10 Low Cost Ways To Get Kids Active This Summer

As Burton’s first school year comes to an end , this means of course that the summer holidays are drawing ever closer  and this means 6 weeks of no school runs and 6 weeks to fill with lots of fun things to keep both boys occupied. Having two young boys it is important to me that I ensure that we get in some exercise each day because they both have an abundance of energy that if not channeled effectively, results in carnage inside our house and me tearing my hair out!!!!! Seriously, though it is important for our kids to get outdoors and get some fresh air, burn off some excess energy and enjoy the freedom of open spaces.  Plus of course to get away from the gadgets with which we modern families surround ourselves in, TV’s, game consoles, iPads etc all have their place but they should not, in my opinion, act as a replacement to playing and being entertained in the great outdoors.

Being a SAHM Mum, it is also important to me that whatever we get up to during the holidays it is cheap or even better free of charge, and let’s be honest there are oodles (I have never used that word on my blog before – noodles, yes but not oodles!) of free activities to do outdoors this summer with your children.

1. The Beach

Sand, sea and hopefully sunshine the beach is a great place for kids to run around, have a splash (or maybe a swim if the water is safe and they are confident in the water) in the water and build sandcastles. Of course if you find a beach full of more rocks and pools then sand, then why not try your hand at rock pooling which is a great way to discover the natual sea treasures of our British coastline.  I always keep buckets and spades in the back of my car for whenever we happen to pop to a neaby beach.

2. The Forest

The woods provide a great resource for some fun if you just use your imagination! Activities such as going on a Gruffalo Hunt and A Bear Hunt are great when you take inspiration from a much loved book. Forests also offer lots of free fun and unlimited access to many natural tools to use in so mnay different natural play activity ideas such as making a bow and arrow, creating wild art and making woodland crowns are just a few ideas for you to try. And even of it rains never fear because as long as you have your wellies and a waterproof coat then you can always embark on a wet woodland walk

3. The ParkYour local park is a great place to let off steam and spend some time for free with the kids. Most parks have a playground which offers various play equipment for all ages aswell as little extras like sandpits, paddling pools and zip wires. If you pack a picnic you can easily spend most of the day, and if you also take a football, maybe fly a kite and their bikes then you have all you need to keep them busy in one place. And if it rains then just put on your wellies and some waterpoofs and go puddle splashing.

5. Hold Your Own Sports Day

You can hold your own morning or afternoon filled with wonderful sporting competitions fitted around what items you already have at home. Maybe hula hoooping, a scooter race, running. jumping, target  shooting with tin cans, obstacle race and so on and this can be done in your garden, in a field or at the local park. maybe inbite some friends along and make a day of it with some refreshments and some homemade certifictaes and/or medals for the winners.

6. Go on a Bug Hunt

This is such a fun activity to do and can be done at home in your garden, at the park, in the forest or down a country lane bug hunting is just fun and gives kids the chane to become mini explorers. You can also go pond dipping which is a way of tracking down the little beasts which live under the water.

7. Playing In Your Garden

Having a staycation from time to time is good when you don’t want to get in the car and travel anywhere. Activities such as making mud pies, making a den, doing chalk drawings, tree rubbings, and of course if you have a trampoline, a tent, a paddling pool or a sand pit, these  are all ways of getting your kids outside for some fresh air and exercise. You could even organise a treasure hunt using hidden toys or whatever your children would enjoy hunting for.

8.Walking Where You Live

Taking a walk around where you live us not only good exercise for all the family, but it allows you to take in the things which you may otherwise not notice normally when you are rushing to school or maybe something you do not do often as you use the car a lot. It could be as simple as just going for a walk or you could incorporate a bit of history into your expedition and learn more about the town, city or village in which you live. Finding something like a telephone box which kids nowadays do not tend to use like we did as children, can be a real eye opener!

9. Bike Riding

Going out for a bike ride is another fun activity which gets the whole family out and about – whether it be a short or a long journey as long as you have a drink and a snack for energy the cycle path is your oyster!

10.  #50 Things

Something the boys and I do a LOT is visit our local National Trust property, because we love the wide open spaces and the mix of gardens and woodland activities we can do there.  You can join in with their 50 Things programme which encourages outdoor activities for kids, many of which we have particpiated in . We are members which I know makes visiting chepaer throughout the year, but we do visit a lot and many of the activitiues I have suggested above can be achieved in a visit which we have proved over the last couple of years over numerous blog posts!  (eg, pond dipping, building a den, bug hunting, tree climbing etc..)

Getting outside is so beneficial to us and our children

These are just a few ideas – there are of course  so many more so what are you waiting for – get outside with your kids during the summer holidays and have some outdoors fun!