Summer Favourites: Top 10 summer activities to keep the kids entertained

When you’ve got the summer holidays looming large in front of you, it can be a bit daunting to think of the fact that you have five or six weeks to fill with activities! The summer holidays don’t have to be a trying time though, and in fact the summer months can be an excellent time to share with your kids (provided that you have some fun summer activities lined up to share in). I spent the last summer holidays with my family in Melbourne, we stayed in a Melbourne serviced apartment by rnrmelbourne.com.au and spent many a happy afternoon down at the beach in St Kilda, and out riding the trams and enjoying the best that this vibrant artsy city has to offer. You don’t have to travel far to have a good time though, so let’s take a look at some of the best ways to ensure that the kids are entertained this summer.

Visit a museum

A wealth of information, fun and excitement, museums are a great option for any parent or caregiver looking for a fun afternoon. Most museums are geared for adults and kids alike, so you will be spoiled for choice and happy with both parties equally entertained.

Go to the botanical gardens

Most major cities (and plenty of smaller cities, too) have a botanical garden with fabulous lush greenery and beautiful plants to admire. You can make the most of your time in the botanic gardens by making up a treasure hunt, or by playing a fun game of hide and seek.

Hit the beach

The sweltering sun calls for a beach day – so be sure to slip, slop and slap and stay sun safe by only being out in the sun before 10am and after 3pm daily. When you’ve had enough of splish-splashing around in the shallows, why not grab some fish and chips and enjoy the greasy salty treat on the sand?

Enjoy a picnic in the park

Pack up the hamper and grab the esky, it’s time to head to the park. You can pack a football or a frisbee and sit back with a glass of something cold as the kids play nearby. Not a bad way to spend a summer’s day!

Play putt-putt

Mini Golf is a fun way to practice the hand-eye coordination of the kids, and a great way to spend an afternoon. Most minigolf courses aren’t too expensive either, so you won’t be too light in the wallet after an afternoon of this.

Go to a farmer’s market

Local suppliers gather on a weekend and sell their wares, and they’re usually accompanied by a range of food trucks or coffee vans all designed to make the experience that little bit more special. Saddle up the kids (why not ride?) and spend a leisurely morning exploring the local farmer’s market in your area.

Arrange language lessons

Kids are great learners, so why not get them a great skill that they can use in their lives by signing up for a language over the summer holidays? If there are a few kids all practicing a language together they can practice their skills outside of the classroom, too!

Go on a bike riding adventure

Explore a part of the city that you haven’t seen before on a bike riding adventure. Make sure you pack a puncture kit, plenty of snacks and lots of water to keep everyone happy.

Tie-dye clothes

Got some old white t-shirts? Grab some tie-dying stuff and set to work in the backyard. You’ll have hours of fun experimenting with colours and you’ll give the old clothes a new lease on life, too.

Learn a new sport

Get the kids to teach you something new – whether it’s how to ride a Segway or how to play Futsal. Purchase baseball bags full of brand new equipment, and get the kids together outside for a big game of catch. Get involved and get fit as you enjoy the summer with your kids.