Yes, things are definitely opening up again, and thank goodness for that, eh? But we bet you feel like your imagination has completely run dry now for ideas on how to keep the kids occupied. They’ve been cooped up inside and they’re bursting to get out and do things. But budgets only stretch so far as our freedom grows… even for treats. So what new activities can you tempt them with that won’t break the bank?
We’ve dug around for ideas to share…
Balloon tennis
Go on, you know you want to really. There’s nothing quite so rewarding as keepy-uppy with a balloon for a youngster. It moves slowly enough to get to it, and when you’re outside it’s busting to stay afloat!
Chalk colouring
Yes, it’s a great way to bring a splash of colour to the garden. Why not brighten up your patio or garden path and give the little ones something to wake up to the next morning? You can even liven up the side of an old shed. Just grab some masking tape, map out some designs, and let them get colouring. It’s a lovely opportunity for them to get creative and even continue the next day.
Go dinosaur egg hunting
This a fabulous idea, but it does need a bit of prep the day before. If you can find some small toy dinosaurs, great, but any little gift will do. Push them into the balloons. Fill them about a third full with water. Tie a knot. And pop them in the freezer. The next day, without anyone seeing, go hide them in the garden, or even create a nest for them with twigs and leaves. Then get your young adventurers hunting. They’ll be thrilled with what they find.
Make a nature documentary
The beauty of modern technology is that phones can be used for so many things. Get your youngsters to make a nature film. Wander around the garden with them and encourage them to video the plant and wildlife. Help them to point and talk as they’re filming, panning in and out on different features and objects. Then share it with family and friends at the end of the day and get everyone talking about it.
Create an outdoor collage
Challenge the young ones to gather as many stones, sticks, and leaves as they can, and then create a big outdoor collage on the grass. Play around with designs and then get them to go upstairs (if that’s possible) to see their creation from above. Then take lots of pics and share them with the family.
We know that everyone is struggling for new ideas now, so please do share any that you’ve had too. There’s no reason why we can’t all still have a bit of fun!