18 Kids Holiday Journal Ideas
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Quick answer: 18 Kids Holiday Journal Ideas. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Set up the journal; Prompts for each day; Make it creative; Keep it going. Budget: Under 拢15 for supplies. Best for: Ages 5 to 12, with picture versions for younger children.
- Time: 10 to 20 minutes a day
- Budget: Under 拢15 for supplies
- Best for: Ages 5 to 12, with picture versions for younger children
On the last day of the holidays someone always asks: “What did we actually do?” A holiday journal means nobody has to guess, and it becomes a treasure on the bookshelf years later.
These journal ideas are friendly to reluctant writers, because drawing, sticking and ticking all count. Pick a notebook, set a daily time and keep it light.
Top tip: Keep the journal and a pencil in a visible spot, such as beside the breakfast bowl or on a pillow. Children write more when the book is already open than when they have to find it.
Set up the journal
A good start makes children want to keep going.
- Choose the notebook: Let your child choose the cover. A plain A5 notebook works, and many children love decorating it with stickers and doodles. You will need: A5 notebook, stickers.
- Colour code pens: Give each category a colour: blue for weather, green for food, pink for people. A simple code makes pages look neat. You will need: coloured pens.
- Cover page: Write the name, dates and a title such as “Summer of Adventures”. A gift for the future. You will need: stencils.
- Daily date stamp: Stamps make dates neat and fun. Younger children can stamp a sun or cloud for the weather instead of writing. You will need: date stamp.
- Pocket for treasures: Tape an envelope in the back to hold tickets, leaves and receipts. You will need: envelopes.
Prompts for each day
Short starters take away the blank page fear.
- Best bit, worst bit: Write the best and the worst of the day. Silly worst bits, such as “my sandwich fell on the floor”, are very popular.
- Three good things: List three things that made you smile. It helps children notice small, happy moments.
- If I could change one thing: Ask what you would change about today, and draw it. Encourages imagination and humour.
- A letter to someone: Write a short note to a friend or grandparent, and post it later. A great way to practise writing. You will need: postcards, stamps and labels.
- Ratings: Give meals, parks and activities star ratings. Children enjoy being critics.
Make it creative
Pages are better with pictures.
- Photo page: Print a favourite photo from the week and stick it in. Add a speech bubble for the funniest character. You will need: photo printer paper.
- Map of the day: Draw a simple map of where you went, with a star for the best stop. You will need: rulers.
- Doodle challenge: Each day, add a doodle based on a prompt such as “draw your lunch” or “draw a creature that lives in the park”.
- Collage page: Stick on tickets, leaves, wrappers and pressed flowers. Make it textured and bright. You will need: glue stick, washi tape.
- Comic strip: Draw the day as four or six boxes. A comic strip is a great way for reluctant writers to tell a story. You will need: comic strip template pad.
Keep it going
Habits that make the journal last all holiday.
- Family journal: Keep one shared book on the coffee table. Everyone adds a line each evening.
- Weekly review: At the end of each week, read it back together and pick a favourite page.
- Bind it up: At the end of the holiday, add a title and a thank you page, then keep it somewhere special. You will need: ribbon.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
- English Heritage: places to visit: Castles, abbeys and gardens with family events through the year.
- Forestry England: Forest walks, trails and family activities across England.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child does not like writing?
Let them draw, stick or dictate to you. Photos, stickers and ticking boxes all count, and enthusiasm matters more than sentences.
How often should children write?
A few minutes each evening works well, though every other day is fine. Short and regular beats long and forgotten.
What age is a journal suitable for?
Children from about five can draw and add a sentence. Older children enjoy reviews, letters and longer stories.
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