To help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer, we’ve compiled five must-try summer activities for the whole family to enjoy. So whether you have a massive private garden, rely on your local park or are a member of a community garden Get outdoors and enjoy nature.
Water the plants/ the grass
You may have noticed that little people love water – and what a better way to introduce them to gardening than through water. Give those plants a well deserved bathing either with a hose or a tiny watering can.
Alfresco dining
Why stay indoors for lunch or dinner when the weather outside is gorgeous? Whether you decide on a picnic or a barbecue, eating in the fresh air is a great way to enjoy the sunshine (plus it’s less mess for those youngest of Londoners in your family). With much of our lives spent indoors, spending time outside with loved ones is a great way to reduce stress levels and ease muscle tension. Being outdoors can even boost your mood and benefit concentration. If you’re growing your own herbs, fruit or vegetables, get the kids involved picking the ingredients for lunch or dinner – or go for a wonder and a forage (the plums are almost ripe and you can find fruit trees in most parks, woodlands or community spaces).
Bee friendly…
Bees are a crucial part of our garden’s ecosystem and during the summer they are buzzy collecting nectar and pollen. We should all try to take better care of our buzzing friends by making your garden/window sill bee-friendly. Pop a few wildflower seeds in some soil (such as daisies, poppies and dandelions) as this will provide an easy source of nectar for the bees throughout the summer. Plus they make any space look a little prettier and are very low maintenance. Win. For those with larger green spaces at their disposal, you can leave a small area of uncultivated soil and wood in borders or hedge bases and help bees make safe and suitable colonies by keeping the colony out of busy areas of the garden.
Grow your food
Growing and preparing your own fruit and vegetables is always a satisfying thing to do. Fun for the whole family, fruits and vegetables from your own garden are higher in nutrients and have none of the pesticides used in commercial farming, making home-grown produce both healthier and tastier. Frequent gardening is also a great way to get loads of exercise, whilst taking responsibility for your garden and food.
Game on!
Outdoor games are a great way to bring the whole family together for some fun. How about playing giant Jenga, a game of badminton or even football? Anything goes, so pick your favourite! Before you start, make sure you remove any loose objects or debris, and check that your lawn is all prepared by getting the grass nice and short for games and running around.
Garden cinema
With the warm weather carrying on long into the evenings, why not set up an outdoor cinema to enjoy your favourite films? All you’ll need is a projector and a blank surface, whether it be a wall, or a white sheet hung from a tree, you’ll be going in no time. Invite your friends’ round, get some popcorn and get lost in your own open-air cinema.