How many times have you heard the kids say "I'm bored!" or "There's nothing to do!". Keeping the kids occupied this Summer is a lot easier than you think, and it does not have to cost you a penny. Here are a few of my own favourite free activities that I enjoy with my own kids. Its all on the doorstep so you do not need to get out the car!
On dry days let the kids let off steam by visiting the local park - there's the brand new Adizone and Vineyards play area off Gander Lane in Tewkesbury which is terrific fun even for adults. See if you can do more sit ups than the kids. In Newtown off the Ashchurch Road you will find the Derek Graham play area which has recently been revamped. It has a great rope swing which is really popular if your kids like being Tarzan. The multi use games area on the Wheatpieces estate (you will find it at the end of Starling Road) is great for football games and there are two separate play areas for toddlers and older children.
If you are not feeling energetic pack up a picnic and just a few minutes walk from the town centre is The Ham. Its a site of special scientific interest and full of wildlife waiting to be discovered by young explorers. Don't forget to take your camera.
On wet days, try Tewkesbury Library and get your child signed up to the reading challenge or if you do not feel like venturing outside dig out your favourite DVDs and snuggle up on the sofa together for an afternoon at the cinema! Little girls might like a beauty day, let them rummage in your makeup bag or paint your nails! Large cardboard boxes make great dens or get out a large bed sheet which can be fixed to a clothes horse with pegs.
Don't forget that children enjoy being creative. Keep a good supply of paper, pens and paint handy and let their imaginations run wild.
The Summer holidays will soon whizz by effortlessly with a bit of planning, and before you know it you'll be back to the usual routine of nagging the kids to get out of bed and dressed for school!
Thanks to Shelby Powell for this article.
