There’s a popular trope throughout TVs and movies — the agony Aunt (or Uncle.) These are the worst. They’re the cheek pinchers, the chronically misinformed, the politically delusional, the eccentric… but there’s no need to be so out of touch! To make babysitting a breeze, here’s our list of wicked (wicked = cool) and fun activities for cool aunts and uncles.
- Trip to the Zoo
- Camp out overnight
- Movie marathon
- Funfair day
- Scavenger walk
- Craft day
- Game night
- Storytime
Trip to the Zoo
Little known fact about zoos – they’re often cheaper throughout the colder months! A quick search online can often yield discount codes for school holidays too. They also almost always have petting zoos, ice cream, and maps you can download online before a day trip so that you can map the most efficient route through the zoo and thus avoid fatigued, sunburned, and aching children. Have you ever met a kid who doesn’t love fun facts about animals? PRO TIP: Eat before, during, and after the zoo. Do not return these children to their parents hungry. It may prove to be your final zoo trip.
Camp out overnight
Camping in the garden is a classic activity for aunts and uncles. You look VERY cool when you know how to do technical things like connecting poles strung with fabric. (Maybe look it up first.) Then, once you’re in the tent, the possibilities are endless. Ghost stories, marshmallow roasting, Aunt/Uncle roasting, passing on time-honoured competitive card games, reading epic adventure stories, mad libs, tent-yoga (We just made that one up, but it can’t be anything other than riotous.) Easy set-up, all-night giggles, pancake breakfast in the morning. Boom.
Movie marathon
This is a criminally easy activity to plan. Here’s what you need: a BIG TV, between two-and-three absolute zingers, and more snacks than can possibly be eaten (popcorn, chocolate, ice cream — all great choices.) Take this opportunity to introduce them to the classics, but pay attention to the age ratings. Some of those eighties classics are scarier than you remember!
Funfair day
The greatest thing about funfairs is there’s something that appeals to every kid. The adventurous get rides, the material-motivated get prize games, the foodies get hotdogs and candyfloss, the relentlessly social get an energy outlet, and everyone leaves exhausted. Our advice? Don’t leave without taking lots of pictures. That way, they’ll always remember what a good time you facilitated for them.
Scavenger walk
When the weather allows, an adventure in the big wide world is always a good option. Check the online OS Maps to find a circular walk near you, or head to your local park for a wander. Along the way, hunt for birds, plants and bugs – the RSPB can even lead you in your own minibeast safari. We recommend you bring a slew of scientific trivia bits along, so they can return to their parents cleverer and more informed about their space than when they left. Don’t forget water, snacks and sun cream!
Craft day
Raid the recycling bin, get the felt-tips out and get creative! Great for when the weather lets you down, the possibilities are endless. Create something seasonal, like Christmas decorations, or make a card for Mum and Dad ( – that’s sure to win you brownie points!). Whether it’s clay, felt, collage or colouring, there’s a craft to suit just about any interest. They’re inexpensive, hands-on, creative, promote idle chitchat (the best way to squeeze secrets out of youngins), and can only end one of two ways:
1. Wow, what a TALENT you have! Does your Mum know you can do this so well?
2. Huh! Guess neither of us are very good at lace-work. We’ll have to try something different next time! (There, you’ve got a second date.)
If you need inspiration, there are all sorts of fun creative kits here.
Game night
Here’s another old standby that never fails. We all know aunts and uncles have the best collection of board games – just reach up to the top shelf and pull down any number of classics: Twister, Trouble, Clue… but stay away from Monopoly unless you want to clean game pieces and fake money off the floor all night. Aunts and Uncles sometimes don’t take losing well.
If you’re in need of something new, Wicked Uncle have a great selection of games here.
Story time
This activity requires no special tools, and you don’t even have to go anywhere. And it’s been proven that Aunts and Uncles are great at making things up. You can be a wicked uncle or aunt and tell a fairy tale starring all of the listeners. Or you can be a really wicked uncle or aunt and throw together a horror tale that will send them home to Mum and Dad scared stiff. Either way, it’s a great activity for flexing young imagination muscles.
All in all, the very best way to be the Wickedest Aunt or Uncle is to be attentive and caring. If you’re having fun, they will too! Knock your next playdate out of the park with any of the above suggestions – guaranteed.
