Five ways to recreate a fun family day out in your own back garden
DAYS out in summer can be pricey – so why not have bags of fun in your own garden for a fraction of the cost?
There are lots of simple, cheap games to play on a budget.
Try these ideas guaranteed to bring out the competitive streak in any family . . .
HUNT DOWN THE WIN: A scavenger hunt is a great way to get your kids exploring the garden.
Hide some objects (such as plant pots or toys) and give your kids a list of clues to help find them. First to seize the stash wins.
MAKE A SPLASH: Fill up some water balloons and divide your family into two teams.
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Stand on opposite sides of the garden and toss the balloons back and forth. If you get hit, you’re out! Last person standing wins.
A water balloon egg ‘n’ spoon race with kitchen utensils is also great fun.
If you’re worried about the wildlife, get a pack of 12 reusable water balloons that seal with magnets at Etsy.com for £4.50.
RING IT IN: Grab your inflatable rubber ring and take it in turns to throw it over the other person in a game of ‘human ring toss’.
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The aim is to get it to land perfectly over their head.
This works well if you have two inflatables and two teams competing within a set amount of time. Make sure someone neutral keeps score.
CROSS IT OFF: Have you got leftover paper plates from a birthday party?
Mark them with noughts and crosses to make a large version of the family favourite game that can be laid out on the grass.
ROLL IN THE GLORY: Save old plastic bottles and fill with water, then arrange them in a triangle formation — a line of three bottles, two bottles and one at the front.
Use a ball to try and bowl them over, keeping score.
This also works as a glow-in-the-dark bowling activity when you add a glow stick to each bottle — pick up a pack of 15 for £1.50 at Tesco.
After the game, water the garden with the bottles’ contents. Also works with upturned plastic cups or plant pots.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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