Cool stuff for kids to do this summer

Have fun on a budget

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors.

However, it can be a challenge to find fun and affordable activities. Luckily, there are some options that won’t break the bank.

Check out local summer events, starting with our What’s On pages.

There are often free or low cost events held by local councils that can be both informative and entertaining, plus free-toenter festivals and museums.

Embrace the digital world

Have a garden campout

Pitch a tent in your garden and plan to spend the night under the stars with lots of pillows, story books, torches and snacks. Kids will love the sense of freedom, you’ll save money and it’s not far to ‘go home’ if they change their minds!

Have a day at the beach

Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and exploring rock pools. Getting there can be cheaper with a railcard or a coach. You can make it all part of the adventure.

Are you looking for some fun and interactive ways to keep your kids entertained while also embracing the digital world? There are lots of options to choose from; just remember to set a timer and stick to it.

For starters, look for coding games or apps that can teach the basics of programming. Or try language learning. Duolingo (www.duolingo.com) has launched two new apps for children; Duolingo ABC for learning to read and Duolingo Kids which teaches Spanish, French and English. Both are free.

Another engaging activity for kids is creating their own videos. With the rise of YouTube and social media, they can use their creativity to make their own videos and share them with friends. By supervising where they post their videos, this activity can also be a lesson in online safety.

Finally, for those who love gaming, there are plenty of cool options. From Minecraft to Roblox, these games encourage kids to use their imaginations in creating their own worlds and adventures. Plus they boost their problem-solving skills.

Get smarter

One great educational activity for the summer is to start a mini garden. Kids can learn about the science of plants and how to care for them while getting their hands dirty in the process. They can plant vegetables, herbs or flowers and watch them grow throughout the summer.

Plan a day out to a local museum or science park. Many of these venues offer summer activities specifically for kids, where they can learn about history, science and art. These programmes often include hands-on activities and experiments that make learning fun and engaging.

Another cost-free activity is to visit your local library. Many branches have free activity sessions for young children, including this year’s rewards-packed Summer Reading Challenge (www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk).

Plan a fun rainy-day quiz to test their powers of observation. For example: how many windows do we have in our home, what is next door’s dog called, which duvet is on your bed this week, what day do the binmen come? Ask them to set a quiz for you as well!

Play on a shoestring

Playday is the national day for play in the UK and will take place this year on Wednesday, 2 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of play in children’s lives and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

This year’s theme focuses on the everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in settings and in our communities.

Play opportunities don’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys or trips to far-off destinations. It is often the simplest ideas, the free and found opportunities, which offer the most fun and are the most developmentally beneficial for children and young people.

Find a nearby Playday event by visiting www.playday.org.uk