**Collaborative Post**
The summer is here once again, and children around the UK are pestering their parents to get out into the sunshine to play. However, more and more parents are growing concerned about allowing their children to roam free unsupervised. Thankfully, there are some safe and relatively simple options to choose from. You might need certain types of clothing or specialised equipment, but you won’t need to spend a small fortune to enjoy the great outdoors with your little ones.
Of all the possible options to play safely outdoors, here are five of the best, and don't forget to ensure you are sun safe too with plenty of sun cream, water, and heat protection whilst you are having fun too!
1. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
There’s no better way – or place – to enjoy the summer sunshine (when it appears) than to take your children on a nature walk in the woods, along the beach or even at the local park.
Equip yourself and your children with some sturdy walking shoes or boots, apply lots of sunscreen, and stock up on water. It might also be a good idea to pack a bag with some snacks and additional clothing such as socks and jackets – just in case the heavens open. And let’s face it, the heavens can open at any time during a British summer.
Encourage your children to identify wildlife, plants, and the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Where it’s safe, give them the opportunity to explore a little. And if you want to create a forever memory, make a scrapbook with your children, and include drawings, summaries of your day, and keepsakes such as pressed flowers.
2. Have a Family Game of Football
The country is your football pitch when the sun is shining in the UK. Whether you head to the local park, the beach or the nearest municipal pitch, a friendly kickabout gives your children the chance to enjoy some fresh air while they blow off some steam.
It’s probably best to stock up on lightweight items of football equipment for children. Choose small, portable football goals you can pack away and carry in a bag. You may also want to pack an appropriately sized football. If your children are under 7, a size 3 of 4 football will suffice. If you’re playing with older children or teenagers, take a full-size (size 5) football.
If you’re planning some casual fun, you’re probably good to go. But if you want to keep scores and play a proper game, pack some football makers to define your makeshift pitch.
3. Water Games
If you’re lucky enough to get a full day of warm sunshine during the school holidays this year, let the water games commence! Not only are they fun, but they’re also a way of keeping everyone cool.
The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to water-based fun during the summer. For example, small children will play in a simple lawn sprinkler for hours. And if you want to go a step further, invest in a small paddling pool and a few water toys.
For older children, organise some water balloon games. Think of paintball but much wetter! Other ideas include a slip ‘n’ slide, water tables (the kind we used to play in at primary school) and a DIY splash pad – complete with a plastic tarp, toys, and a hose.
4. Outdoor Crafting Activities
Being outside in the summer sunshine allows children to explore a side to their artistic imagination that’s not accessible during the winter months. Cheap, easy to set up, and lots of fun, these activities can occupy little ones for hours. Just be sure to have lots of sunscreen and a good hat for everyone before you start.
Kids can start the fun by foraging for leaves, plants, wildflowers, twigs, and anything that can be used to create “outdoor art”. Give your children the freedom to choose what they make. Many will make a DIY nature crown, a collage or a sculpture made with sticks. Other ideas include flower pressing, rock painting, and pine cone decorations.
And if you’re headed to the seaside, you’ll be able to have hours of fun with shells and seaweed!
5. Local Events
You don’t have to spend anything to have fun in the great outdoors with your children. Take a look at your local newspaper, community website or Facebook page to see what’s happening in your area. Councils, local groups, and non-profits often host exciting community events that offer free entry and a selection of activities.
Local carnivals and fairs might involve a small charge, but when you consider how many activities you can choose from, they often represent excellent value. Other free events to watch out for include community festivals, council events, library events, farmers’ markets, guided walks and nature trails and sporting events hosted by grassroots football clubs and other sporting organisations.
Warm, sunny days during the British summer holidays are rare indeed, so don’t allow them to pass by without fully enjoying them.
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