Are you enjoying not having to do the school run? We are. However before you know it you’ll have a little someone saying ‘I’m bored’. To combat this we did a list of exciting holiday programmes that are running in Gaborone. These are fantastic for the busy working parent or energetic kid. However if that’s not for you we have 3 ideas of adventures you can do with your children over the next week. We’ve also added a fantastic play idea that you can do at home.
Region 5 Youth Games
The Region 5 youth games are here. These games are for athletes under the age of 20. It’s attended by; Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and of course we have our own athletes.
There are lots of different sports being played. Such as football, netball, tennis, boxing, judo, gymnastics, swimming, and athletics. Please have a look at their Facebook page or website to find out more about the schedules and various locations of the different sports. Not only is this a great way you can support our young athletes, it can also inspire your own children. Win Win.
Happy Hacking At Notwane Equestrian Centre
This place might be a bit of a trek out of Gabs but it’s worth it. They do lovely 30 minute pony rides along the Notwane river.
If it makes you more comfortable your welcome to walk along too. However children aged 4 and up usually ride with just their guides. (There is a guide per pony.) It’s best if your kids wear long trousers as it stops skin rubbing against the saddle. Also please note, absolutely no rides will be given to kids in flip flops. Closed shoes are what you want around ponies.
There’s also a delightful coffee shop called ‘Zorro’s Cafe’. Once your children have finished their rides they can have a play on the jungle gym. If you want to know more about this gem we wrote an article about it awhile back. Please have a read of Days Out: Notwane Equestrian Centre.
End week Your Week Off At The Yacht Club’s Christmas Lunch
This Sunday (16.12.18) the Yacht Club have an indulgent Christmas Lunch. We went last year and it was great. It’s from 12:00-18:00 but lunch is served at 13:00. Father Christmas arrives by boat at 15:00 so be sure to stick around.
Adults are P150, kids under 12 are P75 and under 5 are free. Parents are to provide a gift with a value of P100-P150. (No more, no less.) Booking is essential for catering purposes. Call Sue on 71 579 707.
Have Some Fun At Home: Make It Snow
Caroline, our favourite expert on play gave us these recipes last year. They are such a good onws we can’t help but pull it out for another round of play. Botswana might be a delight for many things but snow is not what you would commonly associate with our 40 degree heat. However blame the northern hemisphere, snow is somewhat synonymous with Christmas. That’s why Caroline has got a winning recipe for ‘Snow Dough’. It’s nice and easy. It’s also taste safe so you can make it for babies, toddler and young children.
Snow Dough Recipe
Add a small amount of oil (we use coconut or olive oil) to flour to make a mixture that is dry but mouldable. Let your child explore the texture and make ‘snowballs’, add cookie cutters and other bake-ware to enhance their play experiences. Young babies will be delighted to see the imprint their hands and feet make in the dough. This is a great way to introduce sensory play.
White Play Dough
A soft, snow-like playdough is an absolute favourite in our house. Made in the same way as a typical no cook playdough, you simply replace flour with cornflour.
This has the added advantage of making the recipe gluten free which is ideal for children with allergies. We added snowflake cookie cutters, sequins, buttons and Christmas figures to stimulate creativity.
Recipe:
- 1 cup cornflour/maizena
- ½ cup salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- Approximately 1 cup boiling water
Mix the dry ingredients and add the boiling water slowly until it’s absorbed, then knead the dough well.
If you’re looking for more play ideas have a look at Caroline’s posts
Have a wonderful week making memories.
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