Budget-Friendly Summer Entertainment

Budget-friendly inspiration to keep the kids entertained this summer with Outdoor Toys!

Go on a treasure hunt

Organising a treasure hunt is the perfect way to keep kids entertained, encouraging them to explore their surroundings and be active, too. They can be done anywhere, but gardens and other large outdoor spaces are the perfect locations to set up your treasure hunt, just make sure you have plenty of places to hide your treats or clues to the next location.   

If you’re organising a treasure hunt with clues that lead to a final treasure, it's easier to plan it backwards, so find the perfect spot for the end of your hunt with clues leading away from that place to your chosen starting spot. You should write these locations down to make it easier to remember where you’ve hidden the clues too.   

Go paddling

Setting up a paddling pool in your garden as the perfect way to cool off without even leaving home. It’s not just reserved for the hotter days either, even rainy summer days give kids plenty of opportunities to get their wellies and waterproofs on and splash around in muddy puddles.  

However, as much fun as water can be, it's important to remember that it can still pose a danger to kids, so avoid all distractions and keep them under constant supervision. It’s recommended that you join in the fun too, to make sure your kids are playing safely and don’t have any nasty accidents.   

Ride your bikes

Going on a bike ride is a brilliant opportunity for you and your kids to spend some quality time together, as it’s fast, fun and free too if you’re already kitted out with the right equipment. Before you start make sure everyone’s bikes are in full working order and you’re prepared to tackle any issues, such as a surprise puncture on the ride.  

When cycling with kids, it's best to avoid busy roads until they’re confident and practised enough to handle the possible dangers that could be thrown at them by other road users. Make sure their helmets are properly fitted and they’re wearing bright clothing or even fluorescent hi-vis vests. Their bikes should be kitted out with reflectors and lights too, even if you don’t plan on cycling in the dark to increase their visibility. 

Remember to keep the rides short, to begin with, and bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you and your kid’s energy up. Your kids will need to stretch their legs after a ride too, so make sure to stop at a play area or somewhere grassy. 

Build a den

Building a den is the perfect activity to keep your kids entertained outdoors for hours and when they’ve finished it gives them the perfect space to play in too. Den building also gives kids lots of opportunities to exercise as they gather the materials to create their structure and it helps them understand how to work as a team and develop problem-solving skills.  

You can help your kids build their den by challenging them to find the best tree to support their structure, ideally a single tree with a fork low down to build a teepee or two close together for a tent-like den. Then see who can collect the most leaves and branches from the ground to build the den walls. Den building isn’t just confined to the woods too, you could start a den using an existing structure in your garden, like a climbing frame, to support it. 

Fly some kites

Kites are often underrated as outdoor toys, but although they’re simple they can provide kids with lots of exercise and plenty of time outdoors. Kid's kites are also usually cheap too, making it a perfect budget-friendly way to enjoy a windy day, or you could even help your kids make their own kites.

Make sure to check the weather before you start on your kite-flying expedition. You’ll need a windy day to launch your kite, but too much wind can make it difficult for your child to control and they could lose the kite. Ideal conditions are days with consistent light to medium winds. You’ll also need to find a large open space. Beaches, parks and fields are best for this but make sure to watch out for trees and power lines that could tangle your kite and pose a danger to your kids. 

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