{"id":1077,"date":"2016-06-26T18:55:13","date_gmt":"2016-06-26T18:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mumblog.co.uk\/?p=1077"},"modified":"2023-09-18T14:19:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T14:19:22","slug":"ten-cheap-and-fun-outdoor-activities-for-your-children-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mumblog.co.uk\/ten-cheap-and-fun-outdoor-activities-for-your-children-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten Cheap and Fun Outdoor Activities for Your Children This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
With the school summer holidays just around the corner, you might have started thinking about how you can keep your children entertained for the full six-weeks without spending a small fortune. Furthermore, with sunshine being the best source for Vitamin D, which is a necessary nutrient for children\u2019s growing bodies, it\u2019s important to spend a good proportion of the holidays doing outdoor activities. Some children would live outside if they could, but when it comes to those who prefer the comfort of the sofa and an iPad, tempting them out into the sun can be difficult. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together this list of ten outdoor activities that won\u2019t break the budget.<\/p>\n
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Live in England? The Forestry Commission looks after woodland and forests all over England, and many of them have waymarked trails suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. Some of the larger forests have special activity trails for children inspired by the works of well-known children\u2019s authors.<\/p>\n
This year, inspiration is taken from “Stick Man” by Julia Donaldson with activity packs costing just \u00a33. Furthermore, if you live close to one of the larger forests, you may find it worthwhile investing in one of their Discovery Passes, which covers all parking for a year in your chosen forest, and many also offer discounts in the local shops and activity centres. Visit forestry.gov.uk<\/a> for more information and to find a trail near you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get your children gardening this summer. You don\u2019t need a lot of space, or money, to grow some tasty veg or pretty flowers. A growbag and some seeds costs less than a tenner and, providing you have enough sunlight, you can easily grow tomatoes. Peas and runner beans are both easy to grow, though you will need canes to support them. Alternatively, plant some sunflower seeds and see who can grow the tallest one.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Got a smartphone with GPS? Then why not join in the national treasure hunt that is Geocaching. Using GPS coordinates and an app that has a small fee, you can track and locate treasures, known as \u201ccaches\u201d hidden by others, and leave something for someone else to find. Caches are located in both towns and the countryside and you won\u2019t have to travel too far to find one close to you. For more information, visit geocaching.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Encourage birds into your garden and have fun with the children at the same time. For just a few pounds you can get a kit with a birdhouse and paints and your children can spend the afternoon decorating them. You can find these kits in many larger supermarkets and high street craft shops. Alternatively, you can buy them online at craft stores.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get arty without getting covered in paint or felt tip pen. Chalk is cheap \u2013 you can pick up a pack for around \u00a31 or less, and it washes away quickly and easily. If you have a patio area or driveway then you can do some giant drawings. Trees, rockets, and dinosaurs \u2013 think big!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get huge discounts on hundreds of family days out, including theme parks, zoos, and adventure playgrounds via Kids Pass. You can subscribe for \u00a37.50 a month or pay an annual fee of \u00a375 and this gives you access to thousands of offers, including discounts on entrances to a range of attractions, tickets to the theatre and cinema, as well as free meals for children in hundreds of restaurants. For more information, visit kidspass.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n2. Get Growing<\/h2>\n
3. Geocaching<\/h2>\n
4. Feed and House the Birds<\/h2>\n
5. Draw with Chalk<\/h2>\n
6. Get a Kids Pass<\/h2>\n
7. Play Tennis For Free<\/h2>\n