7 free things to do with the kids this summer

Bring the Olympics to you this summer! As you watch it on TV this summer you can recreate some activities at home.

This can be done with the family or invite your children’s friends over for a fun day of games. Set up an obstacle course with furniture, racing tracks in the garden or go to a nearby park. Activities like egg in spoon race, sack race with pillow cases, fancy dress race, long jump and more can be easily set up with what you already have and watch as the kids compete and play. You could even set up rewards for winners of each race which could be picking what to have for dinner that night or picking the movie to watch.

This is an activity that everyone can get involved in no matter the age so everyone can enjoy the fun.

A popular treasure hunt activity and a great way to get the kids exploring outside.

You can use the geocaching app which is free or sign up through the website to find the locations of each treasure spot.

Once you find the treasure this will lead you on to the next one by figuring out the clues and coordinates. There are lots of locations for geocaching so use the website to find your nearest one and figure out the steps as a family to follow the trail.

Various tennis clubs are hosting free sessions with the help of coaches this summer. You can check if there is one in your area here.

Spend no money and show your kids new activities, join in with them or send friends along so they can all enjoy this summer activity.

Alternatively keep an eye out for open days at sports clubs near you as this could be a great way for your kids to try something new and have a fun day too.

Something we all remember as kids on a hot day, throwing balloons filled with water at our siblings or friends until we were soaked and laughing.

Wait for a warm day and take those balloon out the cupboard for an epic game of water balloon fight. Make it more competitive by having teams and setting up a course in the garden or simply throw until you’re all too wet to be allowed back inside.

Your local area will most likely have a museum and library, places to take the kids this summer, often museums could have an interactive area or educational talks.

Taking your kids to the library encourages them to read books they enjoy and they can take their favourite find home with them. Libraries might also host events like readings for kids.

These are free activities to explore what you have on offer in your area and to help your kids make discoveries.

Experience a day on the farm with play areas and feeding experiences all for free or for a small donation. There are numerous farms over the UK which offer free days for visitors or encourage a donation to help with the farms maintenance. Take a picnic to keep costs down or dine in the farm café’s.

Watch as your kids spot all the animals and they may even be able to pet some of the smaller ones like rabbits and guinea pigs.

If you don’t have a farm park nearby then take a walk through nature and tick off any animals you see on the way.

A great option for any rainy summer days to keep inside and still have fun with the family. It might get messy but that’s part of the fun.

Pick a tasty treat to make and get baking! Make it competitive and create teams to see whose comes out the best. Or join in together to make a masterpiece. Let the kids go wild with decorating and give way to their artistic decisions.

Easy baking treats could be shortbread cookies to decorate or fairy cupcakes.