In just two weeks, its school break once again. I cringe at the thought of entertaining my 5 year old on top of a toddler wreaking havoc on a daily basis. Time to bring out those busy bags/boxes and arts & crafts boxes.

If you live in Phu My Hung, here are some of my suggestions, especially if you’re worried your child is getting too much screen time.

Bring them to Le Sable Mom ‘n Kids Café

Let them play in the sand or in the play area where there are a number of educational toys. Really excellent stuff. This will set you back 60,000 VND per hour. But a quietly engaged pre-schooler while you chill as you sip a cup of coffee for an hour? Priceless.

Study art at Sunflower Art

Kids love to paint or just come home with colorful hands. While they are at it, might as well let them try their hands in creating something beautiful or errr…abstract. 😛 We tried it last year and Sam had a lot of fun.

3. Enroll in summer school, Kids Club Saigon, Gymboree or Kindermusik

Although it gets pricey, enrolling your kids to summer school might be a good idea too. We’ve tried trial classes in all four but wasn’t able to follow through. The kids have great experiences in all four. 😀

Enroll in a sports school – Saigon Sports Academy or Arsenal Soccer School

In my heyday, I studied football for years until my mom said stop coz my legs were becoming like logs. But while in Vietnam, football is it! Sam tried for football in SSA in Term 2 I think. It didn’t work out. He has not fully grasped the idea of team work and organized sports. 😛 But we think we might give it a try again.

Play with blocks

If you haven’t invested in blocks at home,  there’s Lego Brain and Lego Edu & Play. Take your pick.

Bike

Last year, we bought our son a bike. We just removed the training wheels or in Sam’s words, “Stabilizers”.   I guess it’s time to seriously teach the boy bike in 2 wheels. Or go on bike trips ’round the neighborhood.

Run around at the park

Another great activity is to bring your kids to the park. PMH has lots of green spaces. I especially like the park across Crescent in Ton Dat Tien and in Canh Vien. If your apartment complex has an area where your kids can run safely, all the better! Arrange a playdate with your kids’ friends while you’re at it.

Chalk Art

A cheap activity is to buy dustless chalks for your kids and let them paint chalk the town with their “art”.

Go swimming

 If you live in an apartment building, chances are, it’s equipped with a pool. What better way to ward off the Saigon heat by taking a dip in the pool with the kiddos? The pool at the YOFI Center in Sky Garden 2 is open to the public at 35,000 VND per child or 50,000 VND per adult. There’s an ongoing promo too — free swim from 6 am – 8 am for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Give your child a headstart in academics

If your child loves learning academically, why not try enrolling in: Superbrain, Supermind or Kumon.

Teach your kids the value of money

Have fun while you watch your kid earn kiddie money at Vietopia (District 7) or Kizciti (District 4).

Visit the zoo!

Technically, this is outside Phu My Hung but hey, no matter how many times we visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, it’s always a hit!