<p>We should have been gearing up for the Notting Hill Carnival this week. The annual event was to run over the streets of west London this Bank Holiday weekend. But like so much that is joyous and inclusive, it had to be cancelled through coronavirus concerns.</p><p>‍</p><p><br></p><p>Families can still get into the carnival spirit, however. Try these activities to bring Notting Hill Carnival to your own home.</p><h2 data-header-link="How To Get Into The Mood">How To Get Into The Mood</h2><p>The Notting Hill Carnival is all about taking part, dressing up, dancing along and sampling the street food. Here are some ideas to recreate the vibe in your living room.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:650px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg" loading="lazy" width="650" height="434" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 650w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p><strong>Get a costume</strong>: One of the joys of the parade is the exotic, colourful costumes. Grab a heap of card, crepe paper, feathers, glitter, stickers and other staples of the craft basket and put together outfits for the kids. At the very least, a vibrant mask or head-gear is de rigueur. You could try making one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/homemade-animal-masks">animal face masks</a>, for starters.</p><p><strong>Face paints</strong>: You’re not properly dressed for Carnival without some form of face paint, make-up or glitter. Be as creative as you like, and check out our <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/quick-easy-face-paint-ideas-kids">face-painting tips here</a>.</p><p><strong>Get musical</strong>: Your music system can kick out plenty of noise, but make things even LOUDER by giving the kids their own instruments to bang and twang. We’ve got a detailed guide to making everything from <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/eight-diy-musical-instruments-for-under-fives">washboards to maracas to kazoos</a>. Or try this very simple <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/make-your-own-diy-drum">DIY drum</a>.</p><p><strong>Get cooking</strong>: Notting Hill Carnival is a feast for all the senses, and that includes smell and taste. The carnival will be streaming plenty of food ideas for inspiration. But you can also look up recipes for jerk chicken or jackfruit, rotis, Jamaican patties and other foods from the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Have fun</strong>: There are no rules to enjoying the Notting Hill Carnival. Do whatever puts you and the kids in the happiest, danciest mood. If that involves ignoring all the above, then that’s cool too. Oh, and remember to warn the neighbours if you’re going to be *very* loud.</p><div></div>

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Get in the party mood for the Notting Hill Carnival right from your home.

How To Stage The Notting Hill Carnival At Home

<p>Often more exciting, and more inspirational than the Olympics, the Paralympic Games are a showcase of athleticism and triumph over adversity.&nbsp;</p><p>The Games hold an appealing message to families and children. No matter who you are, with practice and dedication you can accomplish anything.</p><p>The 16th Paralympic Games take place in Tokyo over August and September 2021. Here, we present a parents’ guide to watching this unique showcase of sport.</p><p><br></p><h2 data-header-link="What Are The Paralympics?">What Are The Paralympics?</h2><p>The Paralympic Games take place every four years, shortly after the conclusion of the Olympics. These games are for competitors with some form of disability. Besides sporting competitions, the Paralympics features a torch relay and an opening and closing ceremony. Since 1988, the Paralympics have taken place in the same city or region (and same year) as the Olympics.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="When Was The First Paralympic Games?">When Was The First Paralympic Games?</h2><p>The paralympics don’t stretch quite so far back as the modern Olympics, which were first held in 1896. However, they still have a rich history.&nbsp;</p><p>The first large, organised competition for disabled athletes was held in 1948, to coincide with the London Olympics. The so-called International Wheelchair Games were set up by Dr Lutwig Guttmann and ran in the grounds of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire - a hospital well known for its spinal injury centre. The games returned to the venue in 1952 coinciding with the Helsinki Olympics.&nbsp;</p><p>The first true Paralympics (though it wasn’t called this at the time) were held alongside the 1960 Olympics in Rome. They’ve since been held every four years. The first Winter Paralympics took place in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 1976.</p><p>Tokyo is the first city to host the Summer Paralympics twice: first in 1964, then again in 2021.</p><h2 data-header-link="Did Disabled Athletes Ever Compete In The Olympics?">Did Disabled Athletes Ever Compete In The Olympics?</h2><p>It doesn’t happen often, but both before and after formation of the modern Paralympics, a handful of disabled athletes have competed in the Olympic Games. The most notable was surely the German-American gymnast George Eyser. Despite competing with a wooden left leg, Eyser won six medals at the 1904 Games, including three golds. Several athletes have competed in both the Olympics and Paralympics, including Pál Szekeres, who won medals at both. Szekeres gained a bronze in fencing at the 1988 Olympics. He was subsequently injured in a road accident, but went on to win three golds and several bronze medals in wheelchair fencing at later Paralympics.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="When Do The Current Paralympics Start?">When Do The Current Paralympics Start?</h2><p>The 2020 Paralympics will forever carry a footnote. As we all know those games were delayed a whole year thanks to the pandemic. The rescheduled opening ceremony is on 24 August 2021 at 8pm local time (midday in the UK, early morning in the US). The Games will end on 5 September 2021.</p><h2 data-header-link="Where Are The Paralympics Being Held?">Where Are The Paralympics Being Held?</h2><p>As with the rescheduled 2020 Olympics, the Paralympic Games will be held in Tokyo.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="How Many Sports Can We Enjoy?">How Many Sports Can We Enjoy?</h2><p>The Paralympic Games feature an incredible 540 events in 22 separate sports. The biggest discipline is athletics, with 168 events, followed by swimming, which has 146 events. Some 4,400 competitors are expected to participate, representing 135 nations. Bhutan and Guyana will make their debut appearances… so cheer them on!</p><h2 data-header-link="Which Sports Are Unique To The Paralympics?">Which Sports Are Unique To The Paralympics?</h2><p>Many Paralympic sports mirror Olympic counterparts, though often with additional rules, classes or equipment to accommodate competitors of different physical abilities. Look out, though, for several events that do not feature in the Olympics. These include:</p><p><strong>Boccia</strong>: A sport enjoyed by competitors with cerebral palsy, and played in wheelchairs. It has many similarities to boules, with competitors attempting to throw or roll balls to land as close to a jack as possible.</p><p><strong>Club throw</strong>: An athletics field event that is the Paralympic equivalent of the hammer throw. Wooden clubs are thrown from a seated position. Competitors of different abilities compete together, with score adjustments.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Goalball</strong>: This is a team sport played by athletes with severely imparied vision. Teams of three attempt to roll a ball into their opponent’s goal at the opposite end of the court. The ball contains a pair of bells to help competitors keep track of its position. <br><strong>Powerlifting</strong>: A variant of weightlifting, powerlifting is a test of upper body strength. Competitors lay down and must lift a heavy weight from their chest until their arms are straight vertical (a bench press). Powerlifting has never been part of the Olympics, but has featured in the Paralympics since 1984.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Wheelchair rugby</strong>: Although it may sound like a straight analogue of the more familiar Olympic sport, wheelchair rugby runs to very different rules. It shares as many similarities with basketball and ice hockey as it does to rugby. The competition takes place in an indoor, wooden-floored court. Mixed-gender teams of four attempt to carry the (spherical) ball over their opponent’s goal line. Like rugby, physical contact is part of the game, and you’re sure to see plenty of collisions and tumbles.</p><h2 data-header-link="How Can I Watch The Paralympics?">How Can I Watch The Paralympics?</h2><p>Most nations will carry significant coverage of the Paralympics. In the UK, Channel 4 and More 4 will show live coverage, with 24 hour action available online. In the USA, NBCUniversal has signed up to broadcast 1,200 hours of programming via ​​NBC, NBCSN and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="What About The Next Paralympics?">What About The Next Paralympics?</h2><p>The Paralympic Games are planned out more than a decade in the future. And the good news is, because the 2020 Summer Games were delayed a year, it’s only three more years before they roll around again. Along with the Olympics, the 2024 Games will take place in Paris, the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, and the 2032 Games in Brisbane. As for the Winter Paralympics, the 2022 Games will be contested in Beijing, the 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, while the 2030 Games have yet to be announced.</p><h3>See Also</h3><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/host-own-olympic-games" target="_blank">Host your own Olympic Games</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/olympics-trivia-questions-and-answers-fit-for-a-champion" target="_blank">40 Olympic trivia questions (and answers)</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/around-the-world-in-16-sports" target="_blank">Around the world in 16 sports</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/free-coloring-pages/sports/olympic-games" target="_blank">Olympic Games colouring pages</a></p><p><br></p>

The Paralympic logo, featuring a red, blue and green curve, standing on a green hill

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A family guide to watching and understanding the Summer Paralympic Games, which run through late August.


Everything You Need To Know About The Paralympics

<p>Playing outdoors is not only fun and helps burn off energy, but it also improves a child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Looking for great ideas and easy activities for kids? Whether it’s in your garden or the local park, keep the kids busy (and happy) with these 33 no-prep outdoor activities kids will adore. From bug spotting to circus skills, get inspired by one of our fun ideas for kids' activities, which require no, or very little prep.</p><h2>1. &nbsp;Go For A Family Bike Ride</h2><p>Cycling is a great family activity and the ideal way to spend your daily exercise. Whether it’s through the countryside or around your local town, it’s one of the best ways to explore.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5b5159dd8ff79301786-cycle.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33c5b5159dd8ff79301786-cycle.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33c5b5159dd8ff79301786-cycle.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33c5b5159dd8ff79301786-cycle.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5b5159dd8ff79301786-cycle.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>2. &nbsp;Play Spot The Rainbow On Your Daily Walk</h2><p>If you haven’t already noticed, people everywhere are creating rainbows as a way to spread hope and positivity. On your next daily walk, see how many rainbows you can spot and each day see if you can spot more.</p><h2>3. &nbsp;Have A Picnic In Your Garden</h2><p>Why not make lunch extra special by throwing down a blanket down in your garden and having a picnic with the family. Play some outdoor games and read some books and magazines. &nbsp;</p><h2>4. &nbsp;Go Bug Spotting</h2><p>If learning activities are your idea of fun, grab a magnifying glass and go on a bug hunt in your garden. See how many creepy crawlies you can spot!</p><h2>5. &nbsp;Grow A Mini Garden</h2><p>Growing vegetables is a fantastic way to get your kids to eat at least one of their five a day. Getting started is simple: transplant already-thriving seedlings into pots filled with a bit of potting soil. Keep your veggies in these containers as they grow. &nbsp;</p><h2>6. &nbsp;Enjoy A Nature Walk</h2><p>Time to branch out from your garden? Take a scenic stroll. It is the ideal way kids they can get their energy out and explore Mother Nature. It's your chance to teach them about plants and flowers too.</p><h2>7. &nbsp;Create An Obstacle Course In Your Garden &nbsp;</h2><p>Obstacle courses and relay races don’t need any prep. Just grab what you have on hand - hula hoops, jump ropes, and Frisbees work just as well. Set your kids a series of mini-challenges that can be tailored to your kids' abilities. Or why not <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/host-own-olympic-games" target="_blank">host your own Olympic games</a>.</p><h2>8. &nbsp;Have Your Own Car Wash</h2><p>Can you turn a chore into some family fun? Get out the buckets, rags, and bubbles, and let them have fun with it. &nbsp;</p><h2>9. &nbsp;Create Your Own Outdoor Science Lab</h2><p>Science is fun but messy business. So, take it outdoors. Try this classic <a href="https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/watermelon-volcano-activity-baking-soda-vinegar-science/" target="_blank">Watermelon Volcano</a>. Expect a dramatic eruption!</p><h2>10. &nbsp;Camp Out In The Garden</h2><p>Who doesn't love camping? Now the weather is improving it’s the ideal time to set up camp outside.</p><h2>11. &nbsp;Enjoy Some Tie-Dying</h2><p>Kids will love colouring their clothes! It is a great way to have some fun this Spring, and by moving it outside, no one has to worry about the mess it comes with.</p><h2>12. A Garden Scavenger Hunt</h2><p>Have your very own scavenger hunt in your garden where your kids have to find a whole list of natural items. Get them to spot different animals, trees, leaves, and plants. Here's a <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/garden-scavenger-hunt" target="_blank">handy download</a> to help you get scavenging.</p><h2>13. &nbsp;Paint Some Treasure Rocks</h2><p>If your kids adore painting, this is an activity that they will love. Creative kids will enjoy searching for suitable rocks that they can paint. There are lots of tutorials for painting rocks for kids online.</p><h2>14. &nbsp;Enjoy Simple Pleasures Outdoors</h2><p>The simplest activities can often leave the most lasting memories for kids. Do you remember how to skip a stone, make a daisy chain or blow a grass whistle?</p><h2>15. &nbsp;Go For A Walk At Night To Spot The Stars</h2><p>Go for a moonwalk with your mini astrologers and trace the constellations of stars. Your daily walk doesn’t have to be at the same time every day.</p><h2>16. &nbsp;Create A Nature Diary</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5d35677af2a8895140b-writing.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33c5d35677af2a8895140b-writing.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33c5d35677af2a8895140b-writing.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33c5d35677af2a8895140b-writing.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5d35677af2a8895140b-writing.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><p>Who doesn’t love keeping a diary? Have your kids keep track of what they see when outdoors in a nature notebook.</p><h2>17. &nbsp;Make Up Some Potions &nbsp;</h2><p>Pick some leaves and a few flowers. Give kids a plastic container, a wooden spoon, some water and licence to dig in the dirt. Now let them loose on making their magic potions in the garden.</p><h2>18. &nbsp;Recycled Bottle Bowling</h2><p>Recycle your old plastic bottles and use them to make a bowling alley outdoors. Put a bit of water in each one to make sure that they stand up. Use a tennis ball to roll along the floor to knock them over. This is an easy and fun home version of bowling.</p><h2>19. &nbsp;Watch The Sunrise</h2><p>Get your brood up for the sunrise and see the moment the sun lights up the sky. You will also hear the birds singing their dawn chorus. Look at the weather forecast the night before.</p><h2>20. &nbsp;Do Some Bird Spotting</h2><p>Bird spotting is great fun and so easy! Just get your binoculars, make a checklist and do some bird spotting. Here’s a <a href="https://www.welovefrugi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Frugi-Bird-Checklist.pdf" target="_blank">checklist</a> to get you started.</p><h2>21. Learn A Dance Routine</h2><p>Make your way to the garden and learn a routine as a family. Here is an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FStljSuu8" target="_blank" nofollow="nofollow">online tutorial of Uptown Funk.</a></p><h2>22. Just Run</h2><p>Set up race in the garden – not only is it a great way to keep your body healthy but kids will love a challenge.</p><h2>23. Have A Magic Show In Your Garden</h2><p>Everyone has a few magic tricks up their sleeve! Or you and your kids can learn some from a how-to video YouTube and show the whole family in the garden.</p><h2>24. Find A Shady Tree And Read</h2><p>Kids will enjoy disappearing off into a fantasy world to read a book. <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/best-big-storybooks-for-under-fives-free-on-audible" target="_blank">Audible </a>has some amazing options too.</p><h2>25. Make A Floral Crown</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec26716840913a150a038a2-how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns.jpeg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="2048"></figure><p>Everyone loves making a flower crown. It’s a great way to be creative and is amazing for fine motor skills. As well as a daisy chain, you can also use leaves and twigs. Find out <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns" target="_blank">how to make a pretty floral crown here</a>. &nbsp;</p><h2>26. Learn A Circus Skill</h2><p>Why not learn an impressive circus skill like juggling outdoors! Not only will it improve hand-eye coordination but it will impress the whole family. Here are <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/easy-circus-skils-your-kids-can-learn-at-home" target="_blank">5 easy circus skills</a> you can learn.</p><h2>27. Learn Cartwheels</h2><p>Mini gymnasts will love getting outdoors to hone and practise their skill. Here is <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/551431-easy-cartwheel-kids-beginners/" target="_blank">how to do an easy cartwheel for kids and beginners</a>.</p><h2>28. Craft With Nature</h2><p>Collect leaves, flowers and petals from your daily walk or garden in a bucket. Once you are home, either use a flower press or put them between a heavy book.</p><h2>29. Bring Activities From Indoors Into The Outdoors</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5f1b7a3147c8ebf3d54-hula-hoop.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33c5f1b7a3147c8ebf3d54-hula-hoop.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33c5f1b7a3147c8ebf3d54-hula-hoop.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33c5f1b7a3147c8ebf3d54-hula-hoop.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33c5f1b7a3147c8ebf3d54-hula-hoop.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><p>Whether it's playing a classic board game or having a pillow fight, bring it outside where you can soak up some vitamin D.</p><h2>30. Learn Tennis In Your Garden</h2><p>This is the perfect time to learn a new skill or improve an existing one and tennis is a game you can start to learn to play at any age. All you will need are some tennis rackets and balls. Here are some <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/top-tips-for-how-to-learn-tennis-in-your-garden" target="_blank">top tips</a>.</p><h2>31. Have A Water Fight</h2><p>If it’s too hot to go for a long walk, it’s the ideal time to have an all-out family water fight. Turn it into a competition and fill balloons with water and play a game of dodgeball.</p><h2>32. Paint With Nature</h2><p>Give your kids some paper and ask them to find things in the garden to paint with. No need for paintbrushes!</p><h2>33. Make A Tiny Nature House</h2><p>Get outdoors and work together to build a tiny nature house. Use whatever you can find in the garden – leaves, twigs and acorn tops.</p>

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Check out our list of 33 easy no-prep outdoor activities 5-10-year-olds can enjoy during lockdown.

33 No-Prep Outdoor Activities For 5-10-Year-Olds

<p>Spending time together as a <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/fifteen-creative-ways-to-make-a-family-tree" target="_blank">family</a> can quickly go from great fun to complete chaos - especially if there is more than one child in the family.</p><p>Many of the classic board games and family activities can bring out <strong>rivalry</strong> between siblings - ending in fights and tears. Finding ways to encourage siblings to get along, to play nicely together and to avoid fighting and constantly falling out can be difficult, but there are lots of games and activities that siblings can do together that will help them to <strong>bond</strong> and build more <strong>positive sibling relationships</strong>.</p><p>We have gathered a list of eleven activities for siblings to do together, which focus more on <strong>cooperation</strong> than competition. Get siblings to work <strong>side by side</strong> rather than against one another, as this will help to avoid fighting. All of the fun family activities can be played by two children, and the majority can be adapted to suit bigger groups. No matter how many players there are, these activities will <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/five-fun-role-reversal-games-to-play-with-your-kids" target="_blank">encourage bonding</a> - helping your kids to make the most of their time together during isolation (and beyond)...</p><h2>Take A T-Shirt Walk</h2><p>Perfect for younger kids, get both children into the same T-shirt (a large, adult T-shirt will work best) - with their heads through the neck hole, and both pairs of arms in the sleeves. Have the siblings complete a walk around the house, or doing an egg and spoon race - or even an obstacle course around the garden. Activities like this are a great way to get siblings to work as a team, and because it's such great fun there are very few opportunities for sibling rivalry to ruin the activity.</p><h2>Pillow Sumo Wrestling</h2><p>One of the most fun bonding activities siblings can play together - it won't be hard to convince them to get involved with this pillow sumo wrestling game. To make a sumo outfit, each child will need a large t-shirt, two pillows and a belt (or some rope or string). Stuff a pillow into the front and back of the t-shirt, and secure them in place using the belt or string.</p><p>Clear an area, removing sharp objects and big bits of furniture, then let the kids expend some of their energy in the wrestling ring!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg" alt="brother and sister having pillow fight" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea9914ee653a00d1251bba9-pillow-sumo-wrestling.jpeg 1650w" sizes="100vw" width="1650"></figure><h2>Become An Animal</h2><p>This activity works well for families of any size and for kids of any age, from three up. Simply have the siblings take turns to call out the name of an animal, and then act out how that animal walks and talks. Whoever is in charge should should "Change" before moving on to the next animal.</p><h2>Paint A Portrait</h2><p>Siblings will have hours of fun painting one another using this fun and easy method. Working in pairs, get each sibling to take it in turns to hold a sheet of clear plastic in front of their face, whilst the other sibling paints their portrait directly onto the clear plastic. Art activities for siblings can get competitive, or they can be difficult to do if there is a significant age gap - &nbsp;but this is a quick and enjoyable way to paint a portrait - taking it in turns to be the 'model' and the 'artist'. Follow the <a href="https://youtu.be/GS9M_WLq5dI" target="_blank" nofollow="nofollow">tutorial</a> by Homegrown Friends for more details, and why not try making a 'print' of the paintings? Simply press a piece of plain paper onto the plastic sheet whilst the paint is still wet, and peel off to reveal your art print.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b4035e3fe10324679d2e-fingerpainting.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33b4035e3fe10324679d2e-fingerpainting.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33b4035e3fe10324679d2e-fingerpainting.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33b4035e3fe10324679d2e-fingerpainting.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b4035e3fe10324679d2e-fingerpainting.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>Try The Ball Roll</h2><p>This simple activity encourages teamwork, and can be adapted to be played by two, three or four siblings. Find a large piece of cardboard - a long, thin piece is best for two siblings, and a more square piece is better for three or four children to play. Have the kids hold the cardboard at each end and place a ball on to the surface - the aim of the game is to roll the ball back and forth without letting it touch the floor. Siblings will have to work together to keep the ball on the cardboard, and the game can be played out in the garden or indoors on a rainy day.</p><h2>Balloon Walking</h2><p>This game will help siblings learn to work together, and it can be played with siblings of all ages and age differences. Have the kids stand side by side, and place an inflated balloon between them - so that it is kept in place between their hips - and then get them to walk across the room or do a lap of the garden without letting the balloon fall to the ground. This fun activity is an opportunity for siblings to spend time together, creating good memories and a stronger sibling bond.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b414e9c868bdb68727c1-balloons.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33b414e9c868bdb68727c1-balloons.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33b414e9c868bdb68727c1-balloons.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33b414e9c868bdb68727c1-balloons.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b414e9c868bdb68727c1-balloons.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>Set Up A Scavenger Hunt</h2><p>Buggy and Buddy have put together a list of <a href="https://buggyandbuddy.com/30-free-printable-scavenger-hunts-for-kids/" target="_blank">30 brilliant scavenger hunts</a> for kids, which are all <strong>free </strong>and<strong> printable</strong>. The hunts have been split into different categories - some explore our five senses, and others explore the outdoors, looking at wildlife and the seasons. Strengthen sibling relationships by having older kids help siblings that are younger than them to complete their scavenger hunt - or set each sibling on a different scavenger hunt (to avoid sibling rivalry) and see what each child can teach their other siblings when they are all finished.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b424d58a0407acb0f0cb-walking.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33b424d58a0407acb0f0cb-walking.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33b424d58a0407acb0f0cb-walking.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33b424d58a0407acb0f0cb-walking.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b424d58a0407acb0f0cb-walking.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>Exquisite Corpse</h2><p>If your kids love to draw, then exquisite corpse is one of the best sibling activities. With just a pad of paper and some pens/pencils, kids work together to create fantastic monsters and crazy animals. Exquisite corpse works just as well with two players, as it does in large groups - parents will even enjoy getting involved, using their imagination to play as a family. Each player needs a piece of paper, which should be folded into three equal parts.</p><p>Start the drawings by filling just the bottom third of the paper - this is where you draw the 'legs' - but feel free to be as creative as you want. Once the legs have been drawn, fold the paper over, so the other players can't see the drawing and pass the paper to your opponent, or around the circle. Continue filling in the paper - drawing the 'torso' in the middle third and the 'head' in the top third. Unfold the drawings at the end, and prepare to be amazed by the funny characters your kids created together.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg" alt="sisters drawing together" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea990ece26e50a487a3160e-exquisite-corpse.jpeg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="2048"></figure><h2>Design, Make And Play Paper Tetris</h2><p>Playtivities has created a printable Tetris game - including a Tetris board, a scorecard and two pages of Tetris pieces. After printing the templates, have each child cut out the paper pieces, and then encourage them to work together to complete the game. For the full rules of the game - and for the link to the printable template, visit the <a href="https://playtivities.com/diy-paper-tetris/" target="_blank">Playtivities</a> website.</p><h2>Sibling Obstacle Course</h2><p>This game requires siblings to spend time working as a team to finish the obstacle course, and win all of the treats. Start by creating an obstacle course - leaving a trail of sweets and treats on the floor around the house and/or garden. Then have your kids on the floor, back to back with their arms linked together at the elbows - now the fun begins! Have the kids stand up without unlinking their elbows or separating their backs. At first, this seems impossible, but once the kids have mastered it, they will love playing together to move around as one, gathering up the sweets and completing the course.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b43526f3735a8d6407de-playing-frixbee.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33b43526f3735a8d6407de-playing-frixbee.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33b43526f3735a8d6407de-playing-frixbee.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33b43526f3735a8d6407de-playing-frixbee.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33b43526f3735a8d6407de-playing-frixbee.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>Mirror Drawings</h2><p>Mirror drawings can be done by kids of any age - and if there is a considerable age gap between the siblings, the game can promote empathy, <strong>patience</strong> and bonding. Start with a plain piece of paper, folded in the middle - and give each child a pencil or pen (they should be the same type and colour for a true 'mirror' effect). Siblings should take it in turns to be the 'leader' - drawing whatever they want on their side of the paper, with the other sibling copying as closely as possible on their own side. Craft Whack has a quick video <a href="https://youtu.be/gqfpaiakdrE?list=PLaeHl69Mnoix5QPYTS-_A7Wlm21sEBkrI" target="_blank" nofollow="nofollow">tutorial</a>, which the kids can watch before starting, so that they both understand the rules of the game.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg" alt="toddler's hand drawing with crayon" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea2e1d63c914d3f9240a756-cool-crafts-to-make-and-activities-to-do-with-12-18-month-olds.jpeg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="2048"></figure>

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11 fun bonding activities siblings can do together.

11 Fun Bonding Activities For Siblings 

<p><em>Image © Tom Dennell under a creative commons licence.</em></p><p>Not only do young children love playing with a parachute, but it also has great beneficial aspects to their development in <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/spectacular-science-activities-for-early-years-children" target="_blank">Early Years.</a></p><p>Parachute games work really well for establishing <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/acts-of-kindness-to-keep-kids-busy" target="_blank">positive relationships</a> between young children, by encouraging collaboration, team-work, communication and learning to follow instructions carefully. And, what's more, these activities are dynamic, vibrant fun to keep them laughing.</p><p>The perfect combo! </p><h2 data-header-link="What Do You Do With A Parachute?">What Do You Do With A Parachute?</h2><div></div><p>There are an endless number of activities that you can play with a parachute, all in varying difficulty and each can be tailored to a specific age group. For EYFS, parachuting games are an exciting addition to their studies, and can be something completely different to try each day.</p><h2 data-header-link="What Is A Parachute Game?">What Is A Parachute Game?</h2><p>This is a fun activity that is centred around a parachute. Often, these games focus on the children holding, moving and shaking the parachute, working as a team to throw the chute in the air or lay it on the floor. The games work around variations of this, but what you can do with a parachute is endless. </p><p>Read below for a list of the best parachute games for kids - all you need is a parachute and few fun ideas!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce1b0b7903aa18af609e9-children-playing-games-under-parachute-running.jpeg" alt="Children outside playing parachute games Two girls are running underneath while the others hold it up." width="799" height="533" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f3ce1b0b7903aa18af609e9-children-playing-games-under-parachute-running.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f3ce1b0b7903aa18af609e9-children-playing-games-under-parachute-running.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f3ce1b0b7903aa18af609e9-children-playing-games-under-parachute-running.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce1b0b7903aa18af609e9-children-playing-games-under-parachute-running.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="What Games Can You Play With A Parachute?">What Games Can You Play With A Parachute?</h2><p>These games are endless entertainment, so which one do you fancy playing?</p><h2 data-header-link="Popcorn"><strong>Popcorn </strong></h2><p><strong>Snap, Crackle and Pop Them Off! </strong></p><p>The children all hold a handle and keep the parachute loose, still staying in a circle. Place small, soft balls on top. The children have to pretend the balls are popcorn and they have to throw them off by shaking the parachute. </p><p>Optional: The children can count how many balls come off to encourage counting practice. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce1e2645cca846620fb5e-kids-eating-popcorn-parachute-game.jpeg" alt="Young kids sat in a cinema eating popcorn." width="799" height="588" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f3ce1e2645cca846620fb5e-kids-eating-popcorn-parachute-game.jpeg 212w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f3ce1e2645cca846620fb5e-kids-eating-popcorn-parachute-game.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f3ce1e2645cca846620fb5e-kids-eating-popcorn-parachute-game.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce1e2645cca846620fb5e-kids-eating-popcorn-parachute-game.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Washing Machine">Washing Machine</h2><p><strong>Put Teddy In A Swirl! </strong></p><p>For this, get the children to pick items to place in the middle of the parachutes. This can be teddies, clothes, small balls - whatever you have to hand. Once in the centre, the children each take a handle and walk in a circle, holding the parachute at waist height. They are becoming the washing machine! The children can run faster, slower, or change direction (to stop them from getting dizzy). Once they have run around for about five minutes, the teddies are completely washed.</p><p><strong>Bonus Game:</strong> Once they are washed, they made need to be tumble dried. The children can shake the parachute to make them jump around. </p><h2 data-header-link="Fruit Salad">Fruit Salad</h2><p><strong>Shake Up The Fruit Bowl!</strong></p><p>Firstly, the parent, carer or teacher must assign each child a fruit name. Pick three different fruits (kiwi, lemon and apple, for example) and give each child a specific fruit, but just make sure there are an even number of each one. If you have an even number, add more fruits until each group is equal. The children then shake the parachute down on the floor. When a fruit is called, the parachute is held up in the air and the children whose fruit was called run underneath and swap places with each other. A kiwi, for example, can only swap places with another kiwi! </p><p>If Fruit Salad is called, all of the children run and swap places with any other empty handle. Please be careful not to run too quickly as you don't want to bump heads! </p><p><strong>Top Tip:</strong> To make this slightly easier for younger early years children, the parent or teacher can simply call two children's names and they swap places. </p><h2 data-header-link="Drop Ball">Drop Ball </h2><p><strong>Don't Take Your Eye Off The Ball!</strong></p><p>This is all about teamwork. Make sure the children are holding a handle each and pulling the parachute tight. Place a ball in the centre of the chute. The children must work together to try and roll the ball along the edge of the parachute without it falling off. Whichever side it falls off, all of the children on that edge have to hold the parachute with just one hand. If it happens again on one side, they will have completely let go, so these children have lost the game.</p><p><strong>Top Tip: </strong>The competitive aspect of this is probably best suited for the older children, so this aspect can be taken out and the children can simply try and roll the ball on top of the parachute. This still encourages them to work together. </p><h2 data-header-link="Cat And Mouse">Cat and Mouse</h2><p><strong>Watch Your Tail! </strong></p><p>This is slightly more difficult, so would be aimed at the older Early Years children. All of the children hold a handle of the parachute each. One child is chosen to be the cat and another to be the mouse. The 'cat' then stands in the middle of the parachute and closes their eyes. The other children count to ten while the 'mouse' hides underneath the parachute. After they have counted, the children shake the parachute to hide the mouse, whilst the cat (gently and carefully) crawls on top to find the mouse. This is really great fun! </p><h2 data-header-link="Roll A Ball">Roll A Ball</h2><p><strong>Let's Get The Ball Rolling! </strong></p><p>Roll A Ball requires cooperation. Place one small ball on top of the parachute. The teacher or parent will shout one name from the group of children and everyone has to roll the ball across to the specific person. They need to work together, talk to each other and not get too excited when their name is called. A simple game but very engaging if you shout the names quickly - this is dependent on the children's abilities across the early years age group.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce21f9cd80b1cba97da8b-boy-in-ball-pool-parachute-games.jpeg" alt="Young boy lying in a ball pit of colourful soft balls." width="799" height="584" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f3ce21f9cd80b1cba97da8b-boy-in-ball-pool-parachute-games.jpeg 213w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f3ce21f9cd80b1cba97da8b-boy-in-ball-pool-parachute-games.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f3ce21f9cd80b1cba97da8b-boy-in-ball-pool-parachute-games.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce21f9cd80b1cba97da8b-boy-in-ball-pool-parachute-games.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Turtle"><strong>Turtle </strong></h2><p><strong>Watch Out For That Hard Shell! </strong></p><p>This is the simplest of the activities but it makes the children work together really well. The children all sit underneath the parachute on their hands and knees, holding the parachute down under their feet. The parachute should form a turtle shell shape. Then, they have to work together to wriggle and move the turtle across the room. Only do this if the floor surface is acceptable, if it is smooth and easy to move on. </p><p><strong>Top Tip: </strong>If there is a teacher or parent available, get them to take a video as the children like to see when they come out. </p><h2 data-header-link="Merry-Go-Round"><strong>Merry-Go-Round </strong></h2><p><strong>Round And Round We Go!</strong></p><p>Parachute games with <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/ultimate-kids-party-playlist" target="_blank">songs</a> are always a hit with the early years! For this, play some music out loud for the children to hear. The children turn sideways and hold the parachute with just one hand. They then walk in a circle to make the 'Merry Go Round' motion. Whilst moving, they are encouraged to sing along with the songs. When the music is stopped or the songs change, they change direction. </p><p><strong>Optional:</strong> The children can also jump, stop and sit down at different points. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:650px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce2519cd80b4de497f1db-kids-parachute-games.jpeg" alt="Lots of kids pile on top of two guys who are holding a parachute." width="650" height="604" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f3ce2519cd80b4de497f1db-kids-parachute-games.jpeg 168w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f3ce2519cd80b4de497f1db-kids-parachute-games.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f3ce2519cd80b4de497f1db-kids-parachute-games.jpeg 650w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Poison Snakes Or Crazy Worms">Poison Snakes or Crazy Worms</h2><p><strong>Keep Those Critters Away!</strong></p><p>For these parachute games, you just need a few skipping ropes or long pieces of ribbon. Place these on top of the parachute and the children have to shake it as hard as they can. They have to stop the snakes or worms from reaching them! Just be careful the ropes do not fly off of the parachute. </p><h2 data-header-link="Sharks And Lifeguards"><strong>Sharks and Lifeguards</strong></h2><p><strong>Watch Out For Who Is About! </strong></p><p>For this, the teacher or parent should pick a few lifeguards and sharks. The lifeguards walk around the parachute and the sharks go underneath it. The rest of the children sit on the floor with their legs underneath, shaking the parachute to make ocean waves. The sharks gently pull children under the parachute, who shout 'Lifeguard, save me!' and the lifeguards can try and pull them back out from underneath. If they are not saved, they become a shark. Once most are sharks, the lifeguards switch and the game starts again.</p><p>These active parachute games for Early Years will get them moving, it is just important to remind them to be gentle, to watch out for each other and to not kick their legs while they play. </p>

Young girl running under a colourful parachute playing games.

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Parachute Fun for Everyone - 10 Best Parachute Games (EYFS friendly) for early years children, parents and teachers. 

10 Best Parachute Games (EYFS)

<p>Do you feel like you're in Groundhog Day - where every day seems pretty much the same? Inject a bit of fun by introducing a theme day once a week.</p><p>There's no reason why you can't get family and friends (or neighbours across the fence) to join in too, using video calling apps such as Zoom and HouseParty. If one or both of you are working from home in the week, this could be a fun activity for you all to do as a family at the weekend. It's also a great way to make a lockdown birthday party a lot more special.</p><p>Here are a few theme ideas to get you started.</p><h2><strong>1.</strong> Backwards Day</h2><p>Put on your clothes backwards and then sit down to dinner at breakfast time. Learn how to say everyone's name back to front too. Walk everywhere backwards and write or draw using the wrong hand - have a go at playing Pictionary! Organise a quiz where you are given the answers and have to work out the questions. Finish the day by having breakfast before bed!</p><h2>2. Beach Day</h2><p>Find as many folding chairs and sun loungers as you can - be sure to get up early to get your towel on one! Blow up the paddling pool, dig out the sandpit and have a sandcastle or sculpture competition. Ask Alexa to play wave and beach sounds. Paint the garden shed to look like a beach hut in ice cream stripes of pale blue, pink, and cream. Go beachcombing - everyone has a bucket and must find items on a list. Play beach volleyball, and don't forget the food! SANDwiches of course. Ice creams and fish and chips for tea.</p><h2>3. Camping Day</h2><p>If you have a garden and the weather is nice, great, but if not, you can have fun camping indoors too. Set up your campsite - pitch the tent if you have one, or convert the trampoline into a camping den by pegging sheets and blankets around the net and over the top. Printsnuggly inside with blankets, duvets and cuddly toys. Barbecue for breakfast, lunch and tea - and don't forget the smores around the campfire. Toast a marshmallow and squish between two chocolate digestives.</p><h2>4. Under The Sea &nbsp;</h2><p>Set up a bubble machine to get that underwater feeling - and of course, everyone needs to wear swimming costumes, goggles and flippers. Then create some <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/get-crafty-kids-will-love-these-amazing-arts-crafts-ideas">jellyfish</a> from cardboard plates or bowls. You could paint the windows with glass paint or poster paint - use blues and greens to make you feel like you are under the sea. &nbsp;For lunch, make starfish-shaped sandwiches with a cookie cutter, and of course, tea should be fish fingers! Play games including crab football.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg" alt="group of children splashing in paddling pool" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea03e98c5ad030f7273e2c5-under-the-sea-themed-day.jpeg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="2048"></figure><h2>5. Magic Kingdom Day</h2><p>Print some park tickets, magic bands and print off park maps. Dress up as your favourite Disney character - or have a go at Disneybounding. Set up your own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, with clothes, nails and hair makeover. Then find all your favourite virtual rides, like Frozen Ever After on YouTube - no queuing needed! Of course, no day at Disney is complete without a special snack - follow some of these copycat recipes. Then settle down to a Disney movie marathon or test your Disney knowledge - see Kidadl's pick of free <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/top-9-free-quizzes-for-the-whole-family-to-enjoy">online quizzes</a>.</p><h2>6. VE Day</h2><p>It's a shame that we'll all be on lockdown still for the May bank holiday that commemorates VE Day, but we can still have some fun. Make everyone a ration book for the day. Have a go at some 1940s hairstyle - Victory Roll anyone? Boys can use hair gels to recreate the Brylcreem look. Fashion some red, white and blue bunting to decorate the house and garden. You could try making paper hats out of newspaper and play some <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/old-fashioned-games-to-bring-back-in-lockdown">old-fashioned games</a>, such as blind man's buff. Finally, enjoy a 1940s tea, and burn it off by learning the Lindy Hop or Jitterbug.</p><h2>7. Superhero Day</h2><p>devise capes out of old curtains, sheets, bin bags - whatever you can find. Then masks from cardboard, paper plates, foam squares. Make up your own hero. Each superhero must have a special power and a catchphrase. Agree on a signal - each time they hear it, each superhero must shout out their catchphrase and perform their special power. Then it's outside for an obstacle course to test their superpowers.</p><h2>8. Harry Potter Day</h2><p>Decorate the house or garden with as many Harry Potter things as you can find at home. Get lots of inspiration from the new <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/get-crafty-kids-will-love-these-amazing-arts-crafts-ideas">Hogwarts at Home</a> website. Get sorted into a house, decide on a witch or wizard name, discover your patronus and choose a familiar. Make magic with some fabulous science experiments - how about making <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/things-to-make-and-do-with-stem-obsessed-kids-to-power-through-lockdown">a cloud in a jar</a>? No Harry Potter Day would be complete without a glass of butterbeer. Then have a go at this free Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room and finish off with a game of quidditch (yep, it's a real sport).</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f33dab56c299a3072743217-broom.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f33dab56c299a3072743217-broom.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f33dab56c299a3072743217-broom.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f33dab56c299a3072743217-broom.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f33dab56c299a3072743217-broom.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>9. Age Swap Day</h2><p>Kids become parents and parents become kids. So swap clothes and accessories, &nbsp;and let the kids do some of your chores for the day! Meanwhile, you can be playing on the Xbox, bouncing on the trampoline, and generally having a great time. Adults and kids can devise a playlist, so you can learn about each others' music, and they can teach you how to use some software or social media that you just don't understand. Meanwhile, teach them something they don't know - such as how to change a tyre.</p><h2>10. Sports Day</h2><p>Wake up to a super healthy breakfast to set you up for sports day. Use some of the ideas in our <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-recreate-a-sporting-event-in-your-garden">sports tournaments</a> blog to get you started. Everyone must dress up as a different sportsperson - tennis player, footballer, athlete etc. BUT they must move around all day like that person - so the footballer must dribble a ball, the athlete has to jump everywhere. The sports day activities should be fun - egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow race, three-legged race.</p><h2>11. Jungle Or Zoo Day</h2><p>Whatever you call it, this is an animal day that everyone would love. &nbsp;Set up toy animals around the garden and give a guided tour of your animal park. There are some great resources available from <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/venue/zsl-whipsnade-zoo">Whipsnade Zoo</a> for ages three to 14. Lots of zoos and animal parks are doing live sessions - do a bit of research so that you can spread the activities throughout the day - you can watch the tigers being fed at Paradise Wildlife Park for instance, or take a peek into animals' lives at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Pack a picnic to enjoy during your 'visit'.</p><h2>12. Pirate Day</h2><p>Ahoy me hearties! Everyone needs a pirate name of course - and will they have an eye patch, a parrot, a wooden leg or a hook for a hand? Everyone needs to learn to talk like a pirate. Make a treasure map, using diluted coffee so the paper looks old, set up some clues and send the crew in search of buried treasure - bury some small coins in a flower bed, sandpit or pile of compost. Take a break while they follow a Pilates-based pirate adventure. Of course, every pirate needs a ship - task them to build their own out of a big box.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/kids_enjoying_pirate_theme_boat_7880c5fceb.jpg" alt="Two boys playing in makeshift pirate ship."></figure><h2>13. Space Day/Star Wars Day</h2><p>First, you have to take off into space - so sit down, buckle up and board Disney World's Space Mountain ride. You could create a space shuttle cockpit in a small room or cupboard - cover the walls with tinfoil, and create some control panels. Of course, you'll need space helmets - use that tinfoil and cover bike or scooter helmets. Next, make your own rockets using empty drinks bottles. Finish off the space theme day with a bedtime story read by an astronaut in space! Older kids can stay up until it's dark - use an app such as Star Chart or Night Sky to spot stars in the night sky. See if you can spot the Space Station &nbsp;and look out for Elon Musk's satellite trains too</p><h2>14. Willy Wonka Day</h2><p>Surprise your kids by giving them a bar of chocolate for breakfast. Hidden inside is a golden ticket that takes them to the chocolate factory! Make some lickable wallpaper by brushing melted boiled sweets onto waxed paper - &nbsp;and invent new chocolate bars by melting chocolate and adding marshmallows, chocolate chips, raisins, cornflakes etc. Make chocolate-scented playdough by adding cocoa powder to your favourite recipe. Everyone can join in this game - &nbsp;put a Jaffa Cake on your forehead, then try to move it into your mouth without using your hands. In the evening, watch the movie - will you choose the original or the Johnny Depp version?</p><h2>15. Jurassic Park Day</h2><p>Start the day off with floury dinosaur footprints leading you outside. Then your young scientists can go hunting for the toy dinosaurs that you have hidden around the garden (or house). For dinosaur excavation, freeze small dino toys in water so the ice has to be chipped away, or bury them in mud or sand. Give them some tools and a brush to start excavating. Create a <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/swamp-names-from-real-life-and-fiction-plus-ideas-for-more">swamp</a> using slime or similar and hide the dinos in and around it.<br>&nbsp;</p>

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Feel like you're stuck in a loop? Find loads of fun themed day ideas kids will love.

15 Fun 'Theme For A Day' Ideas

<p>With the hotter days, it has certainly been more and more tempting to dig out the water toys to let our little ones run loose and play in the garden. There are so many games and activities that can be enjoyed by your toddlers using sand and water, and hours of endless fun to be had. </p><p>Water and sand are also great for child development. It can enhance social and motor skills and even cognitive ability, not forgetting the number of creative skills that are engaged by just using the powers of the imagination. Using sand and water as an exciting lockdown pastime for your little ones is a great way to keep them engaged whilst enjoying the sunny weather; it's a perfect time to play with both these materials! Playing with sand and water can be a highly sensory experience, and will introduce your toddlers to new textures, colours and feelings that they can then take with them into the big wide world. There are so many possibilities to be had with sand and water play, and sand is something you can easily get your hands on at the moment with store delivery too.</p><p>‍</p><h2 data-header-link="Go To The Beach">Go To The Beach </h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea820108bfa99402db79ce7-5-2.jpeg" alt="Beach fun" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea820108bfa99402db79ce7-5-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea820108bfa99402db79ce7-5-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea820108bfa99402db79ce7-5-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea820108bfa99402db79ce7-5-2.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>Bring the seaside to your back garden using sand and water, and let your toddlers explore a beach world of their own creation. Sand and water play can have an incredibly calming and soothing effect, and this activity really achieves that. Just use a deep tray, or if you have a water table, even better! Create your beach by arranging sand, separate the water and add shells, rocks, pebbles and tree branches and even some little fishes that you can make out of recycled plastic.</p><h2 data-header-link="Go Fishing">Go Fishing </h2><p>You can really be creative at making fun, free and exciting games for your toddlers to play using sand and water. You and your little ones can try your hand at fishing from the comfort of your garden with this fun game. Just grab a large container or water table, fill it with water and put some fishy friends in. To really enhance the sensory experience, baking soda and vinegar or a bath bomb can be added to the water to make it fizz and pop. See who can fish for the most fish!</p><h2 data-header-link="Create A Water Den">Create A Water Den</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea82029f0d6a7a34e7214c2-5-3.jpeg" alt="Water den" width="800" height="534" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea82029f0d6a7a34e7214c2-5-3.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea82029f0d6a7a34e7214c2-5-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea82029f0d6a7a34e7214c2-5-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea82029f0d6a7a34e7214c2-5-3.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>If you own a paddling pool then this is the perfect activity for your toddlers. You can turn your paddling pool into a water den by simply adding plastic sheeting over the top to create a canopy for your little ones to play and hide away in. Make it more sensory by adding glow sticks into the water for a more exhilarating time. It's the best kind of water play!</p><h2 data-header-link="Have A Treasure Hunt">Have A Treasure Hunt</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea8204d2e637c4d1ff5a0df-5-4.jpeg" alt="Treasure map" width="720" height="520" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea8204d2e637c4d1ff5a0df-5-4.jpeg 216w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea8204d2e637c4d1ff5a0df-5-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea8204d2e637c4d1ff5a0df-5-4.jpeg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>If your little ones love adventuring and exploring, then having a go at making your own treasure hunt in the garden can be amazing fun. Find some treasures from around the house to hide in your sandpit and let your little ones have endless fun digging and burying into the sand to see what they can find. You can even add obstacles to the hunt to make it more exciting, and create your own little pools and puddles for the kids to splash in as they go along. Transform the game into a scavenger hunt for an extra challenge, making a list of what your children need to find and see if they can discover all the hidden items. </p><h2 data-header-link="Have A Sand Castle Competition">Have A Sand Castle Competition </h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea820699d64895854f82fbc-5-6.jpeg" alt="Sand castle competition" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea820699d64895854f82fbc-5-6.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea820699d64895854f82fbc-5-6.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea820699d64895854f82fbc-5-6.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea820699d64895854f82fbc-5-6.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>No day at the beach is ever complete without a sandcastle building competition. But now you can have one of your own from your garden, a perfect lockdown pastime that the whole family can enjoy and get involved in. Get your buckets and spades at the ready and see who can build the best looking sandcastle. Create water moats and mini rivers around the edge of the castles for an extra touch, and let your little ones draw patterns in the sand around the edges using pencils and sticks to see who has the best design.</p><h2 data-header-link="Make Your Very Own Jungle Lagoon">Make Your Very Own Jungle Lagoon </h2><p>Let your kids get in touch with their wild side and explore the jungle by making your very own jungle lagoon. Create a large pit in the sand, line it with plastic sheeting or bin bags, and fill it with water. Decorate the lagoon with plastic animals and toys who may have stopped for a drink at the water's edge, and for more fun, why not add some blue or green food colouring to the water to make it really pop. This is a really low price way to really create something special at home as a family. </p><h2 data-header-link="Get Digging">Get Digging</h2><p>Children love creating, exploring and making, just using their hands. Put on your hard hats and create your very own building site. Using sand or water tables you can have a great time transporting and emptying sand into different zones, and demolishing the sand buildings you make.</p><h2 data-header-link="Drawing With Sand">Drawing With Sand </h2><p>Let your little ones' creativity flow free and get them to use their artist hands. Sand is a great surface to draw on, and all you need are a few utensils to make your interesting shapes. It's completely free too, but can really engage your kids' senses and imaginations. It's such a therapeutic activity too.</p><h2 data-header-link="Make Some Sand Shakers">Make Some Sand Shakers</h2><p>Collect some containers so you can make your very own sand shakers. This is a brilliant activity to add music into the mix too. Try out lots of different size and shaped containers made of a variety of materials to see the range of sounds you can make by shaking the sand filled inside. </p><h2 data-header-link="Make Your Own Coloured Sand">Make Your Own Coloured Sand</h2><p>Coloured sand is so easy to make but something the little ones always love to do. Using old jars you may have around the home, put some sand inside and add food colouring to the sand to make some lovely and vibrant colourful concoctions. Make each layer of sand in the jar a different colour to create your very own rainbow sand, which could then be placed in the window sill on display in support of the NHS. </p><h2 data-header-link="Make Your Own Rock Pool">Make Your Own Rock Pool</h2><p>Rock pooling is such a fun part of any beach day trip, and your little ones will have just as good a time searching for seaside treasures in the rock pool you create. Just dig out a hole in a sandpit, layer with rocks and plastic, and fill with water. Decorate the edges with pebbles and stones, and place some fish-themed toys in the pool that your kids will love spending time to search for. </p><h2 data-header-link="Go To The Car Wash">Go To The Car Wash</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea82096cb826355e3f9e444-5-7.jpeg" alt="Bubbles" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea82096cb826355e3f9e444-5-7.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea82096cb826355e3f9e444-5-7.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea82096cb826355e3f9e444-5-7.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea82096cb826355e3f9e444-5-7.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>This is a fantastic water activity that may even get your mucky pups after a day of outdoor play a bit cleaner at the same time. Create your own car wash by filling your water tables with water and soap to make lots of bubbles and foam, then get some sponges to let your kids drive through and clean their favourite car toys. </p><p>Without a doubt, there are so many choices when it comes to sand water play for you and your toddlers to dive into at home. </p><p><br></p><p>‍</p>

Two under-fives playing in the sand at the beach.

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Take a read aof some of the activities we recommend trying out for your little ones to have the best time playing with sand and water during lockdown.

Best Water And Sand Play Activities For Under 5s

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Looking for free, simple ways to entertain the kids during lockdown? We've got you covered with 42 at-home activities the whole family can get involved in.

42 Free Indoor Activities For Kids To Do At Home

<p>It’s time to take to the great outdoors! </p><p>Come rain or shine, it’s really important to get outside and moving, embrace some fresh air and get to grips with nature. </p><p>Forget your classic DIY football posts and frisbee, we’ve got everything from DIY water walls to time capsules, jam jar checkers and everything in between. Get creative and get outside!</p><h2 data-header-link="Backyard Obstacle Course">Backyard Obstacle Course </h2><p>Your back garden is your oyster for physical activity! Round up boxes, balls, tables and chairs and create your very own backyard obstacle course! Design the difficulty of your obstacle course according to your children’s ages and abilities and maybe even switch it up day by day. Not only will it encourage a little competition but it’s super fun, active and easy to set up - all you need is household items and you’re all set.</p><h2 data-header-link="Nature Scavenger Hunt">Nature Scavenger Hunt </h2><p>X marks the spot… Bring all the thrills of adventure to your back garden by creating your very own scavenger hunt. Make a map of your garden and look online for some clue and checklist inspiration. Perhaps you want to hide items around your garden or you might want to search for things amongst the wilderness - who knows what you might find?</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:725px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e73995d01386cec6a8df789-things-to-do-in-the-garden.jpeg" alt="things to do in the garden" width="725" height="484" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e73995d01386cec6a8df789-things-to-do-in-the-garden.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e73995d01386cec6a8df789-things-to-do-in-the-garden.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e73995d01386cec6a8df789-things-to-do-in-the-garden.jpeg 725w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Backyard Bowling">Backyard Bowling </h2><p>A classic game bound to get the whole family outside! All you’ll need is 10 empty bottles and a ball of your choosing. Set out the bottles in a pyramid formation with the row at the back consisting of four bottles, then three, two and one! Don’t forget to keep a scorecard as things can get pretty heated! </p><h2 data-header-link="DIY Water Wall">DIY Water Wall</h2><p>Perhaps one for when the weather gets a little warmer but still super fun nonetheless! Grab all the buckets, bottles and containers you can find, cut holes in them and tape them to a wall or fence at all different angles and directions. Try and see if you can get a good water flow going! </p><h2 data-header-link="Human Board Game">Human Board Game</h2><p>Now it’s time to get super creative! You’ve played Monopoly and chess but have you ever played the Human Board Game? For this, you’ll need paper, pens, a dice and your imagination. Make your very own board game that the whole family can play with turns like ‘Make a grass angel’, ‘Find three flowers’ or ‘Do two laps of the garden’ - the possibilities are endless! </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e73998d1357c450968e744a-things-to-do-in-the-garden-4.jpeg" alt="gardening with kids" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e73998d1357c450968e744a-things-to-do-in-the-garden-4.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e73998d1357c450968e744a-things-to-do-in-the-garden-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e73998d1357c450968e744a-things-to-do-in-the-garden-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e73998d1357c450968e744a-things-to-do-in-the-garden-4.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Garden Tic-Tac-Toe">Garden Tic-Tac-Toe</h2><p>If you have patio squares in your garden then this game is great for you! Cut out 9 noughts and 9 crosses and mark out a 3x3 grid using tape or even twigs! Then go head to head taking it in turns to place a symbol down - first to get three in a row wins. Not only is tic-tac-toe so much fun, it’s also a great way to help kids develop coordination, fine motor skills and visual skills.</p><h2 data-header-link="Time Capsule">Time Capsule</h2><p>Find an old shoebox and cram it full with different objects and mementos from around your house, including pictures, drawings, toys - the possibilities are endless. Maybe try drawing portraits of one another and dating them or writing a letter to your future self! Then hide it somewhere in the garden and come back at a later date to step back in time.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e7399abb05d2723d441461e-things-to-do-in-the-garden-7.jpeg" alt="time capsule game" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e7399abb05d2723d441461e-things-to-do-in-the-garden-7.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e7399abb05d2723d441461e-things-to-do-in-the-garden-7.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e7399abb05d2723d441461e-things-to-do-in-the-garden-7.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e7399abb05d2723d441461e-things-to-do-in-the-garden-7.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Nature Crowns">Nature Crowns </h2><p>Who doesn’t want to become a nature Queen/King for the day? We know we do! Grab some paper and cut out a crown then decorate with all sorts of outdoor accessories - bonus points if you can make matching daisy chain jewelry! &nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Tin Can Toss">Tin Can Toss </h2><p>Ever wondered how to recycle your tin cans in a more exciting way? Now’s your chance. Rinse out any tin cans, varying in size and depth and dot them around your garden. Then round up any golf balls from under the sofa, tennis table balls from your drawers and and toss them into the cans - bonus points for consecutive tosses!</p><h2 data-header-link="DIY Hopscotch">DIY Hopscotch </h2><p>Grab some card and cut out 10 equal squares, labelling them from 1-10 - this is a great way to get your kids involved as they can design their own squares and be as creative as they want! Then lay them out in the traditional hopscotch pattern and you’re all set - once you’ve mastered it, if you’re feeling brave, try it with your eyes closed!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:600px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e7399c646d6e14029bbf226-things-to-do-in-the-garden-1.jpeg" alt="hopscotch garden games" width="600" height="800" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e7399c646d6e14029bbf226-things-to-do-in-the-garden-1.jpeg 117w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e7399c646d6e14029bbf226-things-to-do-in-the-garden-1.jpeg 375w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e7399c646d6e14029bbf226-things-to-do-in-the-garden-1.jpeg 563w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e7399c646d6e14029bbf226-things-to-do-in-the-garden-1.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="DIY Ring Toss">DIY Ring Toss</h2><p>For this crafty game, all you’ll need is some bottles, varying in size and some rope to make the rings out of. Set the bottles up, some nearby and others further back and see how many you can get in a row - trust us, this game can get pretty addictive! </p><h2 data-header-link="Garden Twister">Garden Twister </h2><p>Everyone’s familiar with the classic family game Twister but why not bring the bendy fun outdoors? All you’ll need is paper, four colours, a plate to draw around with pencil. Cut out 24 circles and colour six of each colour to resemble the Twister mat and then using an online generator type in the combinations of positions and you’re good to go. Plus, moving Twister outside means that you don’t run the risk of knocking over a photo frame or crashing into a table - win-win! </p><h2 data-header-link="Outdoor Chalkboard">Outdoor Chalkboard </h2><p>If you have a patio or paving stones, chalk is your new best friend (as long as you hose it off shortly after)! Create your very own outdoor chalkboard where your kids are free to draw to their heart's content. Plus, you can even use it to practice Maths sums or science equations - educational and fun!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e739a428823c1f18f609477-things-to-do-in-the-garden-5.jpeg" alt="games to play in the garden" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e739a428823c1f18f609477-things-to-do-in-the-garden-5.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e739a428823c1f18f609477-things-to-do-in-the-garden-5.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e739a428823c1f18f609477-things-to-do-in-the-garden-5.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e739a428823c1f18f609477-things-to-do-in-the-garden-5.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="DIY Terrariums">DIY Terrariums</h2><p>Terrariums are all the rage at the moment and they are super simple to make! All you’ll need to is a glass/clear plastic bowl or jar, nature and your imagination. Start by putting some rocks at the bottom and add anything from flowers to leaves or even mini plants - embrace nature and go wild with it.</p><h2 data-header-link="Outdoor Den">Outdoor Den</h2><p>Last but not least, grab all your pillows, blankets and sheets to make an outdoor den for the whole family. You could try and spot the stars or take some time to meditate - whatever makes you and your youngsters feel most relaxed.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e739a6ed01693d8533015b5-things-to-do-in-the-garden-6.jpeg" alt="games to play in the garden" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e739a6ed01693d8533015b5-things-to-do-in-the-garden-6.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e739a6ed01693d8533015b5-things-to-do-in-the-garden-6.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e739a6ed01693d8533015b5-things-to-do-in-the-garden-6.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e739a6ed01693d8533015b5-things-to-do-in-the-garden-6.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p><em>For more family fun from home and beyond, head to Kidadl.com.</em></p>

Making a tent and playing with bubbles in the garden.

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Lockdown doesn't mean locked in - let's get creative with how we can beat the boredom whilst getting some fresh air in the garden while the weather is great!

15 Boredom Busting Garden Games To Make The Most Of The Weather

<p>The Olympic Games can be the most inspiring sporting event for young people. The Games promote international peace, friendly competition and, of course, physical exercise. Recreating the Games at home can be enormous fun, and educational too! Here’s how to do it. Much of the following assumes you have a back garden, but the activities could also be done in a local park.</p><h2 data-header-link="Setting The Scene">Setting the scene</h2><p>First off, we think that you need to make your back garden look less, well, like your back garden! The Olympic stadium has some special features, wherever in the world it is. There's the Olympic flame and the Olympic rings for a start. Plan a crafty afternoon or evening making up some of the Olympic Games 'must-haves' and it will make a huge difference to the experience.</p><p>You'll want to have an Olympic Torch Relay of course for your summer games. You should be able to fashion an Olympic Torch out of things you have at home. The simple way is to make a cone from a sheet of paper or card and then fill it with a 'flame' made from some crumpled-up tissue or crepe paper in a suitable colour.</p><p>The Olympic flame burns throughout the Summer Olympics - who could forget the complex Olympic Cauldron at the London 2012 Olympic Games?. You could utilise a garden lamp or lantern for the same purpose in your Olympic opening ceremony. If you're feeling particularly ambitious make a 'flame' made from a stool, a fan, some ribbon and wire.</p><p>The Olympic rings are blue yellow black green and red. The colours were chosen because at least one of them appears in the flag of each country represented at the Olympic Games. When you host your own Olympic Games you can make your own with painted hula hoops or make a smaller version by cutting out the centre of some paper plates, painting and then glueing together. You can even make some using the art of origami!</p><p>Every Summer Olympics has its mascots - remember Wenlock and Mandeville from London 2012? Enlist the help of a couple of soft toys to do the job for your own Olympic Games. Give them sashes or special outfits and make up some appropriate names for them.</p><p>Finally, you'll have to have some medals - try making some with Aqua Beads or Hama Beads if you have some at home, or cut some out of cardboard and paint or colour with metallic permanent markers. Or how about baking some medal cookies for the winners? Because although we have seen them try, no one has ever bitten into one of those gold medals yet!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e9f1ffc63b9494209fe891e-9-1.jpeg" alt="Olympic Games" width="800" height="797" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e9f1ffc63b9494209fe891e-9-1.jpeg 157w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e9f1ffc63b9494209fe891e-9-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e9f1ffc63b9494209fe891e-9-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e9f1ffc63b9494209fe891e-9-1.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Games Kit">Games Kit</h2><p>Each country should have its own uniform for your summer Olympics. Okay, it may just be a different coloured shirt. But get creative if you can - cowboy hats for the USA team, togas for Italy, for example. Or they could carry a flag - this is a good chance to make this a bit educational, but don't let on to the kids. Paint some flags from participating countries, tape to a garden stick or broom handle and your young athletes can wave them at the opening ceremony.</p><h2 data-header-link="Keeping Score">Keeping score</h2><p>You'll need a scoreboard that you use for each event, and then a medals table. If you have a blackboard, whiteboard or easel, then your task is easy. How complicated you make it is up to you - or whoever gets the task of making the boards. We like the idea of using Velcro so that country names and medal tallies can be moved up and down and altered, but if that is a step too far, a simple sheet of paper or side of a cardboard box is good enough. Let's not make this hard work - it's supposed to be fun!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e9f1fdde24936acaecce0e4-9-2.jpeg" alt="Scorekeeper" width="799" height="533" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e9f1fdde24936acaecce0e4-9-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e9f1fdde24936acaecce0e4-9-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e9f1fdde24936acaecce0e4-9-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e9f1fdde24936acaecce0e4-9-2.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Games For One">Games for one</h2><p>If you're at home with an only child (or only one old enough to take part) you're going to have to get a bit creative - or get involved yourself - when you host your own Olympic event! You could get them to have a few goes at the same event - but represent different countries for each go. This is a good way to give them the incentive to do better each time. Otherwise, we love the idea of competing against the neighbours or joining up with friends or family using an app such as Zoom or House Party. This could be hilarious - even if a bit chaotic!</p><h2 data-header-link="Events">Events</h2><p>Now it depends how seriously you're taking this - and this could depend on whether your kids are older, or particularly sporty. In this case, they will appreciate if you make the events as authentic as possible. For younger children, or those who are less physically able, fun is the key, rather than factual accuracy.</p><p><strong>Here are some of our favourite ideas:</strong></p><p><strong>Gymnastics</strong> - rhythmic gymnastics using ball, ribbon or hula hoop. To encourage inclusivity, make sure there are plenty of points for 'artistic interpretation' to make it an even playing field for younger or less able children.</p><p><strong>Shooting</strong> - get the Nerf guns out - or water guns if the weather's nice this summer &nbsp;- and set up your own targets. Some cardboard boxes with circular holes cut in make great target ranges. </p><p><strong>Showjumping </strong>- fashion some jumps from sticks, toys, cushions - whatever you have. The 'horse' should have a skipping rope around their waist, which is held by the 'rider'.</p><p><strong>Horse riding</strong> - littlies can get in on the act as they are given a piggyback by older kids and parents.</p><p><strong>Obstacle course</strong> - jump over plant pots, wriggle under a goal net or large blanket, wind in and out of some bamboo poles, balance along a sleeper or low wall. If this is too tricky for your children, you could draw an obstacle course with chalk on the garden path or drive. Set up a hopscotch court, some lines to follow, and so on. </p><p><strong>Paper plane throwing</strong> - not everyone is great at physical sports, so introduce some different elements - an expertly folded paper plane is just as worthy of a medal!</p><p><strong>Skateboarding</strong> - each Olympics sees new sports added (and some taken away). Tokyo was to be the first Olympic Games to feature skateboarding - but now it will be your back garden summer Olympics where it will make its debut. To avoid accidents/include younger ones, how about getting a doll or teddy to ride the skateboard or scooter around a course?</p><p><strong>Sailing</strong> - set up the paddling pool, or make a 'river' from a length of drainpipe, and compete to sail some paper boats from one end to the other. Follow a tutorial on folding a traditional paper boat. Older kids could make a candle-powered boat.</p><p><strong>Water polo</strong> - while you have the pool out, they can take part in water polo. Make sure you add goggles and swim hats for an authentic experience.</p><p><strong>Fencing</strong> - it's not often you let them poke at each other with sticks, so this should be fun. We suggest something relatively safe - pool noodles are fun and liable to be uncontrollable enough to make this an even fight whatever the children's age and ability.</p><p><strong>Relay races </strong>- forget the boring old baton! Make this one for laughs by getting teams to carry a big cuddly toy and pass to each other - or run around with an inflatable ring around their tummy. It'll be fun watching them trying to get that off and pass it to their teammate.</p><p><strong>Clothes relay </strong>- this is another fun game, which is a great leveller if you have different ages/abilities. Set up the course with a hat, a scarf, a shirt or t-shirt, trousers, skirt and shoes. Hint: Making ridiculous combinations of oversized items adds to the entertainment value for spectators...</p><p><strong>Team games</strong> - tricky if you don't have enough children to make up sides and your pets aren't sufficiently talented enough to go in goal or wield a hockey stick. Basketball is a good choice, as you can play one on one. Get creative with other team sports such as football, netball, rugby and more. Get competitive with skills-based competition - keepie-uppies, goal shooting for footie, ball throwing for rugby, and so on. Find more football training ideas with these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/best-free-football-training-videos-for-ks1-and-ks2-kids" target="_blank">online coaching sessions</a>.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5e9daef4fc7f721df96f3277-17-5.jpeg" alt="Football" width="799" height="565" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5e9daef4fc7f721df96f3277-17-5.jpeg 221w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5e9daef4fc7f721df96f3277-17-5.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5e9daef4fc7f721df96f3277-17-5.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5e9daef4fc7f721df96f3277-17-5.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p><strong>Tennis, table tennis and badminton</strong> - it's simple to set these up for tournaments. If you don't have a net, use the washing line and a sheet as a makeshift net. Create a 'net' on the kitchen, dining or garden table using a strip of cardboard or some food boxes. Boxes of rice or lasagne sheets are a good size for table tennis nets.</p><p>We have lots more ideas for games events in your back garden <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-recreate-a-sporting-event-in-your-garden" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><h2 data-header-link="Closing Ceremony">Closing ceremony</h2><p>Make it really special by getting all the Olympic Games participants to march around the garden with some suitably stirring music playing, and then present the medals.</p><p>If you can manage a podium, all the better. Otherwise, a sleeper or low wall with 1 2 3 chalked on will suffice. You could make an olive/laurel wreath for each head - dig out those festival headdresses &nbsp;- or make your own using leaves from the garden, green paper leaves or daisy chains.</p><p>Finally, finish off your special Summer Olympics with an Olympics feast! If the summer games have been blessed by good weather, finish off the day with a winners' barbecue or picnic. Make some Olympic ring biscuits or iced ring doughnuts in the correct colours, and Olympic Torch ice creams in cones. Decorate cupcakes with Olympic 'rings' made from Smarties and bake homemade pizza decorated with rings of black olives, pineapple pieces, pepperoni and so on. Olympic torch servings of fries can be served in cones or cups. Bowls of blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, melon balls and strawberries or raspberries can also look like Olympic rings.</p>

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Fun and easy ideas on how to host your own Olympic Games in your back garden.

Host Your Own Olympic Games

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The summer holidays can be the most exciting time of year for kids, all the more so if you have plenty of ideas to keep them happy.


Summer Holidays: 127 Great Ideas For Families

<p>The summer Olympics brings together athletes from almost every nation on Earth, but it also showcases sports from all over the planet. Did you know that surfing has its origins in Hawaii, or that boxing was first recorded in what is now Iraq? Meanwhile, basketball and volleyball were invented within 10 miles, and four years of one another.&nbsp;</p><p>We’ve chosen 16 events from the modern Summer Olympics to show just how internationally diverse the competition is. We’ve generally chosen sports that have a definitive origin, rather than pursuits such as running, jumping and swimming, which are universal and ancient.</p><p><br></p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1600px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="The summer Olympics brings together athletes from almost every nation" width="1600" height="775" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/60e7f36d15ee58860abce3ad-the-summer-olympics-brings-together-athletes-from-almost-every-nation.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Badminton">Badminton</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: India</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Feathered weights resembling shuttlecocks have been batted about all over the world for centuries. More structured games resembling badminton are first documented in the 19th century. The modern game is often traced to Poona in the Indian State of Maharashtra, where British officers developed some of the rules. These were later transplanted back to England, where the game took off. The curious name comes from the Duke of Beaufort’s home of Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England - yet, oddly, nobody is quite sure why.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Despite its huge popularity around the world, badminton didn’t make it to the Olympics until Munich 1972, and only then as a demonstration sport. It was fully accepted to the Olympics at Barcelona 1992.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Basketball">Basketball</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60e7f38b3ebff892f9a6bcda-basketball-was-invented-in-america.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Basketball was invented in America." width="799" height="587" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60e7f38b3ebff892f9a6bcda-basketball-was-invented-in-america.jpeg 212w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60e7f38b3ebff892f9a6bcda-basketball-was-invented-in-america.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_60e7f38b3ebff892f9a6bcda-basketball-was-invented-in-america.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/60e7f38b3ebff892f9a6bcda-basketball-was-invented-in-america.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: USA (Massachusetts)</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: It’s no surprise to learn that basketball was invented in America, the country where it still enjoys enormous popularity. It was a Canadian, though - PE teacher James Naismith - who invented the game. Naismith, working at what is now Springfield College, Massachusetts, laid down the rules in 1891, using the game as a way to keep students active indoors during wet weather. A soccer ball was used for early games. Curiously, the Olympic sport of volleyball was invented just 10 miles away in 1895.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: The sport has been bouncing around at the Olympics since first featuring as a demonstration game in 1904. It reappeared in 1924, and settled into a permanent fixture in Berlin 1936.</p><h2 data-header-link="Beach Volleyball">Beach Volleyball</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Hawaii</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Although long associated with California, the first recorded game took place on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii in 1915. Then, as now, the game is very similar to indoor volleyball, which was invented in 1895 in Massachusetts (see basketball).&nbsp;</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Beach volleyball debuted at the Atlanta 1996 games.</p><h2 data-header-link="BMX">BMX</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: USA&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Somewhat surprisingly, BMX racing dates back only to the 1970s, when children began racing bikes around dirt tracks in southern California. Soon, bikes made especially for dirt tracks became popular, and official league tables were set up. BMX freestyle began shortly thereafter, with riders competing to perform tricks on skateboard ramps.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: BMX racing became an Olympic sport at Beijing 2008, while BMX freestyle had to wait until Tokyo 2020 (2021).</p><h2 data-header-link="Boxing">Boxing</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Ancient Sumer</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: People have probably been throwing punches at each other since before we were fully human. The first recorded competitive boxing, though, is a relief image from ancient Sumer (in modern-day Iraq) from the third millennium BCE. The first depiction showing gloves is almost as old, and from Minoan Crete. Modern codified boxing can trace its origins to 19th century London.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Boxing has been an Olympic sport since 1904, and was also one of the prominent sports of the ancient Olympics.</p><h2 data-header-link="Fencing">Fencing</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Spain</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: With terms such as ‘en-garde’, ‘epee’, and ‘allez’, we might easily assume that fencing is a French invention. Written historical evidence, however, points to 15th century Spain as the wellspring of competitive swordplay. The sport flourished in both Spain and Italy before taking route in France, where the modern form and terminology were cemented.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Fencing has been a mainstay of the Olympics since the first games in 1896.</p><h2 data-header-link="Golf">Golf</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Scotland</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans and the Ming Dynasty, had golf-like games, in which a ball is knocked towards a hole. The modern game, though, was developed in Scotland from the 15th century. The first recorded mention of the game is from 1457, when James II banned it (under the impression that it was distracting his subjects from practicing their archery). St Andrews had the first standard golf course, with 18 holes, as early as 1764.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Although golf was an early Olympic sport, present at both the 1900 and 1904 Olympics, it got knocked into the long grass for 112 years, to re-emerge at the Rio 2016 games.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Handball">Handball</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Denmark</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Handball-like games were played in ancient Greece, but the modern game has its origins in northern Europe. The rules were gradually developed across Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway in the late 19th century, and first codified by the Danish athlete Holger Nielsen in 1906. Nielsen was himself an Olympian, bagging medals for fencing and shooting, but never handball, which did not enter the Olympics until late in his life.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Debuted in Berlin 1936, but not fully featured again until Munich 1972.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Judo">Judo</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Japan</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Judo developed in Japan out of jiu jitsu in the 1880s and quickly went on to become the most popular martial art in the wider world. More than most Olympic sports, its creation can be attributed to one man. Jigoro Kano developed the techniques and promoted judo not as a sport but as a discipline or way of life. For this reason, he always remained ambivalent about its possible inclusion at the Olympics, though he did oversee an informal demonstration at Los Angeles 1932.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Men’s judo debuted, appropriately, at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964, though it wasn’t until 1992 that a women’s event was established.</p><h2 data-header-link="Karate">Karate</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Ryukyu Kingdom (Japan)</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Along with judo, karate is perhaps the best known and most practiced martial art in the western world. It originated hundreds of years ago on the Ryukyu Islands, now part of Japan, but once an independent kingdom. It matured as a discipline in the 19th century and became popular throughout Japan. The martial art spread to the West after the Second World War, partly through American servicemen who had been stationed in Okinawa.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Despite widespread popularity, karate did not make it to the Olympics until Tokyo 2020 (2021).</p><h2 data-header-link="Rhythmic Gymnastics">Rhythmic Gymnastics</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Soviet Union</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: This combination of gymnastics with dance includes various pieces of apparatus such as hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon or rope. The discipline grew through developments in several countries, including Sweden, France, the USA and Switzerland. But it was in the Soviet Union that competitive rhythmic gymnastics began, in the 1940s.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: While conventional gymnastics have been part of the Games since the first modern Olympics, the rhythmic version had to wait until Los Angeles 1984.</p><h2 data-header-link="Sailing">Sailing</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Austronesian People</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: The simple technology of moving a boat with a sail is of very ancient origin. Historians believe that the first ocean-going sail boats were pioneered by the Austronesian people, perhaps 5,000 years ago. It was these vessels that allowed humans to spread out from what is now Taiwan, and populate the many islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Competitive sailing has also been part of human culture since ancient times.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Reflecting its long-standing history, sailing has been part of the Olympics almost since the beginning, debuting in Paris 1900.</p><h2 data-header-link="Surfing">Surfing</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Hawaii/Polynesia&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Surfing’s roots go back to prehistory, and the activity was always an important part of Polynesian culture, especially on the Hawaiian islands. From there, the sport spread to California in the late 19th century.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: It took until Japan 2020 for surfing to ride the Olympic wave. Given that the sport requires a certain kind of beach, it’s not guaranteed that the event can be held at all future Games.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Taekwondo">Taekwondo</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: South Korea</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Taekwondo is a martial art reliant on punches and kicks. It is a relatively modern discipline, beginning only in the 1950s within the Korean military. It is a development of earlier Korean martial arts.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: The discipline was demonstrated, as you might expect, at the Seoul 1988 Olympics. It became a full medal event at Sydney 2000.</p><h2 data-header-link="Tennis">Tennis</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: France</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Several countries can lay claim to inventing tennis. The true picture is somewhat complex, with numerous influences feeding in to form the modern game. The oldest known antecedent is a 13th century game from northern France, in which the ball was struck with the palm of the hand. This later evolved into the game of ‘real tennis’, associated with royalty. King Louis X of France is history’s first known (by name) tennis player, though only because he died after drinking too much wine, following a match. The modern game was largely developed in England.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Tennis was part of the very first modern Olympics in 1896, but did not stick around as a permanent fixture. Only in Seoul 1988 did it become a mainstay.</p><h2 data-header-link="Wrestling">Wrestling</h2><p><strong>Country of origin</strong>: Ancient Greece</p><p><strong>How it started</strong>: Wrestling of one kind or another predates our species. Many apes and monkeys will grapple with one another to establish hierarchy. As a pastime, it dates back at least 15,000 years, as recorded in cave paintings. In that sense, it is slightly meaningless to give a location for the origins of wrestling. That said, the sport is intimately associated with the Ancient Greek Olympics. Indeed, the form practiced at the modern Olympics is still known as Greco-Roman wrestling.</p><p><strong>First Olympics</strong>: Wrestling was part of the first Olympics in 1896. It skipped the 1900 Games, but has been part of the event ever since 1904.</p><h3>See also</h3><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/host-own-olympic-games">Host your own Olympic games</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/how-to-get-kids-interested-in-sport">How to get kids interested in sport</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/olympics-trivia-questions-and-answers-fit-for-a-champion">40 Olympic trivia questions</a></p><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/venue/queen-elizabeth-olympic-park">Visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London</a></p><p><br></p>

The summer Olympics showcases sports from all over the planet.

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Find out where some of the key Olympic events were originally invented, from badminton to wrestling.

Around The World In 16 Sports

<p>Your one-stop shop for fun things to do at home. From STEM experiments and kid-friendly workouts, to boredom-busting garden games, epic craft projects and everything in between, there are loads of activities for the whole family to get involved in.</p>

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Kidadl is on a mission to help families make extraordinary memories by enjoying the best of what their city has to offer. To help power family events that live long beyond the moment and put the fun into family life.

Play & Games For Kids At Home