How to enjoy long summer days with children

The bank holiday season is fast approaching and that means nearly 17 hours of daylight will soon be upon us. If you've got children, the thought of keeping them entertained from dawn until dusk can seem daunting.

The bank holiday season is fast approaching and that means nearly 17 hours of daylight will soon be upon us. If you've got children, the thought of keeping them entertained from dawn until dusk can seem daunting.

With the cost of living increasing, we know that not everyone can afford to take long summer holidays or put children in kids' clubs five days a week, which is why we've got some simple, budget-friendly ideas to help you and your little ones enjoy those long summer days.

After-dinner evening walks

There's nothing like going for an evening stroll after dinner. Just as the temperatures start to cool, get the kids together and head out for a walk around your local area or walk to the local park or woods.

You can even download an app to track your path and try to spell words or create pictures using your route.

Back garden camping

With a collective 12.5 million nights per year of camping in tents on staycations, if you're trying to minimise your spending this summer, you can recreate a night away with a spot of back garden camping.

Pitch up outside and enjoy a night under the stars. Tell each other ghosts stories and cook marshmallows over an open fire. You'll even have access to all the home comforts if the novelty wears off halfway through the night!

Outdoor cinemas

As the sun begins to set, create your own outdoor cinema. Grab yourself a white bedsheet, projector, pillows, blankets, fairy lights and a patio heater. Then get comfy to enjoy a family movie night outside.

There are loads of new movies for kids coming to streaming services every month. So whether you have little ones who are a fan of Hotel Transylvania, or you love a remake of a classic like Jungle Book, you're sure to find a film the whole family will enjoy.

Feasts on the barbecue

The return to summer marks a return to meals on the barbecue. Whilst cooking on an open fire may be a tad dangerous for little hands, there's nothing stopping them from preparing the dishes.

They can whip up marinades, corn on the cob, or even create their own banana split recipes before wrapping them in foil and asking a grown-up to heat them on the grill.

Weekend hikes

The UK has plenty of natural beauty spots waiting to be explored. Pack your rucksacks with your favourite snack, put on your comfy walking boots and get out and enjoy nature in all its finery.

From rolling hills to rustic coastlines, ancient forests to patchwork fields, there's no shortage of places to enjoy long summer days.