Fun things to do with kids for smiles all round

FRUIT PICKING IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO INTRODUCE YOUR CHILDREN TO AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, ENJOYING SOME FRESH SUMMER AIR AND DELICIOUS FRESH FOOD.

Kids can learn a bunch of things, like how different fruits are grown – on a tree, in the ground, on a vine; the different shapes of the fruit; how they are cared for as they’re growing, and when they can be picked.

Strawberry picking is particularly popular and allows children to pick their own fruit to keep, which also increases the chances they’ll eat the healthy treats. And there’s nothing better than sitting down afterwards to enjoy a fresh strawberry ice-cream or milkshake, which you’ll find at many farm cafes.

No café? Take your haul home and have a fresh feast there instead. Some of the best places to go fruit picking include Chambers Flat near Brisbane, Rayners Orchard in Victoria, Harrisville Orchards in South Australia, Core Cider Western Australia, Appleshack at Glenbernie Orchard in New South Wales and Hillwood Berry Farm in Tasmania.

Museums are a great way to spend a hot summer day, out of the heat and in the cool air conditioning. Not to mention, at the same time, you’re learning new and exciting things about history. There is an abundance of museums across Australia you can visit and by bringing children to a museum, you help to open their eyes to other cultures, traditions and times in history.

You might decide to spend a day museum hopping if there are a few close by or explore one for a few hours to escape the summer sun. Interactive exhibits and hands-on play are great for everyone, from toddler preschool age kids through to teenagers. You can learn about Australian and international history, from the boats and ships at the Queensland Maritime Museum in South Brisbane, through to the oldest, largest collection of art in Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria.

We’re super lucky to live in Australia and when it comes to hiking, there’s an abundance of things to see and do – you just have to get out there! Hiking is by far one of the most fun summer activities and by making a game of it, you’ll ensure everyone has a blast. Head to one of your local hiking trails with the kids for a couple of hours adventure and you’ll not only get to enjoy quality time together, but you might also all learn something along the way. By creating your own scavenger hunts along the way, you’ll help to boost self-esteem and confidence, as well as helping children enhance their balance and problem-solving skills. There are some fantastic trails around major cities, including the hinterlands of Queensland, the Blue Mountains in NSW, Dandenong Ranges in Victoria and so on. When taking kids, be aware of the distance you’ll need to be walking, whether they can keep up, and ensure you take plenty of snacks and water with you.

Hiking trails also provide a great opportunity for you to spot a range of plant and animal life. Whether that’s just bird or bug watching, or you’re on the hunt for kangaroos and koalas, your children are going to love the excitement of searching – and even more so if they do find the animal they’re looking for.

Although it’s fantastic to have a day out now and then, there are some days where you just want to enjoy your time at home instead. The backyard is full of possibility for fun and games for kids, whether you have a large yard, a small one or a verandah at your unit complex. There are an abundance of super fun outdoor games and play ideas into your own backyard. Setting up a crafts and activities table is a great way to get started – you can include everything from paints and paper, to making your own Playdoh with flour, water and food colouring. Enhance their outdoor learning with a scavenger hunt – you can write a list down of all the things they need to find in the yard, and the first one to find them might get a prize or advantage (let them choose the first ice cream to keep it simple). Or brighten up your driveway with some sidewalk chalk designs.