As another long summer draws to a close, it's highly likely you've grown weary of visiting the same parks and doing the same old activities.
If only there was something fun to do; something original, something that would get their brains engaged, an activity that was exciting, giggle-worthy and (most importantly) free.
Luckily for you, we've been working on just the list you're looking for. Here are ten brilliant ideas that will keep the kids occupied until school's back in and beyond.
1. Organise a big game: Invite friends, neighbours, cousins and colleagues to bring the kids and get involved in a giant game of rounders. The grown-ups will have as much fun as the children, all while torching a tonne of calories.
2. Camp out: Camping out was something we all wanted to do when we were litte. Dig out that old Electric Picnic tent and pitch it in your back garden. Then get the barbecue ready to toast some marshmallows!
3. Set up a hot chocolate station: Surprise the kids with a mug of delicious hot chocolate and a choice of toppings to decorate it with (Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons are always a winner!). Little bowls of marshmallows, fresh cream, sprinkles... even fresh mint leaves and chilli flakes are fun additions.
4. Have dinner outdoors: A change of scenery can change the entire atmosphere of a meal. Light some candles and dig out some cosy blankets for an al-fresco feast in the garden.
5. Take a walk down memory lane: Kids are always fascinated by tales of life before they were born. Take them to the place Daddy proposed to Mummy, or go and see the schools you went to when you were little. Bringing along an old photo or two helps set the scene.
6. Let the kids cook dinner: A waiter and waitress will be required, of course. Add a docket book along with a crisp tea towel for hanging over the arm. For older children who can use the cooker on their own, the menu is wide open. When they are younger it’s a good idea to keep some cold dishes in the mix, or you could prepare the basics for them to assemble.
7. Plan a puppet show: With a little bit of forethought, this is an activity that can while away a whole day. First, set up a craft table so everyone can make their own sock puppet. Then, get everyone busy coming up with a story, writing the script and rehearsing. Finally, plan a time for the puppet show to begin and watch the hilarity unfold.
8. Invite the neighbourhood kids over and
make a rainbow bubble snake.
9. Build a fort: A tried and tested rainy day fail safe, fort building is the activity that keeps on giving: grab a blanket and some sofa cushions and you're halfway there. Once it's built, drop in a picnic lunch they can scoff inside it or pop in an iPad for an in-fort movie!
10. Create a chalk mural: Pick a spot, a quiet footpath or a garden wall, and plan a large scale mural. Then, with everyone working on a different part, let the kids imaginations run wild! It'll all wash away in the rain so the bigger the better!
These little moments of joy were brought to you by Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons. Make more memories here.
