Activity Guide

Create Memories at Home with 4 Affordable Bonding Activities

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jun 25, 2021

The number of Covid-19 cases is still at an all-time high, and many students are not able to go out and enjoy their summer holidays as the government is doing their best to keep the pandemic under control. Since we are staying safe at home right now, why not find a way (or a few ways!) to enjoy ourselves?

Here are some inexpensive fun family activities that you and your children can do at home!

Become Master Chefs

Photo by Annie Spratt [Unsplash]

Cooking is easily the best way to help you bond with your family. You can teach your children simple chores, and they will get excited to mirror your actions. Younger children are developing their sense of touch; being in the kitchen can help them get exposed to new sensory experiences. Bake a cake together or make jemput-jemput for afternoon tea and get them busy with flour, sugar and salt and watch them react to the textures and tastes of the ingredients.

As for older children and teenagers, a simple recipe can help your child familiarise themselves with kitchen etiquette and safety, and teach them about a balanced diet. Allow them to explore their creativity by experimenting with ingredients and you can also teach them useful cooking techniques -- it will greatly help them become independent and skilful in their lives.

Important safety note: Please ensure that your child is under your supervision at all times.

Host A Talent Show

Photo by Ben White [Unsplash]

Another fun activity that you can do with your family is to organise a talent show and offer to help your child memorise lines or prepare for their performance. This activity will help them to express themselves artistically and become confident step out of their comfort zone. Pick a performance that your children are keen to do: sing a song, recite poetry, a puppet show, a skit, or even blow everyone’s minds with magic tricks -- the options are endless!

While praises and support are the ultimate gifts for your child, you can also consider tangible consolation prizes for every participant, such as coupons. Here are some coupon ideas for the entire family:

1. My movie pick for our movie night

2. Commence a surprise dance party

3. One-day rest from doing chores

4. Have an extra dessert or snack of my choice

Spend Time Outdoors

Photo by Randy Fath [Unsplash]

Since we spend our time indoors due to the pandemic and the Movement Control Order, staying indoors can make your child feel stuffy, thus negatively impacting their mental health. One way to keep your child from feeling restless is to have fun outdoors within the safety of your home.

Plan a picnic on weekends or an exercise session every few days to lower you and your child’s stress levels and improve mood. Being outdoors has a relaxing effect on your mental health and improves your cardiovascular health. Apart from that, your child is able to run freely and happily, and you can have a sprinting contest.

Being indoors for an extended period prevents your skin from absorbing Vitamin D, so being outdoors can greatly help you and your child’s physical health. While you are not encouraged to stay outdoors for a long time, absorbing Vitamin D can increase the body’s immunity and reduce many health risks and issues. Since you will be outdoors, don’t forget to use SPF 50-grade sunscreen!

Once it is safe for us to go out, we recommend these locations within Klang Valley suitable for picnics and hiking:

1. Perdana Botanical Garden

2. Kepong Metropolitan Park

3. KL Forest Eco Park,

4. Taman Tugu

Document Your Memories with Scrapbooks

Photo by Aaron Burden [Unsplash]

After all the fun activities you have experienced with your family, why not immortalise them in a scrapbook? Scrapbooking is an easy and fun activity for your child to do together while reminiscing about the moments you have shared.

To create a scrapbook, you will need:

1. A camera
2. Printed photos of your best moments together
3. Craft papers or cardstocks
4. Punch hole
5. Ribbon
6. Pencil to trace your design
7. Markers and coloured pens
8. Decorative stickers, washi tapes and glitters
9. Scissors and glue

Steps to create a scrapbook:

1. Print your photos and cut the excess papers. Remember to recycle the excess papers.
2. On the craft papers that will be the pages of your scrapbook, leave at least 3-4cm of space at the edge of the paper. Punch holes within the parameter.
3. Glue your photos onto the craft papers -- repeat steps 2 and 3.
4. Trace designs on the scrapbook using a pencil before going in with a marker and coloured pens.
5. Decorate the pages with stickers, washi tapes, and glitters. Later on, get your children to help clean up the mess.!
6. Take a ribbon and weave it into the holes to tie the pages together. Cut the excess ribbon.

And there you have it! We hope you will have a great time creating beautiful memories with your family while staying safe indoors! For more activities, check out these nostalgic games you can play with your children!

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