Summer holidays don’t need to be expensive. In fact, kids love the simplest (and cheapest) things. It’s often us parents wanting to treat them to expensive attractions but when we were young in the good old 70s or 80s we did enjoy ourselves with virtually nothing. Take a look at London Mums’ suggestions for affordable Summer activities to do with kids. And please share your own ideas with us.
Organise a picnic with friends
A picnic in the park is a classic fun activity to do with friends and relatives. If the weather is good head to the local park but if the weather is not great you can organise a picnic indoor. It’s equally fun. Just pretend to be outside.
Check out London Mums’ recommendations to host the best picnic party:
The perfect Picnic Checklist including food & activities
How to create the perfect luxury picnic hamper!
Al Fresco Feasts part 4: Smoked Salmon Picnic Crackers
‘Florentine and Pig – Have a very lovely picnic’ – kids’ & mums’ new book review
Build a den
Some time ago we asked Bear Grylls to give us tips on how to build a den both indoor and outdoor. Bear said: “Somewhere cosy to sleep is just as important if you’re ten or 110. Luckily, not all dwellings require something as grown up as a mortgage…”
“If you’re inside, take four chairs (make sure your mum and dad aren’t having a dinner party first) into the living room and place two side-to-side and back-to-back two metres apart. Throw over a bed sheet and you’ve got your very own indoor den. Just add two sleeping bags – perfect for your very own sleepover, with plenty of bear hugs to keep warm.”
Bear says “You’ll need to find some flat ground – and make sure it’s dry – if it’s wet you will get cold very quickly. First find two trees about four wide steps apart and tie a piece of rope between them. Cover the ground of your den with something waterproof (like a ground sheet), then get a sheet from indoors and throw it over the rope to create your roof. Put some rocks or logs on each corner to stop it blowing away. If it’s drizzly out, gather some big ferns or leaves to stop the rain soaking through the sheet. Make sure when you lay the ferns down there are no gaps – a soggy den isn’t fun for anyone! Take in your sleeping bags, a torch, and there you have it- the Ultimate Outdoor Den!”
Read more interesting tips in our feature Bear Grylls Top Ten Things To Do Before You’re Ten
Find rocks and decorate them
Looking for stones and rocks is so much fun. I have always done it when I was a young girl and still do it with my son now. Painting on rocks is a very creative and relaxing activity.
Here is a post on how to make Rock Bugs.
Draw the bug on the rock.
Go and see a show in the West End with 60% off tickets from London Mums
London Attractions don’t need to be expensive either. London Mums’ sister site offers 60% off ticketson attractions, fancy dinners, cruises and West End shows and musicals.
Cook with kids
If the weather is not too good, cooking with kids is the perfect indoor activity to do with the kids to keep them entertained for hours.
Here are some ideas on easy recipes:
Gardening projects
Start a new garden project with the kids. They will love being useful outdoor. You can even create a bug hotel. Here are some ideas:
How to create a Summer-ready family garden
How To Create A Family Friendly Garden In London
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