5 sweet & simple things to do this summer

Summertime in the UK is a glorious season (when the rain lets up that is) of sun, garden parties, Pimms and outdoor adventures. I love when these warmer months roll around and I can break out my go-to summer outfits and enjoy spending time in the fresh air with the kids. There’s quite a few things on my to-do-list this summer, easy days out and new places to visit and as always we have a bucket list of things we try to achieve each year. If you need a little inspiration – or just want to get the kids out of the house – here are five small things to bring you and your family some enjoyment this summer.

Pick your own fruit

One simple joy in life is being able to harvest your own fruit and veg, whether it be in your own allotment or garden, or at one of the many farms around the country. We have a small vegetable patch in our garden but this past year we have taken a break, mainly because my 2yr finds pulling everything we plant out as a game we are going to focus on next year while we get out of this tricky toddler faze. So instead we have been enjoying Hendrewennol Fruit Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, it's a fantastic place and their Raspberries and Strawberries are so juicy and the kids love the hay bales to climb on.

Navigate a Maze

During the summer across the UK corn mazes pop up and it's something my kids love! Of course there are bigger all year round ones such as Longleat and Hampton Court which provide a whole day out of fun and excitement capturing the simple pleasure of a challenge and curiosity. The great thing about Mazes is they are fun for all ages and I think I enjoy trying to find the centre as much as the kids do.


Visit the Forbidden Forest

If you have any Harry Potter enthusiasts in your family, visiting Warner Bros Studios in London is a must. New to 2017, you can even duck past the Whomping Willow and head straight into the Forbidden Forest while there. You’ll run into many magical creatures, including Hippogriffs and Acromantulas, so I hope you’re not afraid of spiders! The Game Keeper and Care of Magical Creature’s professor Hagrid also has his costume on display

Build a den

This is a great activity for both sunny and rainy days as you can do it inside or out. We love to head up to the forest and make dens, this keeps both boys entertained for a while as we'll as being outdoors and in the fresh air, we always take a few baked treats with us to eat under the den. Building a den is also one of the 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4's, a fun challenge set by the National Trust to encourage children to get their hands dirty and connect with nature 

Make your own Ice Lollies

I know we all like to enjoy an ice-cream or ice-lolly practically any time of the year but the are exceptionally wonderful and sweet on a hot summers day and a great way to cool down as well. The thing about ice-lollies is they are so easy to make with the kids making it the most perfect edible craft this summer. Check out this super easy vitamin C packed ice lolly that also sneaks some healthy carrot into the mix.

Do you have any fun summer plans or other small things that bring you joy this time of year? Let me know in the comments below.

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