Simple back garden fun for all ages

Keeping your children happy in the summer holidays without spending eye-watering amounts on extravagant days out and elaborate toys can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you have children of different ages.

Here at My First Five Years, we feel that some of the best fun to be had can come from the simplest of ideas and resources. Sometimes children create their own magical ideas from what others see as nothing – how many times have your children cast a toy aside, only to spend hours playing with the box that it came in?

Before running down a few play ideas, here are a few of our favourite outdoor play resources. We love paddling pools and washing up bowls for water play, and adding different cups, containers and paint brushes can make this even more exciting. Spray bottles, sponges and washing up liquid are also great additions, as are spoons and whisks. Blankets and sheets can be used for many things, as well as boxes and blocks.

Water play is a great starting point, especially on hot days. If you have a paddling pool, it can provide endless hours of splashing, relaxing and play that is enjoyed by children as young as a few months up to school-age children and beyond. If you don’t have a paddling pool, bring the washing up bowl outside for younger children to dip their fingers and toes into, and explore filling and emptying cups and containers.

Toddlers and older children may enjoy dipping an old paintbrush, sponge, or roller into water and using it to ’paint’ walls, fences and even the patio. As always, ensure that your children are always supervised when playing with water.

Building an outdoor den is also fun and provides a little shade which is great for babies and children to be able to enjoy the sun safely. You can use any sheets from your cupboards, along with boxes, blocks and sticks to make a den. Building a den is most enjoyable for children, but toddlers and babies will love sitting inside it to cool down with a drink of water or an ice lolly.

Dens that you build with your children can also be used as a reading space for children of all ages – simply pop a few favourite books inside and set off a summery story session!

Warm days are also perfect for picnics. Older children will be able to help you out with the food preparation, such as chopping fruit and vegetables and having a go at making sandwiches. Having a picnic in the garden with your children is a lovely way to do lunch a little differently.