As the weather warms up, we start thinking about how we can spend more time outside. Who wants to sit in front of the TV when the sun is shining? The best thing about getting outdoors is that not only is there loads you can do, but plenty of it is free!
Here are our 10 top tips for what to do when it starts to get hot.
1.Host a BBQ
You don't have to send out invitations and plan it months in advance, only to be disappointed when it rains. If you get a surprise sunny day, text your friends or family and encourage them to come over for an impromptu BBQ. It doesn't need to cost a fortune, and you can ask everyone who's coming to bring a dish with them, like a salad or dessert. We’ve written a few ideas about hosting the perfect BBQ here.
2.Take a picnic to the Park
Sunshine? Check. Old blanket you're not worried about getting covered in grass? Check. Football? Check. Frisbee? Check. You've got all the ingredients you need for a sunny afternoon picnic. Grab a bag and all you need to pack is something to sit on and something to eat. It can be sandwiches, leftovers or just some fruit.
Why not bring a few games to keep everyone entertained? You can play football or rounders, bring a frisbee or just a deck of cards. Remember to keep hydrated when you’re out in the sun and use plenty of suncream.
3.Feel like a foodie
Food Festivals have become a big part of the summer calendar and are a great way to find out what sort of foods are being made in your local area. Local producers and adventurous chefs with innovative recipes gather to prove there’s more to English eats than meat and two veg and the good news is not all of them charge an entrance fee. Or what about finding a local farmer’s market where you can spend a few hours browsing through the tasty treats, fresh fruit and vegetables or even jams and cakes on offer.
4.Hit the beach
If you live by the coast then enjoying a local stretch of beach is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. It might be warm enough for a swim, but even if the water isn’t as warm as the Med you can enjoy a paddle. Remember to bring a towel and plenty of games to keep the kids entertained.
5.Enjoy a national treasure
If you need a little rest, love beautiful scenery or perhaps want to try a little invigorating exercise with plenty of fresh air then a trip to one of the UK’s national parks is always a great day out. Did you know most of the visitors to the UK's national parks are families? Take a look and the country's 15 national parks and see which is the best fit for you.
National treasures aren't just in our national parks. Plenty of the UK's museums and galleries offer free entry. You'll also find that during the summer months, many galleries put on special free events for young people to tie into their exhibitions, so it's a great way to spend the day together as a family and do something different.
6.Visit an urban farm
There are lots of farms hidden within our towns and cities and they welcome families because it helps to teach kids about animals and nature. Find out if there's an urban farm close to where you live and you'll be able to plan a day out with cute animals.
7.Hop on a bike
Do you live in a city that's got those new bikes on the streets? Cycling is an easy way to get around. If you don't want to take the kids on a main road, you don't have to. Head to a nearby park and spend the afternoon getting the family steady on two wheels and enjoying the summer's day whizzing by.
8.Try a treasure hunt
This might take a little extra planning, but it's completely worth it. You can design your own treasure trail especially for your family. All you need to do to start is think of a few places near to your home. It might be a favourite sweet shop, a local history site, a nearby school or maybe where a friend or family lives. Once you've chosen the places, you need to write the riddles or questions to hint at their location. It shouldn't be too hard, but it has to give everyone a good challenge! Spend a couple of hours hiding the clues in your chosen locations, with prizes at the end for everyone to win. You can include family and friends and it's a great way to get to know your neighbourhood while spending the day outside.
9.Step into history
Do you have an old site nearby where you live? Perhaps it’s a castle, or a Roman ruin, maybe it’s a stately home or a church that was in the Doomsday Book. Planning a day around a point of local interest lets you walk to the site together, or you might have to hop on a bus or train. Then you can learn all about history in your area. Was there a battle? Who was the rich family who lived there? Is there anyone famous buried nearby? It’s a great way to get kids engaged with their neighbourhood.
10.Have an ice cream
It isn't really summer until you've had your first ice cream and it's a moment to be savoured. It doesn't matter if it's from an ice cream van, an ice cream parlour on the seafront or from your own freezer. As long as you're all sitting in the sunshine together you can enjoy a taste of the summer months.
