Kids
SUMMER activities for kids
With the school holidays on the horizon, Dawn Kingsford has been doing some homework of her own,
researching a range of options for having fun with the kids this summer...
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Kent when it comes to making the most of the school holidays — but now, it seems, it’s all about striking the right balance. With child experts suggesting we worry way too much about
children getting bored and should, instead, let them get creative about their own entertainment, it’s small wonder parents are feeling confused. What’s for sure is that down time, family time and
structured play all have an important role to play in developing healthy, happy children. The secret is to “keep it simple”. Don’t get too caught up in
the psychology of play, it’s what children do! Remember what made you smile as a child and aim to provide a mix of things, from a reassuring hug, to the chance to let off steam. Brainstorm with your child about what they want to do, which will make them feel loved, listened to and involved in the decision-making process and build the bond between you, as well as providing some useful clues about what to do. Be strong about making your children entertain themselves
- away from the telly and other games and gadgets - and be strong with yourself when it comes to devoting your time to them and enjoying fun time together.
Ten different things to do this summer
Plan a party - Nobody needs a reason for a party, so why not hand the organising over to your children? Older kids can plan the menu, even cook some of the dishes, while younger ones can come up with activities, the guest list, setting up and tidying.
Go fruit picking - Find a local pick- your-own fruit farm, get your children involved in filling the freezer and make a dessert with your harvest when you get home.
Go camping - Pitch a tent in the backyard, or grandma’s garden. Roast marshmallows, play family games and enjoy a night under the stars.
Get moving - Lift the mood by getting on your bikes, taking a walk, dance in the dining room, or create an obstacle course in the garden.
Friends reunited - Arrange a trip where your children and their friends can meet up at the pool, go ice-skating or bowling.
Indoor games - There are bowling alleys across Kent in Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Maidstone, Rochester, Ashford and Whitstable. For details of these and other fun ideas, from ball parks to skating rinks, visit
www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk Outdoor diving - Splash out on a trip to your local pool, with many boasting wave
20 Mid Kent Living
machines and inflatables. In Faversham, there’s the added summer-time bonus (until September) of three outdoor pools with diving boards and an opportunity to take a picnic.
www.favershampools.com Animal Magic - The Rare Breeds Centre, at Woodchurch near Ashford boasts an exotic butterfly tunnel, discovery garden,
Go wild - Meet the animals at the award-winning Drusillas just across the Sussex border and enjoy the ultimate splash pad experience ‘GET WET!’
– a thrilling collection of water jets, geysers, twirling streams and
spiralling sprays. The zoo has several new animals, including a baby sloth and black lemur.
Quiet time - Kids need quiet time to do their own thing, be that to read, write, draw or for imaginative play. Research suggests that children unable to manage their time now will struggle to do this as an adult.
Nature lovers - Make a bird feeder by spreading a pine cone with peanut butter and rolling it in birdseed. String it up where your child can watch the birds visit. A host of activities, like pond-dipping, and bird-watching are arranged by the RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust, which you will find online.
Garage sale - Summer is the perfect time to clear out clutter. Get your kids busy cleaning toys, pricing items and making garage sale signs.
Get baking - Cooking is a great way for children to enjoy decision-making and being creative.
tractor rides, rare animals and their famous pig racing returns in the summer. Family £35. Under 3s free!
www.rarebreeds.org.uk Simple pleasures - Spend the day at the many beaches this county has to offer. Try those at Margate, Ramsgate or how about Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone, and spend the day making sand castles.
Centre image courtesy of: ©Drusillas Park
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