5 things to do before they go back to school

Just a few days before the new school term begins so make the most of the children being home with lazy mornings, spontaneous outings, reading together and simply being together. The alarm clock will soon have to be set and the familiar routine will make summer a distant memory – so make sure it’s a good one!

Have a lazy morning

Enjoy a book together

We all know the feeling, stumbling out of bed on a dark morning with your mental to-do list already going and children who just want ‘5 more minutes’. Before the rush to get them fed, into their uniforms and out to the car returns, make the most of enjoying a lazy morning together.

Don’t set an alarm, let them wander into your room and enjoy just being together. Read a book in bed or even (horror of horrors) watch children’s TV with them.

Have a cooked breakfast, delay getting out of your PJ’s and make the most of not having to be somewhere for once.

Do something spur of the moment

Why not have a day without a plan? We all have such busy schedules during term time and we can end up spending a lot of time running from one after school club to another activity without really spending much time with our children. Have no agenda, ask them what they would like to do. Jump in the car and go somewhere you haven’t been before, explore a new beach, go for a long walk. Have a look at all the options on local events websites and ask them what they would like to do. They may surprise you!

Walk in the countryside

Visit one of Devon’s Top Attractions

We’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful county with so many quality attractions to visit. Treat them to a last day out before they go back to school. Have a look on the Devon’s Top Attractions website for inspiration or pick them up a leaflet and ask them to browse through to see what appeals to them. Animals, history, transport, rides . . Devon’s top attractions have it all.

Summer holidays

Have a sunset picnic

Head to the park, moors or beach one evening with a picnic or where allowed a BBQ. Children love eating outside and will feel very special being allowed to stay up late to watch the sunset. There are some stunning places to watch the sunset in Devon and warm jumpers and a blanket will make a real adventure of it. Alternatively, watch the sunrise with a beach breakfast BBQ. Check all the times HERE

Devon sunset

Make a scrapbook

A bit old fashioned but a great way to have them capture all the special things they have done over the summer. Print off the photos and write a few lines about what you have done for each one. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time remembering the happy days and listening to your child as they recall what they did. An exercise book, glue stick and pen is all it takes. They’ll capture memories and have something really impressive for their first show and tell back at school.