How to Keep 3 or More Kids Entertained During School Holidays Without Losing Your Mind

Why school breaks feel more exhausting than school weeks

When the school bell rings for the last time before a break, there's a sense of relief—for a moment. No more packed lunches, no more early wake-ups. But for parents of multiple children, especially between the ages of 6 and 12, the real work often begins during school holidays. The challenge isn’t just keeping kids busy—it’s maintaining harmony, meeting emotional needs, and somehow, finding a moment to breathe.

If you’re parenting three or more school-aged children, you know that chaos can erupt before breakfast. One child is bouncing with energy, another is glued to a screen, and the youngest wants you all to herself. Sustaining mental peace while keeping everyone engaged isn’t about being a super-parent—it’s about strategy, intention, and embracing imperfection.

Think rhythms, not rigid schedules

Rather than trying to micromanage every hour, build a gentle rhythm to your day. Children thrive when they know what to expect, but they also need room to play freely. A daily flow—like breakfast, outside time, creative time, rest time, and shared dinner—helps them feel secure. Within that rhythm, they can make choices, and so can you.

For example, mornings might be the most energetic time in your household. That’s when you can encourage more active play outside or plan a nature walk. Afternoons often invite quiet. This is a natural time for low-stimulation play like puzzles, reading, or listening to stories. Even 30 minutes of calm in the day can make a difference in everyone's mood.

The power of independent play, especially in big families

It may seem counterintuitive, but kids don't need to be entertained all the time—what they often need more is permission to be bored. That boredom turns into creativity, especially in sibling groups. Set up a safe space at home where kids can create without constant direction: art supplies, building materials, costume boxes. Rotate these items every few days to keep things feeling novel.

If you’re managing multiple needs in a big household, these creative activities are a practical way to support independent play, giving you a pocket of time to focus on other tasks—or just sip your coffee while it’s still warm.

Moments of shared calm are possible—and valuable

In the wild swirl of movement and noise, shared quiet moments can feel like miracles. But they are possible. One effective approach is using audio stories, which allow children to be still, yet deeply engaged.

The LISN Kids App offers original audiobooks and audio series designed specifically for kids between the ages of 3 and 12—perfect for mixed-age groups. Whether you’re trying to settle the house before meals or encourage winding down before bedtime, the immersive storytelling can bring children together in peace. You can find the app on iOS and Android.

Stories can also help reduce sibling conflict. Listening together allows each child to experience the narrative in their own way but share in the same imaginative world. As explored in this article, shared stories can even spark new forms of cooperative play afterward.

Let each child feel seen, even in a crowd

One of the invisible stresses of school holidays for big families is the feeling that no child gets enough one-on-one time. When the days feel like a blur of group parenting, it's easy for kids to act out just to grab your attention.

Try to carve out short, focused moments with each child—a walk around the block, helping with a small project, a quiet cuddle while the others play. You might surprise yourself by how much you can offer in just 10 minutes of undivided attention. For more thoughtful strategies, this guide offers supportive ideas for building these intimate pockets into everyday life.

And what about your sanity?

Finally, there’s you. Parents often feel like the last person in line for rest, care, or joy. Especially during holidays when demands surge, it’s vital to acknowledge your limits. You don’t need to fill every moment. You don’t fail your children if the house gets messy or if they complain of boredom. Your calm presence, even if incomplete, is enough.

If you’re looking for emotional sustenance as a parent of many, this article on managing parental stress may offer just the perspective shift you need.

Creating memories, not perfection

At the end of the day, your children won’t remember all the crafts or outings. What sticks are the feelings of safety, warmth, and the moments they felt connected—to you, to each other, to themselves. School holidays with multiple kids aren’t easy, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With a few flexible boundaries, a touch of story-based magic, and self-compassion that sees you through the noise, you can create a season of rest—and maybe a little joy—for everyone in the house.