School holidays often bring a mix of excitement and perhaps… a little panic. Parents breathe a sigh of relief from the morning rush, while kids celebrate freedom. But soon, the question arises: “How do we keep the kids entertained, learning, and off screens for more than the usual?”
The good news is holiday activities don’t have to be a time of learning loss or boredom. In fact, with a little intention, they can become a season of discovery, creativity, and even spiritual growth. We believe that learning doesn’t pause when school ends and that education and fun can go hand in hand.
Fun & Educational Activities during Holidays
Here are a few creative and meaningful activities during holidays that will keep your child engaged, growing, and maybe even asking for more.
1. Creative Exploration
When given the space to create freely, children naturally begin to experiment, solve problems, and express themselves. Holidays are the perfect time to encourage creative thinking at home. Whether it’s painting a mural on cardboard, building cities out of recycled materials, or developing writing skills and illustrating their own short stories, these moments spark joy and confidence.
Signing them up for a short holiday course like music, drama, or digital design can also expose them to new skills in a fun, low-pressure setting. Creativity is a powerful tool for growth, and as we’re reminded in Genesis 1:27, we are made in the image of a Creator. Helping our children see their creativity as a reflection of God’s nature is a beautiful way to nurture both their imagination and their faith.
2. Scientific Discovery
Learning how things work doesn’t always require a classroom. Even simple experiments like watching how baking soda reacts with vinegar can teach children the basics of chemistry. A walk through a park can turn into a lesson on ecosystems, weather patterns, or local wildlife. Stargazing on a clear evening can lead to deep conversations about the universe and the God who created it.
Science is all around us, and children’s natural curiosity can be a bridge to deeper understanding. By encouraging it, we show that faith and exploration can go hand in hand. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Let nature and science be opportunities to marvel at His brilliance.
3. Historical Adventures
While some kids may groan at the mention of history, you’d be surprised how quickly they become fascinated when learning is hands-on. Visiting a local museum or heritage site can bring ancient cultures and stories to life. Watching a well-made documentary together as a family or reading a historical novel suited to their age can turn what might seem like “schoolwork” into a gripping journey through time.
History is about understanding how God has moved through generations and how we are part of His ongoing story. As children discover the past, they will see the present more clearly and dream more boldly about the future.
4. Physical Fun
Holidays should also be a time to rest, but that doesn’t mean staying still all day. Children need movement to stay mentally and physically well. Organizing a backyard obstacle course, going on weekend hikes, afternoon bike ride, or simply kicking a ball around at the park can bring the whole family together and build lifelong healthy habits.
Physical activity also teaches perseverance, teamwork, and confidence, which go beyond the playground. The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and caring for them is a form of stewardship. Teaching this to our children through fun and active routines is a gift they’ll carry into adulthood.
5. Service and Giving
One of the most meaningful ways children can grow during holidays is by learning to serve others. Whether helping out at a community event, visiting a neighbor who lives alone, or preparing care packages for those in need, children quickly realize that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
You can also turn it into a family project like baking treats together for friends, creating hand-drawn cards for hospital patients, or picking up litter at a local beach. These activities during holidays build empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose. As Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The earlier children learn this truth, the more joy they will find in a life of service.
Don’t stress about filling every minute. What matters most is planning with purpose. Let your child’s curiosity guide your daily plans. Ask what excites them. Mix structured learning with moments of rest, reflection, and play.
Try setting a simple schedule with a few core routines—perhaps a vision board in the morning to set the tone for the day, or evening chats to reflect on what they learned. A flexible rhythm keeps the holiday spirit alive while making room for spontaneous fun. And don’t forget to gather input from your kids—they’ll feel more involved and excited when they help shape their own holiday experiences.
7. Learning Experience at Home
Holiday season offers freedom from schedules—but also the opportunity for growth through small, intentional routines. Incorporating simple activities during holidays like reading a devotional together each morning or reflecting on a Bible story before bed can provide spiritual nourishment beyond Sunday services.
Most importantly, be present. Put away distractions when you can and give your child the gift of your full attention. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commands parents to teach their children diligently, to talk about His Word “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” These everyday moments are where growth takes root.
Read more: 5 Fun and Easy Preschool Learning Activities at Home
8. Faith-Filled Moments
Aside from structured outings and creative projects, don’t overlook the importance of spiritual activities during school breaks. Holidays can be a wonderful time for deeper family member devotionals, journaling reflections, or simply having open conversations about God.
These activities don’t require much, just your time and attention. Read a Psalm together each morning, let children write down their prayers, or listen to worship music while doing craft activities. These moments help children see that their relationship with God continues to grow beyond the classroom or Sunday service.
9. Playing Board Games with Family Members
Board games are more than just an exciting way to pass the time, they build important life skills. From turn-taking and patience to strategy and teamwork, board games help children practice critical thinking and emotional regulation in a relaxed setting. Playing as a family also encourages healthy communication, shared laughter, and problem-solving together.
These moments offer a chance to reinforce values such as honesty, humility in winning or losing, and encouraging one another. Even simple games can create meaningful memories that bond a family together. And as Ecclesiastes 3:13 reminds us, “everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”
10. Introducing Money Management through Play
Help your children learn money management in a hands-on, enjoyable way. Set up a mini “home economy” where they earn tokens or points for chores and manage them to “buy” treats, screen time, or game privileges.
You can also give them a small budget for a fun project, maybe planning a simple gift for a good cause, shopping for ingredients to bake something together, or even organizing a DIY scavenger hunt for siblings or neighbors. These interactive ideas make financial learning fun and deeply practical.
11. Creative Games and Scavenger Hunts
During the holidays, one activity that kids love and never get old is a scavenger hunt. It’s a fun way to encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and active play—all while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
You can tailor the hunt to different themes, like nature, Bible verses, or even turn it into part of your Christmas activities by including festive clues or symbols of the nativity. To make it even more fun, let your child help create the clues or design the map. This not only boosts creativity but also strengthens family bonds through shared adventure and laughter.
12. Learning Beyond the Classroom at SPH
We are committed to fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the school year. Our annual Summer Program, held during the June–July holidays, offers students a chance to explore their interests through hands-on workshops, sports clinics, creative arts, and faith-centered activities. These programs are designed to spark curiosity, build friendships, and strengthen character in a joyful, Christ-centered environment.
To discover what’s coming up this summer, visit sph.edu/summer and explore the opportunities waiting for your child.
Benefits of Family Holidays for Children’s Development
Spending time together as a family during holidays isn’t just about relaxation; it plays a crucial role in a child’s mental health, emotional, social, and even spiritual growth. Family holidays create shared memories and shape values that last a lifetime. Here are some key benefits of intentionally setting aside time for holiday activities as a family:
1. Strengthening Emotional Bonds
Holidays offer uninterrupted time for families to connect more deeply, away from daily routines. Simple moments, like sharing meals, playing games, or exploring new places together. It creates a safe space for children to open up and feel emotionally secure. These shared experiences build trust, reinforce love, and communicate to children that they are valued. As parents invest in this time, they model the kind of nurturing relationship God desires in families (Colossians 3:14).
2. Encouraging Real-Life Learning
Traveling together or even exploring nearby communities during holidays allows children to learn outside the classroom. From observing different cultures and environments to practicing problem-solving and communication skills, every experience becomes a living lesson. It’s a reminder that learning is not limited to books or schedules. It happens everywhere, especially when guided with purpose and presence.
3. Developing a Sense of Belonging
When families engage in a shared busy holiday season, children feel included and anchored. This sense of belonging is crucial for identity development. Being part of a loving, God-honoring family helps shape how children see themselves and how they relate to others. Through simple moments like family traditions or even spontaneous road trips, they come to understand they are part of something greater than themselves.
4. Building Lasting Faith Foundations
Faith is often caught more than taught. During family holidays, when schedules are more flexible, parents have natural opportunities to model spiritual habits like praying together, reflecting on God’s creation, or showing kindness to strangers. These rhythms, when practiced regularly and joyfully, become part of a child’s personal walk with God. In Deuteronomy 6:6 7, we are reminded to teach our children diligently in everyday life, including when we travel or rest.
Read more: Beat Holiday Boredom and Build Bonds with Your Child: 5 Holiday Tips for Parents
Final Thoughts: Holidays Are a Gift, Use Them Well
The school break is more than a gap in the academic calendar. It’s a chance to press pause, reflect, and grow in new ways. With a little imagination and purpose, holidays can become one of the most valuable times in your child’s development, nurturing not just knowledge but faith, character, and joy.
Whether you’re exploring your neighborhood, trying a new experiment at home, or joining a program like SPH’s summer offerings, remember this: every day is a chance to teach, inspire, and love well.
If you’re seeking more than just a place for your child to spend their early years, consider starting their journey with intention. At Sekolah Pelita Harapan’s Preschool Jakarta, we offer an early childhood education rooted in faith, curiosity, and strong character formation. Our program nurtures each child to grow with confidence and a sense of purpose that endures long beyond graduation.
We warmly invite you to visit our campus, meet our passionate educators, and see firsthand how Sekolah Pelita Harapan can be the right foundation for your child’s future. Enroll today and give your child a joyful, Christ-centered start to a lifelong love of learning!
