Best games & toys to keep kids busy through the holidays

 Already mapped out the kids’ school holiday action plan? Perhaps you’ve made a spreadsheet, jigsawing together holiday camps, activities and games galore, plus two hours of scheduled spontaneity at 0900 hours? Maybe your master plan involves winging it and water play. Either way, the chances are you’ve panic-bought a paddling pool.

So far, so normal. But what if we told you that there are plenty of (parent-popular) toys that will delight ALL kids from toddler-to-tween – and they come with peace and quiet as standard. 

These toys take time to play with, helping to slow down strong emotions and create a feeling of calm. Ideal for busy parents, and busy minds. Think of them as mindfulness for you and your mini-me, whether you choose to get involved, or to hide yourself away in a (spa) cupboard.

These are the guaranteed crowd pleasers – on sunny, cloudy and seriously soggy days, kids love to make a splash. From tactical aquaduct builds and water blasters to slippery water slides, statement sprinklers and the paddling pool (to please parents and kids alike), there really is no better way to keep kids entertained during the holidays.

Great for competitive kids, creative kids and spirited kids (in need of regular airing!) nothing beats the pure unbridled joy of outdoor play. Steal a moment to explore the great outdoors – be it a bug hunt with your minis, or throwing some Olympic-style shapes on the trampoline (that they keep asking for). Holidays are the perfect time to invest in some classic outdoor kit – croquet sets, to kites and swingball for starters – but if you’re looking for a quick win? Bubbles. Always.

One for rainy days or those days when you need to get stuff done. These are the top-rated indoor toys. The toys that our in-house panel of parents have had great success (peace and quiet) with. The toys that kids WILL play with for more than five minutes – while improving their shape-matching and observation skills, imagination and worldly knowledge – one game at a time. Please be upstanding for:

For parenting on-the-fly – whether you prefer to build your own travel activity packs or are looking for some easy travel wins to keep kids entertained come car, train or plane – from colouring pads and sticker books to fidget toys and toys that won’t break the bank, to games the whole family will love – these are the travel toy-shaped heroes created to make your journey that little bit easier. Just add snacks.

Need to tempt your offspring away from nanny Netflix? From toddlers-to-tweens, kids love textural, sensory play – and parents love the minimal mess. Cue the: kinetic sand, jewellery-making, air dry clay modelling and spillage-free, practical paint pop sticks. Science says that soothing sensorial play can help to encourage mindfulness too, as well as igniting their inner artiste. Put simply, you (sorry, ‘they’) will love: