40 ways to entertain your kids: Part 3

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11. Get them gardening

Growing plants is great fun and it's even more fun, if they can watch their work get bigger and flower in front of their eyes. There are lots of plants that even a young child can grow without too much trouble, from small trees to herbs and vegetables.

If you don't have a garden, then a window box or small pots are the answer and it won't matter what time of year you plant them. Try growing herbs like basil, parsley or cress - that way they can eat them once they've grown.
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: 5+

12. Play some sport

Most local leisure centres have loads of opportunities to learn new sports, from martial arts to badminton, football to trampolining, swimming to tennis.

What's more, they usually provide the equipment so you won't have to shell out for lots of expensive kit, until they're totally hooked!
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: 7+

13. Catch some water

If you've got them interested in gardening then you can make some gardening accessories, like a rain catcher. Take a large jar and mark lines half an inch apart going up the line jar. Leave it outside with the lid off to collect water when it rains. Your child will also be able to see how much rainfall there has been before watering his plants.
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: 6+

14. Make a wormery

If you're feeling really green-fingered, then you can also try helping them collect worms for their own wormery. Just after it rains is the best time to hunt for worms. Once you've collected five or so then put them in a large Tupperware box or old ice-cream tub with some soil.

Make holes in the top so they can breathe. Then you'll be able to feed the worms food scraps, including eggshells and vegetable peelings. The worms will make great compost, which you'll be able to use in your garden.
Best for: Boys
Age: 7+

15. Become a model maker

What kid doesn't love getting his hands dirty? Get some modelling clay, a plastic knife and mould away. You can even buy self-hardening clay if you want them to become permanent.
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: 8+

- Next: more great ideas to beat the boredom

More help and advice

- Fun ways to help your kids learn
- Help! The kids are off school
- 7 ways to teach kids big stuff

By Rob Mansfield