Kids love the summer because it means no school and plenty of fun outdoors. Parents also usually love this extra time with their children, but often struggle for ideas about how to keep them entertained.

Here are a few activities to keep the kids busy this summer; most of these will cost little or no money.

• If you own a conservatory then why not turn this into a kids play area. This is a great way to keep them entertained for hours and enjoy the outdoors no matter what the weather. You don’t even need to spend any extra money; have a look in your attic and you are sure to find many old toys which they can once again rediscover and enjoy.
• Get together with some other parents and arrange some outings. This will not only mean that the children get to do something different but you will also have adults to keep you company. You can do this so that parents take turns accompanying the children and this way you will get a break some of the time.
• Buy some summer games. There really are some great games for children to enjoy playing in the garden during the summer months. Old favourites like swing-ball always entertain or you might want to set up some football nets.
• An inflatable swimming pool can be bought and these are always a favourite for kids. These days you can pick up a really large pool for a reasonable price. The only disadvantage is that you will need to keep a close eye on them when they are in the water; remember that children can drown in only a few inches.
• Check online for nearby attractions. You may be amazed at some of the places that are just on your doorstep but you have never thought to visit. These trips can not only keep the kids entertained, but also introduce you to parts of your local area where you have never known previously.
• Don’t forget books. There is no reason why children can’t enjoy reading even though they are outdoors. An hour or so in the garden with a good story will appeal to a lot of kids.

So there you have just a few activities to keep the kids entertained this summer. There really are endless possibilities and the web is a great resource for ideas.