Summer break is here, and we get to enjoy some free time! With less structured school-time, some kids might get bored, but there are lots of activities to keep us busy, both indoors and out, with friends, with family, or even alone. Here are some ideas: Some are specific to St. Maarten / St. Martin, but most are relevant to our readers in Saba and Statia! With the exception of the last few suggestions, all suggestions here are low- or no-cost.
-Run, play, and swim at the beach.
-Play on the playground and explore the premises, while admiring all the beautiful flamboyant trees at Emilio Wilson Park.
-Ride a bike along the Philipsburg boardwalk.
-Learn about our local plants, animals, and history at the Amuseum Naturalis.
-Learn more about our history at St. Maarten Heritage Museum.
-Cool down at the Walter Plantz square, running through the water fountains.
-Learn to play a new board- or card-game. These make for fun family nights!
-Meet some animals: Visit Parrot Ville or Seaside Nature Park.
-Have an outdoor picnic.
-Have a movie night with friends. Make some snacks together first, like popcorn or popsicles.
-Listen to an audiobook or podcast together with your family. These can be funny, adventurous, or even scary! Young children can enjoy Visual Story Time from the Sint Maarten Library. Check out the library’s Facebook page for more info.
-Read a new book, and get a library card if you don’t already have one! Reading is not only for school, it’s fun! Learn about something you’ve been curious about, like animals, sports, art, or the human body. If you have a younger sibling, read to them.
-Bake some cupcakes, and be creative when decorating them.
-Ask your parents to show you how to make their favourite dish.
-Complete a big puzzle.
-Work on your art skills by drawing some still life: Gather three objects and put them on the table in front of you, then try to draw them – observing and trying to recreate the details. These can be any household item, and maybe a flower from outside. Think of mugs, glasses, fruit, books, etc.
-Do the same, but outdoors. This can be at home, or at the park or beach. Pick a nice setting, and draw. Draw things in the distance, and things closer to you. For example, the hills in the background, the clouds, the houses, and the trees.
-Make slime/goop (recipes are plentiful online).
-Jump rope alone or play jump-rope games with friends.
-Plant some seeds to grow herbs or vegetables.
-Set up a treasure hunt with friends.
-Only with permission: Go through toys and clothes that you have outgrown, and pack them in a box. These can be given to younger siblings or cousins, or donated to a charity shop so that another child can use and enjoy them.
-Try out a new hobby or sport. If you like it, stick to it in the new school year. Some examples are dancing, singing, martial arts, baseball and painting.
-Join a summer camp for kids.
-Learn to sail with the St. Maarten Yacht Club.
