Summer Fun in the Garden

School summer holidays are fast approaching and suddenly the prospect of keeping the kids entertained, without spending a fortune or getting stressed out planning new activities every day, can be a bit overwhelming. If you are lucky enough to have a bit of outdoor space where your kids can run around, get fresh air and require very little parental supervision- here are some tips on making the most of your garden this summer! (Not only for the children, but parents too!)

1. Family barbecue

Nothing says summer like the smell of a barbecue and a cool glass of lemonade (or whatever your tipple might be), whether this is a small family affair or with friends, get all the family members involved in the planning, cooking and decorations. You can find some great craft ideas for kids, which will keep them entertained for hours in the build up to the barbecue. If you want to make it a more classy affair and the plastic chairs (that are so old you can’t quite remember where they came from) just won’t cut it, consider even just one or two pieces of modern garden furniture from Unopiu.com which will not only improve the aesthetics of the garden, but will last longer and really encourage you to spend time outside! You can also make some pretty lanterns for the evening, or bunting to give it that great British feel!

2. Backyard camping

Even if you can’t get to an actual camping ground, you have the perfect spot for some family camping: your back garden! All it requires is taking out your camping gear and teaching your kids how to set up a campsite. From there, it’s all up to your imagination. You can build a mini fire, create a simple meal over a camping stovetop and eat out with camping tins/utensils. You can even make a night of it and make a family pact that you won’t enter the house… you will just be true campers for a night! Sleeping bags, ghost stories and no technology: you’ll be up for quite the adventure.

3. Make a miniature garden

Planning and making a miniature garden is great bonding and also an opportunity to teach your kids about nature. Whether you choose to plant food or flowers, there are always new things to learn! You can create arrangements, learn about the cool bugs that help your garden stay healthy and have a daily activity your kids can do. A great part of having a garden: you see the results. Your kids will enjoy seeing their accomplishments after all the hard work they put into a garden! Who knows, you may just have a kiddo with a green thumb!

4. Build a tree house or giant fort

Two of the classics: a tree house and a fort. With the right spot and proper materials, you can go for a summer project of building a tree house. It does take some planning, but it is a great way to get your kids’ imaginations going and get them outside. If it is a bigger or more expensive project than you want to take on, a simple fort is a great alternative. You can use sheets and stands to build the perfect fort and even throw some outdoor pillows inside.

5. Have a water fight

What is better than a good old water fight? It takes little to no effort for parents and you are bound to have laughing kids running around the garden in no time. Tricks of choice: a hose does wonders, a watered down tarp is a great sliding spot and water balloons are cheap and fun.

As much fun as it is to mix things up, even just taking out a football for a kick-about can get the kids moving and keep boredom at bay. Parents shouldn’t put pressure on themselves to plan extravagant or time-consuming activities everyday of summer! After all, summer is about rest and relaxation, too!