Fun things to do in your garden this summer
![Fun things to do in your garden this summer](/-/media/blog-images/2020/may/miller-2017_5394.jpg)
With summer fast approaching, now’s the time to start planning a selection of fun activities to keep the kids occupied. Sometimes, all you need is a few household items, and your back garden, to create hours of endless fun.
Looking for some inspiration? We’ve rounded up 5 of our favourite activities you can do this summer in the comfort of your own home.
Build a tent den
Have an old tent tucked away in the garage that you haven’t used in a while? Well now’s the time to pull it out and give it makeover!
Assemble your tent in your chosen spot in the garden – be sure to get the kids involved too – and then decorate the inside with lots of cosy blankets and cushions. You could even pin up sheets to the walls of the tent to create an even snugger atmosphere. Don’t forget to finish off with battery operated fairy lights for when the sun goes down…practical and aesthetic!
Host an outdoor movie night…in said tent den
Now that you have your den sorted, why not make it the spot for your weekly movie night?
Carefully transport all of your favourite movie night essentials into the back garden, prop your tablet or laptop at the end of the tent, flick on the fairy lights and cosy in together under all your blankets.
Not quite feasible? How about creating a blanket fort in your living room and setting up camp there? All that’s left to do is pick the film!
Create a DIY Slip n Slide
Slip n Slides are at the forefront of most childhood summer memories, so why not throw it back old school and create your very own DIY version?
All you need is a roll of damp free membrane, some landscape pins, a hose and a bottle or two of washing up liquid.
First, roll out the damp free membrane and secure the corners with landscape pins. Next, soak the entire slip n slide with water using your hose, and then pour a generous amount of washing up liquid over the top. Optional – cover your body in soap for extra slipiness!
The result – hours of fun for all the family! Remember to keep topping up the water and soap every 20 minutes or so, otherwise your slip n slide will dry out.
Also, have some swimming goggles handy to avoid any soapy splashback.
Play water balloon piñatas
Can’t get your hands on a piñata? How about making your own.
Water Balloon piñata is a fun way to cool off on a warm summer day, the children will love it and it gets everyone up and moving. Plus it’s quick and easy to make - all you need is a packet of balloons, some cotton string, a piece of nylon rope, and a plastic bat.
Once you’ve rounded up your supplies, follow the instructions below to get set up:
- Find a spot where you can hang a taut rope, such as an overhanging tree branch, washing line or fence.
- Fill balloons with water, using a plastic nozzle (less mess) if you have one, and tie up the end of each balloon.
- Tie strings of varying lengths to each of the water balloons, and tie them to the taut rope. Make sure that the balloons are low enough that your little ones can reach them.
- Let your children take turns swinging, one at a time.Be careful to make sure that others are a safe distance from the hitter.
- Have fun and take lots of pictures!
Schedule a themed outdoor picnic
There’s nothing better than an outdoor picnic in the sun – but why not take it one step further and give your picnic a theme?
Whether it’s superheroes, princesses, movie stars or safari themed, it’s a simple and fun way for some quality family time.
Encourage everyone to dress up and keep in character throughout the duration of the picnic. And if you want to get really creative, you could even coordinate your snacks to match your theme!
However you decide to spend your summer days as a family, we’d love to see pictures.
Feel free to share them with us via our social media channles:
Twitter: @MillerHomesUK
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