For kids, the summer holidays are exciting. No more school, no more homework, endless days of hanging out with friends, playing games and generally having a great time! For some parents though, the summer holidays can be daunting. How on earth do you keep the kids entertained for so long without boredom ensuing?

Well, we may not be experts but we’ve certainly got some tips that could help, take a look at our ideas to keep your little ones busy all summer long!

Stay At Home

Now we know this may sound counter productive, but there are so many things you can do at home to keep the children busy and spend some quality time together! We’ve put together a few of our most-loved things to do at home:

• Arrange a board game day – This should pass some time! Board games are fun for all the family, and depending on which one you go for they can be educational too. If you’re looking for entertainment, Dan & Phil’s Truth Bombs is a great choice or try 7 Wonders for something more challenging!
• Cook up a storm – Cooking or baking can be a great way to bond and problem solve. Depending on your child’s age you could make anything from some simple cookies to a mushroom souffle. Why not take them shopping with your for the ingredients, then cook the food and eat it together.
• Get crafty – Develop your kid’s artistic skills and creativity by doing some good old fashioned crafts. You could do anything from making a scrapbook to finger painting, the world’s your oyster!
• Build a den – One of our personal favourites. There’s nothing more satisfying than building a cosy den in the living room which you can then curl up in and watch your favourite movie!

Go Outside

Fresh air is good for you, right? Venture out into the great outdoors and enjoy all it has to offer. From parks to beaches or even your own back garden, you won’t be disappointed. There are so many activities you can do outside, here are some of our favourites:

• A day at the beach – This may be weather permitting but there’s bound to be at least one sunny day this summer (if UK weather lately is anything to go by). Grab yourself a bucket and spade and your favourite kite to fly and you’ll have endless fun.
• Go camping – Take a trip to the gorgeous English countryside and have a camp out for a couple of nights. Toast marshmallows on an open fire, tell ghost stories and enjoy nature. Or – if you like your home comforts – set up a tent in the garden!
• Have a picnic – Find your nearest park and driest day and make yourself a picnic to enjoy in the sun. The kids could help you pack the food, grab some outdoor toys and that’s bound to fill an afternoon!
• Start a circus – Okay, perhaps not one that people come too and pay for but we do have a great range of toys including stilts, space hoppers and hula hoops which could encourage your children to develop their circus skills – they might even put on a show for you!

Take a Day Trip

If you want to do something a bit more special, why not take a day trip somewhere or see what’s on offer in your local area. Find somewhere with activities suitable for all the family so everyone can enjoy the trip! Here are some places we love to go with our families:

• The zoo – The perfect place for all the family not only to have fun, but also learn. Animals are fascinating for people of all ages so this is something you could really enjoy together!
• A museum or gallery – Most galleries or museums have events running throughout the summer to keep children occupied. Be sure to do some research and see what’s happening, there’s bound to be an activity your child would enjoy.
• Leisure centres – For something closer to home you could see if your local leisure centre has any clubs your child could participate in.
• Theme parks – This is a great idea depending on your child’s age, for younger children there’s Chessington or if you’re brave give Alton Towers a go!

In you’re on a budget, be sure to take a look at the range of toys we have available at Toy Street. We have games and activities for all ages which will keep your kids entertained all summer!

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