40 ways to entertain your kids: Part 1

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1. Get them in the kitchen

There are loads of simple recipes you can try out with your children. If you're concerned about them getting things in and out of the oven, then why not try making chocolate crispy bars, which have to be chilled in the fridge.

If they really love it, then why not challenge them to come up with different sandwich fillings for their tea? They many not particularly enjoy the results, but you're teaching them about taste, as well as having fun!
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: As soon as they can reach the table or worktops

2. Go fly a kite

Brighten up a windy day by going outside and flying a kite. You can buy kites from most toy shops, or you could have a go at making your own.
- Find designs to build your own at kitesrus
Best for: Girls and boys
Age: 5+

3. Teach them cross-stitch

Cross stitch is enjoying a new lease of life and is a great way to get kids involved in arts and craft. You can get special kits designed for younger children, so they won't hurt themselves on the needles and the pattern will be easier to follow.
- Find cross-stitch patterns and equipment in the goodtoknow shop
Best for: Girls
Age: 7+

4. Make paper planes

Use up all that scrap paper that was destined for the recycling and build a fleet of paper airplanes. Then you can launch them from an upstairs window, or in the back garden. You could make different kinds and see which one flies the furthest.
- Find ideas for different designs of planes
Best for: Boys
Age: 5+

5. Write a story

Use your imaginations and write a story together. It doesn't have to be original, the kids could write down their favourite fairy tale and just change the ending if they feel like it.

Another great idea is to write chain stories with friends. Each person writes a paragraph and then shows the final line only to the next writer. Once the final person has written their section, read the whole story out loud - it's usually pretty funny!
Best for: Boys and girls
Age: 6+

- Next: Have a go at tie-dying or making a sundial