The long summer break is a great chance to enjoy time with the kids, but finding new ways to keep them entertained can be a challenge. If you’re looking for some activity inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place. Content creator and mum of two, Tegan Poter (@tegan_jean) shares her top tips for bringing a little everyday magic to an ordinary afternoon.

The secret? Easy, outdoor activities with ready-to-play games such as foam gliders, bubble wands, and kites, which you can pick up on your next visit to [Centre Name]. These budget-friendly activities require little set up but can provide hours of unforgettable entertainment, especially when paired with challenges. Whether you head into the backyard or set-up a picnic at the local park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day.

To level-up the fun, here are our top games which are sure to be a hit amongst the kids.

The Landing Zone Challenge

Goal: Be the first one to successfully land their glider inside the target area 5 times.

Setup:

·       Give each child or player a foam glider. You can find these at Target.

·       Pick out a good-sized patch of grass a safe distance from other people.

·       Create a simple "Landing Zone" on the ground. You can use things you may already have like a skipping rope in a circle or four sticks to make a square.

·       Mark a starting line a few metres away from the Landing Zone (adjust the distance depending on your child’s age).

How to Play:

·       Each child gets a turn to launch their glider from the starting line.

·       If the glider lands inside the zone, they get 1 point.

·       If the glider touches the boundary, they get a chance to re-launch.

·       If the glider misses, their turn is over, and it is the next player’s go.

·       The first player to reach 5 points wins.

Tip: To keep the game going for longer, make the zone smaller and smaller.

Bubble Pattern Investigator

Goal: To see what shapes and patterns the bubbles make on the ground.

Set Up

·       Find a clear surface like a concrete path to create your “Investigation Space”.

·       Select a few types of bubble makers like bubble wands or an eclectic bubble blower. These can be picked up from Bargain Castle.

How To Play

·       Have yourself or your child use the bubble wand to blow some bubbles.

·       Together, gently guide the bubbles (by waving your hands or blowing softly) so they land and pop on your Investigation Space.

·       Watch the bubbles fall and make a pattern on the ground.

·       Ask your child what they see and point out any distinct rings and foam left behind by the popped bubbles.

·       Talk about the shapes the bubbles have made. Are there any that popped with no other bubbles around them or do they all overlap? Does this pattern look like a group of flowers or a chain?

Kite Flying Challenge

Goal: To see who can keep their kite flying the longest.

Setup:

·       One kite per player. Find a range of them at Target. You could even make you own kites as a fun craft activity.

How to Play:

·       To start, make sure all players get their kites launched and in the air.

·       Start a timer, either by counting out loud or using a phone.

·       Every player should focus on keeping their kite flying for as long as possible.

·       Once a kite touches the ground, the player is out.

·       The last player with their kite flying in the sky, gets a point for that round.

·       The first player to win 3 points can be crowned the Kite Flying Champion and is awarded their prize.

Tip: Write down each player's time so they can try and beat it next round and achieve their ‘Personal Best’.

These entertaining and low-cost activities are the perfect way to, not only create fun memories together but, will also get everyone enjoying the outdoors. Head to Castle Plaza to find these games and start planning your next family day out.