Things to Do With Your Kids This Summer

Things to Do With Your Kids This Summer

The summer holidays can sometimes seem to stretch on forever, particularly when you have kids at home telling you constantly that they are bored.  This summer make sure you are prepared and have lots of things organised for them to do.  You don't necessarily have to take them on lots of expensive outings, just make a list of simple games and activities and give them a bit of inspiration. 

To avoid your children getting sunburnt you can set up games under the veranda or retractable awning or during the hottest part of the day bring them back indoors for some inside time.  Help keep the house cool by turning in the air conditioner or opening the doors and windows to let the breeze through.  Stop the flies and other insects from coming into your house by installing security screens on your windows.

Swimming

A popular past time for children during the warmer weather is most certainly swimming.  Whether you are lucky enough to have your own pool or you have access to a friend or neighbour's pool, swimming will keep children occupied for hours on a hot day.  You might even go swimming in at the beach or in a river, just make sure you swim between the flags or near the lifeguard at the beach and be extra careful when swimming in rivers or creeks. 

Look out for sharp rocks and other hazards in the water and never jump or dive into water that you don't know the depth of.  Never leave children alone while they are swimming and never take your eyes of young children who are in and around water.  Don't forget to protect their skin from harmful UV rays being ensuring they are wearing sunscreen and adequate protective clothing.

Water play

You don't have to have a swimming pool to enjoy the water in summer.  Having a hose or sprinkler will give children just as much enjoyment or you could fill a small blow up paddling pool with water.  Water fights are always fun and all you need is a bucket of water.  Otherwise have an all out water war by supplying water guns and pistols.  Invite the neighbour's kids over and you won't see them for the rest of the day as they fight it out across several backyards. 

Build a cubby house

Build them a cubby or a tree house and you have given them somewhere to have their club house for the rest of the summer.  If you don't have the materials, the time or the budget to build a cubby you can set up a small tent on the back lawn.

Gardening

Encourage your children to do a bit of gardening by giving them their own patch of dirt.  They can either plant vegetables or flowers in spring and in summer they will be able to reap the rewards of their hard work.

Art and craft

If it starts getting a bit too hot to be out in the direct sun between about eleven in the morning and four in the afternoon set the children up on the veranda with art and craft materials.  There are plenty of books available with great craft ideas, otherwise you can look online or gain inspiration from children's television shows.