Summer is well on its way and with the school holidays fast-approaching, there’s no better time to start thinking about how you can make the most of your family time this summer. However, while you may have a few things planned already such as a week away with the kids or some day trips out, you may be feeling a little stuck for inspiration when it comes to finding day-to-day activities that all the family can enjoy. But here at Plantabox, we’ve got some great suggestions when it comes to family-friendly activities to help you make the most of your time together this summer.
Go Camping
A sporadic weekend camping trip is a great way to spend some time with the family and create some lasting memories that can be treasured forever. Not only is camping a great adventure for little ones but for adults, it’s also an activity that doesn’t require too much planning and is relatively cost-effective in comparison to other weekend breaks. So, if you find yourself at a loose end one warm weekend, pick a destination, pack up the car with some camping essentials including a tent, airbeds and sleeping bags, and head off for a couple of days to enjoy some time outdoors!
Take a Hike
Whether you take a brisk walk down to your local park or venture further to the countryside or coast, hiking is one of the best ways to get your family out and about during the summertime. As well as providing physical benefits, hiking can also help your family to bond by exploring new locations together and discovering new things. If you’re hiking with young children, enthuse them to learn by following a nature trail or picking up small mementoes along the way that they can then take home. You could even purchase a custom keepsake box where your little ones can store their newfound treasures from their day of hiking!
Visit a Museum
While the weather this summer has got off to a flying start, there’s sure to be a rainy day or two in the weeks to come. As such, visiting a museum is a fun and educational, indoor activity that is usually free for all the family. Head out for the day to your local museum to learn about the history of your town or city or, depending on your location, take a trip further afield to the National Science or History Museum, two of London’s most popular family attractions.
Throw a Garden Party
A garden party is a great way to get all the family together to enjoy some much-needed quality time as well as some delicious summer grub. If you want to keep it small, a low-key barbecue and some nostalgic outdoor games such as bat and ball, frisbee and boules is a great way to spend a summer’s evening with the children. Alternatively, spend the day preparing some delicious dishes and invite your friends and family over for a summer celebration, with drinking, dancing and games all featuring on the itinerary!
Make Homemade Ice Cream
Everyone loves a refreshing ice cream on a hot day, so why not make your very own homemade ice cream this summer? Not only is making ice cream an especially novel activity to enjoy as a family but having your own batch ready to go in the freezer will ultimately save you money as you won’t need to purchase those often-pricey shop bought brands! There’s a range of ice cream recipes available in cookery books and online that can be easily followed; all you need to do is buy the ingredients and select some tasty extras to go on top!
Go Kite Flying
Kite flying is a simple yet fascinating pastime that can be an enjoyable experience for every family member, no matter what their age. You can fly a kite anywhere, meaning that this is a great activity to enjoy whether you’re away or at home. Make the experience even more memorable for children by helping them build their own kite and head out into the sunshine to relish watching it bounce and swoop in the warm summer breeze!
Have you got any other family-friendly activities planned for this summer? If so, we’d love to hear about them! Share them with us now on our social media channels or visit our blog to discover more activities for kids to enjoy this summer.