The long summer break is a great chance to enjoy time with the kids, but finding new ways to keep them entertained can be a challenge. If you’re looking for some activity inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place. Content creator and mum of two, Tegan Poter (@tegan_jean) shares her top tips for bringing a little everyday magic to an ordinary afternoon.

The secret? Easy, outdoor activities with ready-to-play games such as foam gliders, bubble wands, and kites, which you can pick up on your next visit to Livingston Marketplace. These budget-friendly activities require little set up but can provide hours of unforgettable entertainment, especially when paired with challenges. Whether you head into the backyard or set-up a picnic at the local park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day.

To level-up the fun, here are our top games which are sure to be a hit amongst the kids.

The Landing Zone Challenge

Goal: Be the first one to successfully land their glider inside the target area 5 times.

Setup:

• Give each child or player a foam glider. You can find these at Big W.
• Pick out a good-sized patch of grass a safe distance from other people.
• Create a simple "Landing Zone" on the ground. You can use things you may already have like a skipping rope in a circle or four sticks to make a square.
• Mark a starting line a few metres away from the Landing Zone (adjust the distance depending on your child’s age).

How to Play:

• Each child gets a turn to launch their glider from the starting line.
• If the glider lands inside the zone, they get 1 point.
• If the glider touches the boundary, they get a chance to re-launch.
• If the glider misses, their turn is over, and it is the next player’s go.
• The first player to reach 5 points wins.

Tip: To keep the game going for longer, make the zone smaller and smaller.

Bubble Pattern Investigator

Goal: To see what shapes and patterns the bubbles make on the ground.

Set Up

• Find a clear surface like a concrete path to create your “Investigation Space”.
• Select a few types of bubble makers like bubble wands or an eclectic bubble blower. These can be picked up from Crazy Bazaar.

How To Play

• Have yourself or your child use the bubble wand to blow some bubbles.
• Together, gently guide the bubbles (by waving your hands or blowing softly) so they land and pop on your Investigation Space.
• Watch the bubbles fall and make a pattern on the ground.
• Ask your child what they see and point out any distinct rings and foam left behind by the popped bubbles.
• Talk about the shapes the bubbles have made. Are there any that popped with no other bubbles around them or do they all overlap? Does this pattern look like a group of flowers or a chain?

Kite Flying Challenge

Goal: To see who can keep their kite flying the longest.

Setup:

• One kite per player. Find a range of them at Big W. You could even make you own kites as a fun craft activity.

How to Play:

• To start, make sure all players get their kites launched and in the air.
• Start a timer, either by counting out loud or using a phone.
• Every player should focus on keeping their kite flying for as long as possible.
• Once a kite touches the ground, the player is out.
• The last player with their kite flying in the sky, gets a point for that round.
• The first player to win 3 points can be crowned the Kite Flying Champion and is awarded their prize.

Tip: Write down each player's time so they can try and beat it next round and achieve their ‘Personal Best’.

These entertaining and low-cost activities are the perfect way to, not only create fun memories together but, will also get everyone enjoying the outdoors. Head to [Centre Name] to find these games and start planning your next family day out.