I'm not one to throw the "I've got 3 four kids" card out there (often), but I've got 3 kids... so when it comes to activities that free up a little time and keep the kids entertained so that you can finally drink a cup of tea (while it's still hot) without having to untie a knot, wipe a nose or be a unicorn, I feel as if I'm a good place to come for advice. Or at least let you know what doesn't work. I have pretty much tried it all.
The things that hold their very short attention the most are never the latest toy or spindadoodle thingy mabob that you spent half of last months pay check on. No. It's generally that random unkept corner of the garden where they spend the most time pottering, imagining and just being kids.Nothing gives a Mom more joy than watching her little one exploring, learning - whilst she drinks her cup of tea.
Also see:
Here are 18 Genius Backyard Play Areas to Inspire, Excite and Most Importantly, Keep your Child occupied.
Mix Nature and Play with a Gorgeous Sandpit
Giant Outdoor Backyard Blackboard
Plastic Sheet Water Play
This really simple plastic sheet with water on gives a slippery sliding place for the kids to play.....for hours! Yay!
(Mini) Jurassic Park
How much fun would the kids have this one? Get a bag of cheap dollar store Dinosaurs and construct your own Mini Jurassic Park complete with 'giant' plants and roaming dinosaurs.
Tyre Assault Course
(Almost) Free Pallet Playhouse
This charming, Pallet Kids Playhouse is entirely made from upcycled wooden pallets! This project will bring years imaginative play for your children and is almost FREE - just needing a little time and imagination and maybe some paint!
The Classic Tyre Swing
These simple contraptions are responsible for millions of hours of play. Millions I tell you. I remember having a blast on these when I was a kid and to this day, you can't walk my kids past one of these without a fight over whose turn is next.
Post and Tyre Safari
This is such a simple and Brilliant idea! Using a basic fence post and re purposed tire, you can create your very own wildlife park - complete with ride-able animals. Very Cool! You can see some more gorgeous designs here.
Sheet Hideout Tent
I'm pretty sure even my Teenagers would love this hideout made form an old sheet. Simply peg it up from a laundry line. Couldn't be easier!
Kiddie Slack Line
String a line between two trees or posts and ... drum roll please .... hours of fun for kids and peace out time for Mom.
Create a Kids Vegetable Garden (or flower garden)
It's fun and you get to see your kids learning at the same time. Every year each of my children get a little patch of earth to call their own. From sunflowers to beans to weeds. You name it. We have cultivated it - kind of. The slugs and snails have been known to take away some of the attention. So maybe, grow a slug garden. That works too.
Build a Worm Farm
This is still a hit in our home. Worms provide endless (yes, disgusting) entertainment. We made our farm using recycled tires and old hessian sacks. My plants flourished from "worm pee" and the kids love to set them free on the farm. They feel like they are doing their very own 'soil improvement' as a gift for me. Aggghhh. Sometimes they are so cute.
Chicken Run
Kids love animals. They keep them entertained for hours. Chickens are my first choice. They are fascinating to watch, keep the spiders away and lay eggs for your breakfast.
18. Then this .... Plastic Bottle Sprinkler
When all else fails and the budget runs dry. This simple (and free if you get it out the recycling bin) DIY Sprinkler will have the kids entertained all afternoon! If you are anything like me, this will be the one thing that you remember - and actually build this Summer. Have fun!!
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