Finding things to do with the kids is one of the biggest challenges facing parents during the long summer holidays. But with the help of technology, it is much easier to keep everyone occupied, active and having fun, whatever the weather. Here are just a few things you might want to try this year to minimise cries of “I’m bored.”
Play Pokemon Go
If you haven’t heard about the Pokemon Go craze in the last couple of weeks then you have probably been abroad. This free to play app has convinced players of all ages to get up off their sofas and go exploring their local areas in order to find delightful digital monsters and capture them to add to their collection. Available for both iOS and Android, this game can be played on smartphones and tablets of all kinds. And if you are trying to cajole your kids into leaving the house and getting some exercise, the promise of being able to play Pokemon on the move in any part of the country – or indeed the world – will be a great incentive.
Find Local Attractions
Another advantage of modern mobiles is that they come with built-in GPS capabilities, unlocking a world of location-based opportunities to find something to do wherever you live. Just fire up Google Maps, or the mapping app of your choice, and have a look for nearby landmarks, museums, shops or restaurants that you have never visited before and which could be potentially worth exploring. There are even dedicated apps such as AroundMe which offer to pinpoint particular amenities, businesses and other points of interest, so hit the App Store or Google Play and find something to spice up your summer with the kids.
Make the Most of the Garden
The garden is a great place for kids to spend some time, as well as being ideal for a range of activities. From water fights and paddling pool playtime to fun and games of a sporty variety, there is so much you can do even in the smallest of spaces. One great idea you might not have considered is to plan a camping trip quite literally in your own back yard. If you haven’t got time to take a proper trip elsewhere, or money is tight, then setting up a tent on the lawn and camping out under the stars will make it feel as though you have propelled yourself into a new location. And yet you will still be within easy reach of the kitchen and the bathroom, with no chemical toilets in sight!
Try out Photography
Gadgets with built-in cameras have become commonplace over the past few years. This makes it far easier for kids to experiment with photography than at any point in the past. And with a wealth of apps available, including sharing platforms such as Instagram and photo editing suites such as Photoshop, there are so many ways in which youngsters can play around with the images they capture. This is particularly fun when you go abroad on holiday, as you can encourage them to take photos throughout the day and perhaps even make it into a competition to see who can get the best snap. You will also then have a huge collection of images that will let you relive your holidays.