bits of scrap material.
Pump up the volume
If music be the food of half term, play on! Inspire budding Ed Sheerans and Katy Perrys to sing their hearts out with a hairbrush mic or even a fun-filled app like Musical.ly, which allows users to create brilliant videos for their favourite songs and then share them with their friends.
Invite some other children over for bigger all-singing, all dancing productions or just to create their own funky routines.
Lights, camera, action!
Once again, that dressing up box can come in very handy. This time it’s for your own homemade Hollywood.
Children tend to be far more tech-savvy than adults, so should have no problem using the many easy film-making apps available on most devices.
With the help of siblings or friends, they can spend hours devising, filming and editing their mini movies, before hosting a star-studded premiere for their VIP audience of grown-ups.
Outward bound
Though the possibilities for entertaining kids at home is seemingly endless, it’s always great to get outdoors and explore.
Don’t let the weather deter you – just grab some wellies when wet. Plant a few flowers or vegetables in time for summer or go on bug safaris.
Whether or not you have a garden, it’s always good to venture out to your local park to seek out new hideaways or build a secret den.
If your kids have made it through the list and still have energy to burn, head to KidZania for endless opportunities to explore a range of real-life jobs including doctor, dentist, police officer, fire-fighter and actor.
