Staying Sane During School Vacation Week: Fun Indoor Activities for Your Kids
Hey there! If you’re a parent in Denmark, you probably know that week 7 or 8 is that magical time of the year when the kids are off school for their winter break, and let's be honest—doing this solo can sometimes feel like a fast-paced juggling act. My husband often work this week while I’m at home with the girls.
As a mom of three girls, I often find myself in this wonderful whirlwind, all while trying to stay as sane as possible. In this post, I’ll share some engaging indoor activities that cater to girls aged 3-10, tackle some common challenges solo parents face during vacation, and share some cherished Danish traditions. Plus, I'll throw in some valuable tips for maintaining personal space even when everyone is together. Let’s dive in!
Common Challenges of Solo Parenting During Vacation
Facing a week of vacation alone can feel daunting. You might worry about:
Keeping the kids entertained and engaged
Managing your remote work commitments
Finding moments of peace in chaos
Handling sibling squabbles
But it’s not all doom and gloom! With a bit of planning, you can turn this vacation week into an enjoyable and productive experience for both you and your kids.
Below are some indoor activities that should keep them happy and busy, giving you a chance to catch your breath.
Activities List
Crafty Creators (1-2 hours)
Gather scissors, colored paper, markers, and glue. Set up a craft station on a large table or floor space.
Each child can create their own scrapbook using the colored paper and decorations.
Encourage them to personalize their pages with drawings, cut-outs from magazines, and even a bit of story-telling. This year we have been making bows too. Bows are really popular in Denmark right now so we couldn’t leave them out.
This activity not only fuels their creativity but also keeps them busy while you take care of tasks nearby. We craft in the kitchen this year. That way I can empty the dish washer, the baby can play at a blanket on the floor and the two big girls got a large table as a crafting station.
Indoor Camping Adventure (30-60 minutes)
Transform your living room into a cozy camping site.
Use blankets and cushions to create a fort or tent.
Once completed, read stories inside the fort or play camping games.
Don’t forget to bring snacks—perhaps some Danish pastries for a treat. (Fastelavnsboller)
DIY Science Experiments (1-2 hours)
Kids love science experiments, and they can be done right at home with basic kitchen supplies.
Try the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano.
In a bowl, mix ½ cup of vinegar with food coloring and pour it into a small container.
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to create a fizzy eruption! Discuss the science behind it afafterward.
You can also fill a bowl with water and dish water soap and then sprinkle some peper on the soap. See how the peper is flying to the side of the bowl. It’s always a fun and quick activity to do.
Baking Bonanza (1-2 hours)
Nothing warms the soul like fresh-baked goodies!
Gather ingredients for simple cookies or muffins.
Let each child choose a special recipe to follow. Measure, mix, and have fun decorating after baking.
And of course, enjoy the results together afterward!
Pajama Dance Party (30 minutes)
Who says you need a reason to dance?!
Put on some upbeat music and let the kids wear their favorite pajamas.
This is an awesome way to get some energy out and lift everyone's mood.
Indoor Treasure Hunt (1 hour)
This activity will keep them engaged and moving about!
Hide small toys or treats around the house.
Create a simple map or a list of clues leading to each hiding spot.
Split them into teams, and let the adventure begin!
Story Time and Puppet Show (30-60 minutes)
Encourage your kids to create their own stories!
Let them come up with a short tale and then make puppets (using socks or paper bags) to act it out.
Invite them to perform their puppet show. This can even lead into a fun discussion about story elements afterwards.
Art Gallery Day (30-90 minutes)
Let the kids unleash their inner artists!
Provide them with art supplies like crayons, markers, or watercolors.
Have them create their masterpiece and set up an “art gallery” to showcase their work afterward. You can even invite their favorite toys as guests!
Yoga and Mindfulness Hour (30 minutes)
Kids need downtime, too. Introduce them to yoga in a fun way!
Find a kid-friendly yoga video and do the exercises together.
Talk about relaxation and being present. This can set a calming tone for the evening.
Danish Vacation Traditions
As we embrace the vacation spirit, incorporating some local traditions can create a sense of community and connection. Baking Traditional Danish Pastries: Involve your kids in making 'kanelsnegl' (cinnamon rolls) together, a beloved treat during downtime. This time of year we also bake ‘Fastelavnsboller’. It’s a pasteri we eat around the end of February because of our carneval called Fastelavn.
Outdoor Activities: Even if you stay indoors, consider bringing nature inside with a simple flower or plant that they can help care for in a patch of sunlight.
Tips for Maintaining Personal Space
It’s crucial to carve out moments for yourself, even amidst the chaos.Establish “quiet time”: Designate a half-hour where the kids do silent reading or independent play while you sip that much-needed cup of coffee.
Create a "parent's corner": Set up a little nook with your favorite book or craft that you can retreat to while the kids are engaged in an activity.
Take advantage of screen time wisely: Choose a specific time slot for screen-based activities where they can watch their favorite show, allowing you some uninterrupted work time.
As much as I love my children I’m one of those people who just need and hour or two for myself each day. It gives me energy that I can use together with my loved ones.
Conclusion
School vacation week can be a challenge, but with these indoor activities, cherished traditions, and personal space strategies, you can make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember to be flexible and go with the flow—laughter often comes from the most unexpected moments.
Feeling inspired? Download our free fashion design book to keep your oldest kids busy udringede the vacation!
Enjoy your time with your little ones—cherish these moments, messy and magical as they may be!
