Enjoy some outdoor games and get fit with the family
With various studies now warning that families don't get to spend as much time together as they used to in previous generations, who not do something about it this summer?
Light evenings and warmer weather present the perfect opportunity to not only increase quality time with your loved ones, but also to boost your levels of physical activity.
If you're usually a fan of jogging or going to the gym, why not swap it once a week for getting together with the kids and enjoying some fun games outdoors - you could get fit without even realising you're working out.
Some old favourites have been almost forgotten lately due to the advent of video games, but you may find that teaching them to your children brings back some great memories of holidays and summers gone by, which is sure to provide some amusing stories to giggle over afterwards!
It's a good idea to gear your games towards the age group of the participants - for example, really little children may not understand complex rules and might not be able to concentrate for too long, whereas older ones will be OK with more difficult activities.
For families with older kids, Activity Village - the online hub for free children’s activities, recommends French Cricket, as long as you've got a fairly large area to play it in (and no nearby greenhouses).
Players stand in a circle and the batter must defend the 'stumps' (his legs below the knees) from a tennis ball thrown by the bowler. He can only move to avoid it if he hits the ball with the bat and is out if another player catches it before it bounces.
Parenting website Net Mums also has some great ideas for outdoor family games, including traditional favourites such as rounders, sardines and tag. Dodgeball also makes an appearance, which could appeal to youngsters who have seen it on American TV and fancy giving it a go!
Of course, there is always the possibility of a water fight too if the weather is warm enough - use empty, clean washing up liquid bottles for a cheap alternative to water pistols and you could be running around for hours.
Finally, who could resist a game of British Bulldog? Set out two 'safe' areas at either side of the play area and then appoint people as the bulldogs. Players have to run from one end to the other without getting caught, with the last one still safe deemed to be the winner.
Make the most of the sunshine we'll hopefully be getting and enjoy exercising - and having fun - together.
Light evenings and warmer weather present the perfect opportunity to not only increase quality time with your loved ones, but also to boost your levels of physical activity.
If you're usually a fan of jogging or going to the gym, why not swap it once a week for getting together with the kids and enjoying some fun games outdoors - you could get fit without even realising you're working out.
Some old favourites have been almost forgotten lately due to the advent of video games, but you may find that teaching them to your children brings back some great memories of holidays and summers gone by, which is sure to provide some amusing stories to giggle over afterwards!
It's a good idea to gear your games towards the age group of the participants - for example, really little children may not understand complex rules and might not be able to concentrate for too long, whereas older ones will be OK with more difficult activities.
For families with older kids, Activity Village - the online hub for free children’s activities, recommends French Cricket, as long as you've got a fairly large area to play it in (and no nearby greenhouses).
Players stand in a circle and the batter must defend the 'stumps' (his legs below the knees) from a tennis ball thrown by the bowler. He can only move to avoid it if he hits the ball with the bat and is out if another player catches it before it bounces.
Parenting website Net Mums also has some great ideas for outdoor family games, including traditional favourites such as rounders, sardines and tag. Dodgeball also makes an appearance, which could appeal to youngsters who have seen it on American TV and fancy giving it a go!
Of course, there is always the possibility of a water fight too if the weather is warm enough - use empty, clean washing up liquid bottles for a cheap alternative to water pistols and you could be running around for hours.
Finally, who could resist a game of British Bulldog? Set out two 'safe' areas at either side of the play area and then appoint people as the bulldogs. Players have to run from one end to the other without getting caught, with the last one still safe deemed to be the winner.
Make the most of the sunshine we'll hopefully be getting and enjoy exercising - and having fun - together.
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