A few weeks ago I took part in a twitter party with Matalan and some other bloggers, where we shared our ideas around keeping the whole family entertained on a budget this summer. #MatalanSummerTips
My thoughts are based around free or spending a few pounds and having lots of fun, having 4 children we are always thinking of fun things to do on a budget.
Here is my list of 10 outdoor activities to keep the children happy this summer...
1.) We all love Park Run-
Park run is a free timed 5k race for all the family to join in. You can race, Jog or walk the distance and they have venues all over the UK so check them out to see if there is one local to you. They start at 9am every Saturday morning.
We try to go every week my husband gets a Saturday off work, now me and my 10 year old son has a little friendly competition, he is winning at the minute!!
2.) Nature trail walk -
Write a list of things to look for on your walk before you go - eg flowers, insect, tree, bees birds dogs. Children can tick them off the list and draw a picture either on the walk or when you get home, a fun way to pass a few hours.
We went for a walk yesterday and was out 4 hours, we forgot out list so had fun taking lots of pictures of interesting things instead.
Find a camera you no longer use, and let your children have fun taking pictures on a nature walk!!
3.) Grow something fun-
Kids love to dig and learn new things. Clear a little garden patch for them and let them grow something fun, pretty flowers a bean stork or something yummy to eat like strawberries.
At the minute me and my daughter are growing beanstalks as we will be going to see Jack and the beanstalk around Christmas time at the theatre.
4.) Set a fun challenge-
We did a challenge a few years ago, we called it "5 parks in 5 hours" we walked to 5 local parks, had a picnic in each. The children loved this challenge and still talk about it now, we took lots of photos and burned lots of calories.
5.) Car boot sale-
Let the children sort out some old toys and maybe a few old items of yours too? Let them play shop and sell their things on the boot sale. A day out, playing shop and making money so everyone is happy.
6.) Teddy bears picnic-
Take some food, blanket and teddy's to the park for a teddy bears picnic . Also take some little bits with you for after food. Make daisy chain, paper aeroplanes, blow bubbles or Frisbee to chase.
7.) Feed the ducks-
Its amazing how a few hours can pass by taking a walk or a ride on your bike to your local park. Perhaps feeding the ducks something healthy. Play on the park and stop for a drink at the cafe or just take some of your own and sit on the grass. Lovely.
8.) On the garden-
Children can spend hours of fun on the garden. Water is always a big favourite to pass the time. Padding pools, water bombs, make a fort out of old boxes, make a wig wam, set up tent.
9.) Visit your local forest-
Forests are so much fun, they also keep you cool when its red hot too. Children like to run, climb explore, and play with sticks and pine cones.
10.) Keep a look out for whats going on-
Follow your local town on twitter for fun things to do. I picked a great booklet up from our local train station on everything that is happening near us. Local councils usually have lots of sporting events going on for the children during the Summer holidays.
