School holidays are a welcome break for children but parents need to find ways to keep them busy. Working parents may also need to find new childcare arrangements. Here are some ideas and ways to get help.
Summer schemes are run by organisations such as voluntary groups, church groups or local councils.
Quite often there is no legal requirement for such schemes to be registered with Social Services unless they run for more than five days in any year.
However, they should have safeguards to take care of the health, protection and well-being of the children who attend.
Museums and galleries have on activities for children and many run special events during the school holidays. Most major museums and galleries have free entry and many offer special activities to help children enjoy and get the most out of their visit.
Days out at the beach, in the country, or visiting heritage sites, can be affordable and enjoyable for both adults and children. Trips to amusement parks and adventure playgrounds are another option.
Many BBC TV and radio stations, especially regional ones, offer guided tours free of charge. The tour of BBC, Broadcasting House, will provide children with a unique opportunity to take a look "behind the scenes" at BBC Northern Ireland.
For working parents, childcare during the holidays can be a problem. Many families get a hand from grandparents and other relatives, while others arrange holiday childcare or book children in for summer activity programmes.
Parents
