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You don’t need to cart along with easels, hundreds of tubes of paints, a fretsaw, and a loom in order to do crafts during a camping trip or picnic. You also don’t need to pay for organized activities.  Part of the creativity and fun is seeing what you can make and do with what is already there. Free or nearly free ideas to get you started are:

Daisy chains 

A nice thing to do on a summer picnic is to make garlands of flowers to wear. You pick daisies, keeping the stem at least two inches long, then make a slit with your fingernail. This last part can be tricky for small children, so you might want to help them. Then you simply thread one daisy onto another until you have a chain.

Common daisies are the only flowers suitable for this activity. It simply won’t work with most, as their stems are either too fragile or too tough. More importantly, unless you’re a botanist, you won’t know whether the flowers you are picking are from common weeds or highly endangered wildflowers. Lawn daisies are easy to recognize, common, and easy to use. Leave all others where they are.

Bows and arrows

You need a bit of string and a penknife, but everything else is already there. Effective, if not very accurate, archery sets can be made with a few twigs and are perfect for aspiring Robin Hoods. The bow needs to be made of a very supple twig about 3-4 feet long. Sycamore is perfect. 

After removing excess twigs and leaves (the bark can be left on), you create a tight bow with a length of the string. The arrows are made from shorter, thinner, and more rigid straight twigs. Attaching a couple of feathers at one end of an arrow and sharpening the point makes it fly better. 

While these sets are unlikely to be powerful enough to really hurt anybody, you should still remember to tell your children not to aim in the direction of other people or animals.

Water fights

These are an exciting, and very active, way to cool off after a picnic or long sticky walks on a camping trip. The rules are very simple – your aim is to soak everybody else without getting too wet yourself. You can use water pistols or better and more simply just fill up containers with water. 

Generally, it’s best to use plastic containers since there is a good chance people will get carried away and throw more than the water. Obviously, this is not something to do when there are water shortages but great fun if you are near a river or pool.

There are hundreds of other activities you can do when outside that cost nothing and need minimal materials. You can do bark rubbings, go bug watching, climb trees, play drawing games, have nature trail competitions, make straw animals, and countless more. Have a rough idea of perhaps one energetic activity and one quiet one before you go, then use your imagination.

A rope is easily one of the most valuable assets a camper can have. Parachute cord, commonly called paracord, has had many uses in the typical overnight camp. It has thousands of applications, and in many cases, only a good piece of sturdy cord will serve the job.

Firstly, you need to be proficient in knots. Most knots work by using the friction of the line used, while others may use many ‘turns’ around the line, followed by a stopper knot if the line is slippery or doesn’t bind well. Knots in themselves can be an extremely in-depth study, but for the infrequent camper, one should be versed in only a few simple knots; the overhand, which is the most basic of knots, the figure-eight knot, the reef knot, and the slip knot. Familiarity with this shortlist of knots can improve successes in working with line, and allows you to apply your knowledge practically.

A line can be used for multiple purposes, from lashing makeshift tent poles together using a figure-eight pattern of winding around the joint to using a rope to lift foodstuffs off the ground in bear country. This is done by selecting a low branch on a tree and tossing the line over the branch so that there is a line hanging from both sides of the branch.

At this point, the food would be affixed in a bag or sling on one end whilst the other end is pulled to hoist the load out of reach. The hoisting end is then tied around the tree with a simple slip knot. This can drastically improve camp safety in regions where bears harass campers and steal carelessly stored food.

Further uses of rope in a camping situation include creating temporary shelter using a tarpaulin and a few lengths of rope. Four trees are selected that are in a roughly square or rectangular pattern and are spaced properly in relation to each other.

The tarpaulin is tied to the trees with the rope and slung between them to create a makeshift roof. In survival situations, you can loosen and adjust the tarpaulin so that is sags slightly in the middle like a large pliable bowl, which can then be punctured at the lowest point to collect fallen rain and dew for drinking water.

Elaborate shelters can be created using only rope, and wooden poles lashed together to create wall panels, which are then joined together to form rooms. You can also use a rope to create many forms of trap snares if you need to for survival. In this vein, a camper in a starvation situation can use short pieces of wood and rope to create small wooden traps to snare prey.

The continuing concept is that you are limited only by the length of rope/cord that you have and your imagination. A camper who worries of uninvited intruders and has lots of rope might consider a perimeter strung tautly around the camp with the loose ends tied to a pot sitting in a pan near the tent, ensuring that any tugging or shaking of the rope will rattle the pans and alert the camper of an intruder.

Likewise, a camper who wished to do so could erect complex shade systems using ropes and boughs to offer ’round the clock shade for his camp. The sky is the limit once you realize the millions of things you can do with a simple rope and creativity.

More down-to-earth options are much less extravagant. Two pieces of rope that are slightly longer than the height of the camper, and several shorter lengths, a comfortable hammock can be fashioned using simple overhand knots to connect the short “slat ropes” to the longer “beam ropes” offering a comfy napping place to laze away the day.

As you can see, the rope has many uses in camp, but it also has another use that few campers consider; practicing knot tying is both a great survival skill and a great way to pass the time. Why not pick up a book on how to tie different knots and see how many different knots you can learn?

Camping can be a wonderful way of experiencing nature in any country. If you have not camped much, any camping reference book or website will list the standard equipment for you to take, such as a tent, sleeping bag, mattress, cooking equipment, flashlight, rain gear, and of course, food and water. If you include some items that more experienced campers carry, any trip can be more enjoyable, and a less than pleasant trip can turn into a good experience.

To enjoy camping, you must be comfortable. A small item that takes very little space is a cotton bandanna. On hot days, wet it and tie it around your neck or shade your neck by extending from under the back of your hat. If bugs are biting, a bandanna with some bug repellent on it, tied around your neck, will keep them away without putting repellent on your face or near your eyes.

A clean bandanna can also be used as a cooling washcloth. A dry bandanna tied on your belt or belt loop becomes a hand towel when cooking. Not sure what you are sitting on? Put your bandanna down before you sit.

The cooking fire or stove is the center of the camp. Food brings people together and tastes better when eaten outside. Food preparation can be difficult without a clean space on which to work. A small cutting board can make the job much easier whether you are working at a picnic table or on the ground. It is level and easy to keep clean. If space or weight is an issue, the newer cutting mats can be rolled up and take very little space for the convenience they give to an organized camp kitchen.

Whether you are on the move or staying in one place, rain can make a camping experience miserable. An extra tarp, often called a guide tarp, can add comfort. A triangular nylon tarp with no poles, a guide tarp takes up very little space and can be erected quickly when needed. Poles can be created from nature or by using hiking sticks, oars, or paddles at one side and anchoring the other end with rocks or packs.

If you are to be in a forest, then pack some rope to be used when erecting the tarp. This small tarp can create a dry lunch stop, a roof for your kitchen food preparation area, or a new roof above a leaky tent. A visit to a climbing supply store for a pulley and some carabineers will give you even more ways to put this shelter in place quickly.

When the dishes are done, the beds are ready, and the food is away, there is nothing better than enjoying the evening with friends and family. Camp cooking sets often include small plastic mugs or cups. These are useful for cooking, but they are small, and they do not keep a drink hot or cold.

An insulated mug keeps your drink hot or cold while you enjoy the evening sights and sounds around you. Flavored coffees or teas or a little liqueur added to your hot drink in your insulated mug extends this time of day and makes your camping experience special.

Little additions to your pack can make a big difference to a camping experience. A bandanna or two, a cutting mat, an extra tarp, and an insulated mug can keep you clean, dry, and add to your comfort. Camping should be as pleasant as possible so that we can make time for those special moments that living with nature gives us.

The preparation for every camping trip can be hectic at times, but a wise camper will create a camping checklist to make the outing go more smoothly with a great reduction in the associated stress. There is bound to be some item of necessity left at home on nearly every camping trip, but to create a camping checklist ensures that these errors will be kept to a minimum in frequency and importance.

It is a good idea that each and every member of a camping party create their own individualized camping checklist for their personal items, as in this activity, each person is accountable for their own comfort. When this has been accomplished, the group as a whole can get together and create a camping checklist for items that will be utilized by the entire camping party.

The best way to create a camping checklist is, to begin with, items of personal clothing and hygiene, keeping in mind the necessity to pack efficiently. A very good way to accomplish this is to sit in a quiet place for about ten minutes with a notebook and pen and visualize what a typical day in camp will encompass from the moment you awake until the minute you go to sleep.

By doing this, you will most likely cover most of the important items that will be needed on your camping trip, and forgotten items will be kept to a minimum with little significance attached. The next step to create a camping checklist is to include items that may not be an absolute necessity for the trip but will supply comfort and make the trip a bit more joyful. A small, battery-powered radio, a deck of cards, or a small stash of candy or other goodies can be a blessing on a rainy day when you are stuck inside of a tent for hours.

When each individual in the camping party has finished their camping checklist, it is time to gather as a group and collectively address the common needs of the entire party. To create a camping checklist in this manner, it is best to discuss and explore each area of camping separately, such as food, shelter, recreation, emergencies, etc. (Don’t forget the snacks!) By doing this, everyone will be satisfied the preparations are adequate in each aspect before moving on to the next topic.

This is a great way to create a camping checklist because, in these discussions, there are usually some very good ideas presented that will be certain to make everyone’s trip more enjoyable.

Camping is its own entertainment, right? After all, time spent in the wilderness, with or without friends and family, is a rewarding experience. However, there are times when campers must look for ways to entertain themselves. A lengthy trip especially is bound to contain some downtime that must be filled. There are a ton of options, and in the end, each camper will find the best means of entertainment.

Campfires are a great party starter. At night, in particular, a good fire represents offers three major rewards. First, on cold nights, a fire is a source of warmth. Just bringing people into close proximity can lead to entertainment.

Secondly, the light of the fire serves as a focal point. In the absence of television, this glowing pyre will be what draws the eyes of all the campers. The dancing flames offer a hypnotic calm for all who gaze upon them. Lastly, a good fire leads to other forms of entertainment, such as roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.

Part of the point of camping is to travel to an area that has wilderness attractions. Campers should take full advantage of all these things, whether they be nature walks, mountainous hikes, waterfalls, or other. Some campsites are close to unique experiences, like a natural water slide, or a hot spring. Be sure to do research before leaving for the camping trip.

Portability is somewhat important when bringing entertainment on a camping trip. If backpacking, small and lightweight games are much more important, but even when car camping, there is a limited amount of space for which to pack in the games. Certain board games fit the bill, but the best choice is a simple deck of playing cards. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different games that can be played with the same deck. Just be sure that everyone knows how to play the intended games.

A night away from the comforts of home can lead to a great opportunity to play some of those games that require little more than imagination. Charades, Twenty Questions, and other games along those lines can offer hours of great entertainment.

Lastly, do not forget the art of the scary story. A night of camping is the only place where these classic stories, passed along orally for generations, are appropriate. 

For many of us when taking the family on a camping trip it also means bringing the family dog too. But even though your dog is an animal, he is just as susceptible to injuries out in the wilderness as you are. Just like you, your dog is used to living in a home with a certain sense of security. So you need to take caution and watch out of your family pet just like any other family member. Here are some of the common injuries that can happen to your dog while camping.

We all love taking our dogs walking or running, but when we’re out in the woods dogs can become injured very quickly. It’s not uncommon for a dog to hurt his foot on a sharp rock, or sprain a limb on a hill. Most dogs are used to being outdoors but the wilderness can present some unexpected obstacles when hiking with his master. So be careful where you take your dog in the woods. Try and stay on sturdy ground and keep an eye on his footing.

There are a lot of creatures in the wilderness that we all try to avoid when camping. Unfortunately dogs have the natural instinct of chasing after most of the animals and it can lead to serious injuries or worse. Bees, skunks, raccoons, squirrels are some of the smaller critters that can make a camping very unpleasant for your pooch if he gets bitten by one. Larger animals like bear, elk, boar, and moose can do a lot more damage to your family pet if attacked. Always try to be aware of your surrounding if you’re walking with your dog. Keep in securely tied in the campsite when you can’t keep watch of him.

Some of the things that can hurt your dog are things you can’t even see. Parasites and bacteria in the surrounding waters can upset your dog or make him quite ill if you’re not careful. The heat, even in the woods can be especially difficult on a dog while camping. Even if it feels like a nice cool day to you, your dog may be feeling the effects of the direct sunlight or humidity.

Be sure to keep plenty of fresh bottled water handy for your dog. Keep him hydrated with plenty of fresh drinking water from a clean bowl in the campsite. And always look for signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. If he is panting a lot, seems sleepy or lethargic he likely needs some fresh water and a cool spot in the shade to rest. Don’t forget to bring him plenty of food and keep it in a safe and dry place away from the elements and woodland critters.

As in most situations make sure your family dog is up to date on all of his shots. Also make sure he is in good health before you expose him to the elements of a camping trip. Be sure you have a strong sturdy leash to keep him on and a good place to tie him down when needed. It’s also important to make sure he is wearing a collar with identification on it.

A reflective leash is a good idea to help easily find him in the dark with a flashlight, especially if he pulls a Houdini act and gets away from the campsite. If there are any other campers nearby find out if they have any pets with them and make sure they’re dog is healthy with shots as well. Let them know about your dog as well so that both family pets can be as safe as possible.

Finally give your pooch a safe and dry place to sleep at night. Some may prefer to sleep in the tent with you. Others may like sleeping outdoors. Give him a soft place to sleep. Bring an old blanket for him to curl up in if it gets chilly during the overnight. Remember your dog is a part of the family too so make sure you look after him too.

Looking for quick blood meal flies target parts of the animal body where the skin is thinnest, and blood vessels are closest to the surface, such as the tips of the ears and the nose. Fly bites irritate animal skin and can cause inflammation and infection. Serious maggot infestation can follow.

What to Look for

Flies leave tell-tale signs that they are feasting upon your pet.

 painful bumps
 bloody spots
 small scabs
 raw skin areas with fur rubbed off
 biting and scratching

Your vet may prescribe full-strength antibiotics and anti-itch medication for your pet once the fly bite has incurred an infection. Self-care remedies, such as keeping the area clean and dry, applying an over-the-counter antibiotic, may be ineffective once your pet has entered the itch-scratch-itch cycle. He will not allow the affected area to heal. Permanent damage, like thickened skin and even ear amputation, can occur if left untreated.

Tips to Keeping Flies Away from Your Pet

 Keep your pet indoors during the heat of the day.
 Clean up feces immediately and dispose of it far away from pet areas.
 Clean feeding dishes after your pet is finished eating.
 Eliminate any bare dirt spaces in the yard with grass or other plant ground cover.
 Wash your pet with deodorizing shampoo with eucalyptus oils as often as your vet recommends.
 If your pet must be outdoors, keep him in areas where there is air-flow and is shaded. Turn on a fan to keep air-flowing and cool in pet areas. Flies prefer heat.
 Use fly guards for ears, legs, and bellies of horses to keep flies from landing and biting.
 Use natural predators to keep the fly population in stables and yards under control. Natural predators include birds, frogs, chickens, carnivorous plants, and tiny insects that feed on fly larvae. Natural predator insects may be purchased in bags and sprinkled around fly-prone areas.

Fly Repellents

Rub the inside of your pet’s ears with some of these products:

 Noxema facial cream contains fragrances that repel flies.
 Vaseline. Flies can’t bite through the layer of gel, which moisturizes the skin.
 Natural fly repellents contain eucalyptus or citronella oils. But do not apply either of these oils in their pure form directly onto the skin.
 Chemical fly repellents use effective ingredients like permethrin and resmethrin to repel flies.
 Some homemade remedies rely on garlic, but have negligible results and end up repelling humans, too.

If your pet is being pestered by biting flies, keep him safe with these tips. Check him often for hot spots and take him to the vet for immediate treatment.

For many households, dogs are a very important and much-loved part of their family composition. In the hear of summer, it can be challenging to keep our four-legged friends comfortable since they are covered by fur or hair of some sort. Extreme heat can cause illness, injury, and even death to these special pets that we care so deeply for, so we must do all that we can in order to keep them safe and comfortable.

Just prior those hot summer months, either take them into the groomer or perform a full deshedding yourself to get rid of that undercoat they needed for extra warmth in the winter. There are special tools for this if you are going to do it yourself, such as rakes, which will get deep into the coat and pull those loose hairs out easily.

Keep them clipped and groomed in the summer, even more steadfastly than you do at other times of the year so that their coat isn’t as heavy and hot on them.

Keep them inside where it’s cooler, when possible. If your dogs are not generally indoor pets for whatever reason, they may even be able to just have a limited area where they are allowed to come in in extreme weather, such as a mud or utility room.

Provide a covered area that is made of a material that will not allow the sun’s rays through. This might be a full doghouse, or it may be a lean-to sort of structure, but the dog should have somewhere to go and escape the sun.

Plant trees in your yard so that there are shady areas for the dog to retreat to when the heat comes on.

Bushes that are low to the ground, but high enough for the dog to get underneath, provide excellent places for the dog to go when it’s hot outside. These bushes not only block the sun’s rays, but there is often moist ground underneath that is cooler.

In the heat, your dog will need to drink more than usual in order to stay properly hydrated. Be sure that you check the water bowl often to ensure that there is fresh, cool water. Don’t use metal or glass bowls of any sort, as these will absorb the sun’s heat and can get dangerously hot, also heating the water they are holding.

If the heat becomes simply unbearable, grab a leash and head off to the beach or a river, where your dog can find cooler territory and go for a swim. If your dog will be getting in the water, it is a good idea to have a flotation device for him or her to prevent accidental drowning.

Dogs are beloved members of the families that they belong to. Because of the beautiful coats that they wear, the heat can be especially bothersome to them. As a responsible pet owner, it is up to you to ensure that they are safe and as comfortable as possible when extreme heat is an issue.

Dogs are part of the family and must be well taken care of in order to live a full, happy life. Summertime can be deadly to pets if not educated.

Dogs have become part of an extended family for most pet owners. Some people like them around for companionship; others for health reasons, and still others have dogs just simply because they love dogs. No matter the reason, having a dog or any type of pet requires adult responsibility.

Hot summer months can be deadly for dogs, but with the proper instructions, dog owners can live full lives with their canine companions.

The Summer Heat Index Can Quickly Spell Disaster

Check the weather report before venturing out. If the heat index is extremely high, the best place to leave your dog is at home. Unless you absolutely need to take him somewhere, such as the veterinarian, he will be safest in the house.

If you do need to take him with you, never leave him in an untended car, even for a brief minute or two. One minute in a heated car can mean certain death for the beloved pet.

A study by the Animal Protection Institute showed that moderately warm temperatures outside could quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside. This study showed that when the temperature outside reached 83 degrees, it rose to almost 109 degrees inside a closed up automobile, about 98 degrees inside a car with all four windows open, and 95 degrees with only two windows open.

United Animal Nations provides fliers to download to spread the word about the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, even for a minute.

Outdoor Time is More Than Just Play Time

If the dog must venture outside in the summer, make sure he has enough fresh, cold water, even if he’s inside the house. The heat can quickly dehydrate the animal.

If the dog gets to visit the beach regularly, never let him drink the water there. It’s full of salt and not freshwater. That could be bad for him.

Make sure your pet has had all of its immunizations and that a flea/tick check is done on a regular basis. Fleas and ticks can cause illnesses in pets at any time of the year.

Watch the animal around barbecues. Dogs can quickly snatch a hot dog or steak from the grill itself and get burned. Make sure all matches, lighters, and lighter fluids are put away to prevent a poisoning or choking incident.

Make sure all animals are properly licensed in case they wander around from home.

With Proper Care, Pets Can Survive Summertime

The best protection for animals is never to leave them unattended for long. They need to be supervised around children’s toys, parties, and even when playing in their own backyard. Treat them like one of the children. No one would let their five-year-old wander off by themselves, so don’t leave the family dog alone unnecessarily.

School summer holidays can be wearing on both parents and children. Finding ways to stave off boredom is challenging but a long way from impossible. Try the following tips and see if you can beat the summertime blues.

A – Active – It is all too easy to allow your child to become inactive over the summer months. An active child is a healthy child, and keeping them moving and doing is vital to prevent the exhaustion that often accompanies a return to school after the summer holidays. An inactive child can find a return to everyday school life hard after weeks of sitting around doing nothing. Look for local activities in your area and keep your child active.

B – Bedtime – This may seem like an odd choice, but it really does help. Don’t let your child extend their school day bedtime by more than an hour during the holidays. A child who has to switch from going to bed in the early hours of the morning to ten in the evening can find it extremely difficult to make the adjustment. Keep the difference of no more than an hour, and the transition back to school time will be less stressful.

C – Cooking – Get your child to help prepare the family meal. It keeps them occupied and gives you a helping hand. It’s also worth looking at simple recipes that the children can make and have fun with. It keeps them busy, and they can eat the result! A good source of recipes can be found here.

D – Dancing – We’re not talking ballet or tango here. Put some music on dance to it. This can be silly (imagine your child trying to headbang to Bohemian Rhapsody) or slightly more meaningful (teaching them a particular dance), but it keeps them active. They’ll also love seeing parents make fools of themselves if you join in!

E – Exercise – You don’t have to drag your child to the gym. Go for a walk, play running races in the garden or try Hoola hoops and skipping. Exercise should be fun, not boring.

F – Films – Take the camcorder or digital camera and make films about your local area or simply the everyday doings of the family. Post them online to share with family and friends. This activity is possible even if you don’t have digital. Buy a disposable camera, take pictures, develop them, and turn them into a flick book.

G – Games – Dig out the board games from the back of the cupboard and have a family games day. This can be accompanied by finger foods and treat drinks to make it special.

H – Holidays – This site is brilliant for this idea. Choose a month and a day and see what excuse there is to celebrate. How about celebrating ‘Blame someone else’ day in April or ‘National Lasagna Day’ on July 29th? There are extensive archives, and you are sure to find a celebration for any day of the year, not just the summer holidays.

I – Internet – It’s a part of our lives now. Even those who don’t have Internet connections at home can get access via libraries and Internet cafes. Use it to find fun and safe games sites for kids. These can be fun and educational or fun just for the sake of it. Stimulating the brain is just as important as keeping your child active.

J – Juggling – Teach your child to juggle, or learn with them. You can use anything to juggle with. Try starting with small oranges or soft play balls. A great site for tips and demonstrations can be found here.

K – Kites – Make a kite and go fly it. How to make a simple kite is shown on this page.

L – Learn – School may be out, but that doesn’t mean learning should be ignored. Keep your child’s mind active by working with their interests and hobbies. Learning during holidays has to be fun. No child wants a classroom at home, especially in the summer. Keep your learning efforts discreet and under the mask of ‘This will be fun.’

M – Music – Children love music. Make your own instruments and form a band. If your children play real instruments, do the same. Have a seventies day and ‘inflict’ your music on them with suitable food and clothing as an extra. Just remember that you may well have to sit through twelve hours of Greenday and Slipknot in return!

N – Nothing – keeping your kids active and occupied during the summer holidays is great, but you also need to remember to allow them to relax. Have a ‘Doing nothing’ hour somewhere in the day. Let them read a book, watch TV or play a video game whilst you do your chores or take an hour’s relaxation for yourself.

O – Outdoors – Get outside as much as you can. Take a bus to the nearest beach. Visit local attractions (use the internet to find free activities in your area). Visit with friends or offer to walk the neighbor’s dog (if you don’t have one), but get outside and make the most of the good weather and fresh air. Simply weeding the garden or planting seeds can be enough.

P – Party! – Throw a party once a week. Choose a theme and use some time each day to prepare for the party. Make banners, decorate the house (or just the party room), prepare to treat foods and drinks, and let off steam at the weekly party. This can be a family thing, but why not open it up to the neighbors and get a street party going?

Q – Quests – Make up quests for your child to go on. Treasure hunts are fabulous for this purpose. You can also make up a story about a quest and get your kids to act it out. Make a puppet theatre and puppets and tell the story.

R – Rubbish – Recycle your rubbish and use it in projects. Paint up cardboard inner-tubes and use them to play skittles. Turn empty boxes into paper and pen containers, decorating them with painted pasta shapes or glitter and sequins. Wash out empty bottles and use them to grow seeds in. Help your child research what items can be recycled locally and visit the recycling center.

S – Soap – This is connected to recycling and a fun project for your child. Recycle ends of soap into new bars. A safe method that does not require the handling of lye can be found here. You don’t have to wash with the bars; try using them to carve stamps or models instead.

T – Tents – There is nothing quite so much fun as putting up a tent and letting your child play in it. You can even erect it in your back yard and let them sleep out overnight. (Pay attention to safety, though. You might want to sleep with them). Tents can be simple. Peg an old sheet over a washing line, and you have a tent.

U – Uncle – or aunt or granny, anyone in your family. If you have relatives, use them. Take your child visiting and help them get to know their family and their family history. Older relatives are usually a mine of information and willing to share stories about family history. Turn it into a project and get your child to draw up a family tree.

V – Volleyball – Baseball, football, softball, any sport involving a ball can be played to keep your child occupied. Most can be played in the back yard or at the local park, and you may even have summer clubs in the area that cater to your child’s particular sporting interests.

W – Water – Go swimming. Teach your child to swim at the local pool or help them improve their skills and have fun in the water. Its good exercise, lots of fun, and every child should know how to swim.

X – X-Men – Don’t underestimate the value of a good film. Providing it is not gratuitous and caters to your child’s age range; there is nothing wrong with letting your child watch a movie once in a while.

Y – Yipee! – Youthful enthusiasm needs an outlet. If your child has a creative passion, help them foster it during the holidays. Turn the entire summer into learning about penguins or trying to break a world record, whatever it is that fires your child’s enthusiasm and imagination. Remember to show your interest and ask questions, help them expand their horizons.

Z – Zoos – Cliche as it may be, zoo trips and summer holidays go hand-in-hand. Zoos are no longer the drab places they once were. Visit your local zoo and help your child learn about conservation whilst giggling over the antics of the monkeys and being awed by the size of the tigers.

This A-Z of activities for your children during the summer holidays should get you started and will hopefully inspire other ideas. Try some of them and enjoy your summer holiday with your child.

Here are even more ideas to keep kids physically active during the summer holidays by providing fun activities that will move more than just their thumbs on a game controller.

Limit TV and video games

Summer break should not be an excuse for kids to spend ten hours a day watching television or playing video games. TV and video games do not need to be banned but moderated. Set a time limit for each per day. Even though the Wii is a motion-activated video game, it’s still advisable to limit it just as you would a traditional game. Let the kids play a game of Wii tennis and then take them to the park to play a real game. It doesn’t matter if they only just hit the ball around; the key is to get them moving and interacting with something other than a television screen.

Fun classes

School may be out, but many junior colleges and even universities offer a variety of entertaining, challenging, active classes for kids of all ages. Cooking, film-making, acting, science exploration, and more these classes will help the kids to be both physically and mentally active while learning and having fun.

Join local YMCA/YWCA

These great organizations can be found in most communities and offer many different classes and activities for kids during the summer. To keep the kids moving, consider various sports, crafts, and even open gym time. Many facilities have indoor pools, so swimming is possible even on rainy days or when the temperatures soar.

Encourage group sports

Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and swim team are opportunities for kids to be active and enjoy time with other kids their age. Group sports will require more of a commitment for both parents and children due to team practices and games.

Make family time active time.

Get moving as a family. Day trips to hike park trails, bike rides, or playtime at the local beach or park are all great ways to keep kids active and bond as a family. Make it a habit each evening after dinner to do something active together. Ride bikes, fly a kite, take a neighborhood walk, play catch, or another game that has everyone up and moving. Beanbag toss or the washer toss game is perfect backyard fun for all ages and can be played in small yards, big yards, or even on a driveway or sidewalk.

Garden

Whether veggies or flowers, a garden is a great way to keep active all summer, a garden takes time and care, a little each day. From weeding to watering to harvesting, a garden can provide an opportunity for activity while teaching nurturing and responsibility to kids.

Whichever activities you choose this summer to keep your kids physically active, have a bit of fun and take your summer mantra from the lemurs in the kid’s movie ‘Madagascar’ and just “move it, move it!”