Kids just want to have fun
WE SHARE SOME TOP IDEAS FOR ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ENJOY WITH THE KIDS
THIS will not come as a surprise but, kids want to play. It is never easy – and sometimes not worth trying – to second guess what children want to do for fun, especially if we are trying to look at things the whole family can do together.
But you may be surprised that it can be more simple than you think coming up with ideas and activities that will keep the kids – and you – happy.
So, following its Have a Go survey in which more than 12,000 parents of 5-12 year olds in 10 countries around the world where asked about which activities children wanted to try, here’s Persil’s top list.
OFF-ROAD OR MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING (26%)
A MORE exciting and sporty way of cycling, on uneven and adventurous ground. If you don’t know a suitable spot, look to cycling websites such as ukcyclingevents.co.uk, sustrans. org.uk or the Forestry Commission forestry.gov.uk for events and places – but don’t forget your helmet!
LOOKING AFTER ZOO ANIMALS (21%)
MANY zoos and safari parks offer gift experiences to help you get close to wildlife and some even offer the chance to be a keeper for the day – but this is more age dependent – so look at what’s available near you.
Alternatively, contact your local urban/community farm to see if they offer the chance to help tend or feed the animals.
SLIDING DOWN A HUGE SLIPPERY SLIDE (13%)
PLENTY of parks now have superduper slides but look for places like outdoor adventure playgrounds or woodland assault courses for some of the best. Alternatively, think about a tree-top trail and zip-wire or a climbing course.
MAKING A GIANT CAKE (10%)
THIS is the easiest of the lot – just double the ingredients for your usual sandwich cake and use more tins. Instead of making two layers make four so you have the tallest cake you’ve ever made.
ROLLING DOWN A BIG HILL (9%)
FIND the biggest hill in a park near you or visit your nearest national park where there will be plenty of slopes or head to your nearest National Trust attraction – nationaltrust.org.uk – because there’s bound to be one there.
FLYING A GIANT KITE (7%)
WHEN the wind is up, there is nothing more fulfilling than flying a kite, and the bigger the better. You can find them in toy (and specialist) shops.
You could even make your own. And the website, ukkitemap.org.uk, can help you find the best place to let it soar.
WORKING ON A FARM (5%)
THERE are lots of farms now which offer play grounds and fun events for families, including the chance to see the animals close up, feed them and even go on a tractor ride. Just get out your wellies and google ‘farm attractions’ in your area.
JUMPING IN BIG MUDDY PUDDLES (4%)
THE weather in Britain means there’s no shortage of puddles to parade in but, if there isn’t, just get the garden hose and the paddling pool out and jump away to your heart’s content.
SPLASH PAINTING OR FINGER PAINTING (3%)
GET on old clothes and put a massive piece of paper outside in the garden (or tape smaller ones together). Get lots of paint and brushes, and let go, spreading the bristles with your fingers and letting paint spray across the paper or, using your hand or a brush, throw, splatter or splash the paint across your canvas.
Only 2% didn’t know or couldn’t say – so to them we say, SEE ABOVE!