Outdoor activities to do with your children this summer

With the summer holidays creeping ever closer, you may be starting to plan activities to keep your kids amused over the break. School breaks can become expensive very quickly, so with today’s economy cheaper or free activities are essential.

Spending time in the great outdoors has so many health benefits for all ages. Improved mental health, improved sleep and mental stimulation are just three of the numerous benefits. Getting your kids outside more will be great for the whole family. Here are some activities that will create hours of fun across the summer.

Top activities

Entertaining your kids does require you to think outside the box, but also for you to think of ways that they can be independent.

Mud kitchens are great fun for kids of all ages, and helpful when you live in the UK climate! Grab some well-used pots and pans, pop on your wellies and go and have some muddy fun. You can always get your little ones to find decorations to adorn their mud pies with.

Scavenger hunts are always a hit. You can start by asking your kids to find ten items starting with a specific letter or work from a printable list. When that is completed you can try to find an item for each colour in the rainbow, for example. Utilise old toy trollies or baskets to help with carrying their newly found treasure back and forth.

An obstacle course may take a bit of planning if you decide to create a custom one in your back garden. Creating your own means you can use household items such as chairs, boxes or ladders to make a course tailored to your child. This is especially helpful if your kids are younger or have motor limitations.

Parks and playgrounds are also an option, especially if you are limited in space at home. Although they might be busier during summer, your kids can work on their social skills and turn-taking. If you have little ones who still take a daytime nap, going to the park in the evening means it will likely be quieter and less overwhelming – plus it burns off energy before bedtime!

Staying safe

Keeping your kids safe is a constant worry, especially in the summer months. Although it can be a battle getting suncream on a wriggling toddler, it is important to protect their skin. If suncream is a huge issue, try dressing them in thin, long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers. In really hot weather is it recommended that you utilise outside spaces in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is weaker.

Parks can be incredible places to explore, but they can also be accident sites. Keeping your eyes firmly fixed on your child should be enough, but accidents do still happen. If you believe an accident at the park was due to negligent play equipment, you may be entitled to a compensation claim.

Road safety is important, especially as your children grow and want independence. Practising crossing the road at designated crossings and unaccompanied on residential roads will give them and you the confidence that they will be safe.