Long school holiday? Here are different ways to keep your children busy
Cynthia Tame and her models pose for a photo during the street fashion event on February 23, 2025.
With the long school holiday underway, parents in Nakuru have an opportunity to help their children learn new skills, discover their talents and make new friends beyond the classroom.
From church programmes and football academies to hockey camps and creative art sessions, there are several activities families can explore to keep children engaged during the break.
Rather than spending the entire holiday indoors, children can use the time to explore their interests, build confidence and develop social skills while having fun.
Here are some activities parents can consider.
1. Join a Vacation Bible School (VBS)
For families looking for faith-based activities, various churches in Nakuru organise Vacation Bible School (VBS) programmes during school holidays. These sessions often combine Bible lessons with singing, games, storytelling, crafts and group activities.
Besides keeping children occupied, VBS programmes provide an opportunity for them to interact with other children, learn values such as kindness and teamwork, and build friendships within their communities.
2. Enroll Football Lovers in an Academy
For children who enjoy kicking a ball around, the holiday can be an ideal time to develop their football skills. Nakuru has football training options, including Menengai Elite Football Academy and Nakuru City Football Academy, which parents can contact to enquire about holiday training and enrollment.
3. Explore Hockey at Nakuru Hockey Club's Holiday Camp
Children interested in trying a sport beyond football can explore hockey. Nakuru Hockey Club will be hosting a holiday camp at Nakuru Day, offering an opportunity for young enthusiasts to engage with the sport
4. Unleash Creativity with Art
For children who enjoy drawing, painting and experimenting with colours, Art by McCoy is hosting a Paint and Sip Kids Edition on Thursdays at Baraza Media Lab.
The sessions provide an opportunity for children to explore their creative side, express themselves through art and spend time in a creative environment. Rather than focusing only on the finished painting, such activities allow children to experiment, develop their imagination and build confidence in their artistic abilities
5. Introduce Children to Sign Language
Another option for parents looking for an educational activity is the Kids' Sign Language Holiday programme advertised by the Nakuru Sign Language Training Centre (NSLT)
The programme runs from November 9 to December 10, 2026, from 10am to noon, Monday to Thursday, at St. Paul University near ACK Cathedral Church, opposite Nakuru Central Police Station. The course fee is Sh 4,000, with a certificate provided upon completion.
Ultimately, keeping children engaged during the long holiday does not have to mean filling every day with expensive activities. Parents can combine organised programmes with simple activities at home, such as reading, cooking together, gardening, playing board games and visiting local attractions.
With a little planning, the long holiday can become more than a break from school. It can be a chance for children to discover new interests, build friendships and return to class with new skills and experiences.