The summer holidays are officially here again, which means there are thousands of parents across the UK scratching their heads, wondering why children wake up so early and just what they can do to make the most of the holiday.
Here are some ideas of things to do, suitable for 5-10 year olds.
Visit A Castle
Children love a good castle, and luckily, there are plenty about. Some are better than others though, so do a bit of research before you set off. Leeds Castle (in Kent), Caernarfon Castle, Warwick, Windsor, AlnwickCastle (Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films!), Kenilworth, Dudley, Skipton, Carlisle, Dover, Lincoln, Rochester… the list is (almost!) endless.
Go Camping (…even if it’s just in your garden!)
Children love the thought of going camping, and a day spent hammering pegs into the ground, putting the tent up, getting the beds ready, finding the torches and preparing the ‘midnight snack’ provides them with plenty of fun. They’ll probably be tucked up indoors as soon as it starts to get dark though…!
http://www.thebestof.co.uk/national/uk/business-guide/camping-and-outdoor-equipment
Have a Picnic
It’s like eating indoors, but outdoors! All you need is a rug, some food, and a nice day. Find somewhere picturesque to make your camp, near a stream or river is perfect – set the kids up with a fishing net and instruct them to catch lunch… while you rustle up some delicious sandwiches. Take along some family toys to make a full day of it – you’ll need bats, balls, and a frisbee.
Go Bargain Hunting – at a Car Boot Sale
If you’re children are anything like mine, their favourite toy (in the whole wide world) is the one they haven’t got yet! They’ll love rummaging round a car boot sale, looking for the perfect toy. Give them a fiver to spend, and see what they come back with. Most car boots open early in the morning, and they’re a good way for children to spend a couple of hours.
http://www.thebestof.co.uk/national/uk/events/search/car-boot-sales
Hire A Bouncy Castle
How many times have you been to birthday parties where you’ve given up coaxing, and clambered onto the bouncy castle to prise your child off? Children like bouncy castles. A lot. And, after extensive research, I can exclusively reveal that there is no law saying you can only hire garden inflatables for special occasions. Hire a bouncy castle, put it in the garden, and invite a few other children round to join in the fun. There will be laughter (probably), tears (almost certainly) and lots of fun (definitely).
http://www.thebestof.co.uk/national/uk/business-guide/bouncy-castles-and-inflatables
Get to a Beach
I guarantee that you’re less than 70 miles from the coast. That means that you’re only a couple of hours away from sea, bucket, spade, ice-creams and sandwiches with extra sand. Don’t worry about waiting for a nice day, just jump in the car and enjoy it. Take a ball, a kite, a frisbee, and a good sense of humour - you’ll have a great time.