10 ways to keep the kids entertained this summer

It's summer, and the kids are home for six whole weeks (or sometimes more!) When you're thinking about how to keep them entertained, it can be difficult to make definite plans because - in the UK at least - it's hard to guess what the weather is going to be like. There are often money worries to think about as well - we'd love to take the kids to theme parks and zoos every day, but sometimes it's just not possible. Here are a few tips to keep the kids entertained this summer (whatever the weather) without having to break the bank.

1. Set up a treasure hunt

This is an 'oldie but a goldie'. Parents have been entertaining children with treasure hunts for decades. Depending on how small your children are, the prize you put at the end of it doesn't have to be substantial - and most children will enjoy the 'experience' and excitement more than the ultimate prize anyway!

For prizes, think about things that would keep them occupied after the treasure hunt is over: for example, a new book or a football.

If it's raining, it's easy to do it in your house. Hide little notes in 'strategic' locations that lead you to the next clue. For example, you could give them a clue that leads them to their favourite book or DVD case - like "You'll find the next clue at Hogwarts". If they're struggling to figure out the clues - or you've set up your treasure hunt outside - it might help to do the treasure hunt with them and give them hints along the way.

2. Go on a 'modern' treasure hunt

If you don't feel like setting up your own treasure hunt, you might want to consider Geocaching with your sat-nav or smartphone. It's a game that is played all over the world. You can search for 'caches' - i.e. little boxes containing trinkets from the various members who have found it before - in your area. If your children need a bit of help, find the general area of the cache and then challenge them to uncover it. Follow the rules, though - you can only take an object out of the cache if you put another one in.

3. Spice up your walks

Walks (and bike rides) are great ways to occupy children - and most parents know this. There may be a limit to how many walks you can realistically tolerate in six weeks, however, so you might need to make them a little bit more exciting. For example, you could set up challenges for your children. If you have a camera - even if it's just on your phone - give it to your children and see who can get the best photo. Alternatively, you could:

4 Set up a scavenger hunt

You can either list things that you know are in your area - a church with a steeple, a red phone box - but it could be fun to include other things too, like a dog with a red collar. Make it more fun by asking them to get a photo - if possible - or other evidence like leaves or flowers. Depending on the age of your children, you may need to supervise them.

5. Take advantage of free attractions in your area

ids with ice creams If your local authority has a website, check it every now and again for free events in your area. There might be fairs or festivals happening over the summer. Museums and art galleries often offer free entry - so make sure you visit some of these too.

6. Organise a sleepover

Not many things are as exciting to children as staying up past their bedtime with their friends. If you organise a sleepover with your children's friends, you may also inspire their parents to return the favour. Make it fun by providing the snacks - like bowls of sweets (or cut-up fruit if you're feeling health conscious). Give your children a book of ghost stories for them to read to each other after dark - or you might even choose to make a spooky cameo yourself! If it's nice weather, you might want to let them camp out in your garden.

7. Learn a skill together

It's common for parents to get their children involved in a huge number of activities when they're little - from guitar lessons to judo. Over the summer, however, if you both have some time, you could consider doing these things together. Many parents take their children to the swimming baths, but you could also go with them to dancing lessons, rock climbing and craft classes. You might even find a hobby that you're passionate about!

8. Get in the car

If you've got a day where you have nothing planned, consider taking a random day trip. Get in the car - or on the bus or on a train if you'd prefer - and head somewhere you've never been. Set yourself a certain time limit and see how far you can get. If you're using public transport, an unlimited all-day ticket might be your best bet. If you see something that takes your fancy - perhaps a sign at the side of the road - stop off and explore. Just try to remember the way back!

9. Make a fort

Forts are just the best - and can be made from all sorts of things. Pull together boxes, kitchen chairs, blankets, pillows, tables. and make a fortress out of them. This can be your kids' place to hide out or for you to sit in together. Inside you can do 'normal' activities, like reading or colouring in, but it will all be more interesting because they're inside the fort!

10. Ask your children to put on a play

If you have friends who have children, invite them all round for a party or 'gathering' at yours. While you all catch up and have a good time, ask the kids to put on a play for you. If you've got any dress-up stuff, get that out and leave them to it. Tell them that they need to rehearse it in another room so that it's a complete surprise when you see it. Who knows what they might come up with?

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Tags: money saving, kids, summer, school holidays, treasure hunt