Fun in the Sun

Have A Space Hopper Race

Kids are sure to love an afternoon of bouncing around the back garden!

Space Hoppers, along with many other crazes from the 70s and 80s, have made a real comeback over recent years, so tracking one down shouldn't be a problem.

If you're struggling to find one, we'd suggest popping down to Hawkins Bazaar in The Brunel - they're bound to have plenty for you to choose from.

To jazz up your space hopper race why not make it a team relay? Add some obstacles? Or even make contestants collect a silly hat at the end of the course that they have to wear as they bounce to the finish line?

Take A Dip In A Paddling Pool

A paddling pool is an absolute must have for your back garden come the summer months.

After all, what could be more fun than splashing around with family and friends on a scorching afternoon?

If you don't have access to a paddling pool, why not cool down with a water fight instead? Water balloons and super soakers are always fun alternatives to a quick dip. 

Although a swim can be a fanastic idea, there are also plenty of hidden risks, so always remember to keep an eye on little ones around water!

Have A Kickabout

Instead of sitting indoors and watching a game on the telly, get outdoors and have a kickabout yourself.

The great thing about garden football is that you can have as many or as few players as you like.

If you're playing solo, put your keepy uppy skills to the test or practice shooting against an outside wall.

If there's more than two players, split up into teams and battle it out to see who scores first.

Just don't go kicking your football into your neighbour's greenhouse!

Play A Game of Swingball

A game of swingball is fantastic way to get the family active.

The highly addictive game can be played in the smallest of gardens and is relatively easy to set up and pack away.

With a bat, two players must try and hit a tennis ball attached to a rope, in the opposite direction to their partner. The game ends when one player manages to wind the ball all the way around the pole.

Although it may sound like a relatively simple game – swingball should provide hours and hours of back garden fun! 

Argos in The Brunel sell a range of swingball sets starting from as little as £12.74.

Play Single Wicket Cricket

Single wicket cricket is a child friendly version of the classic British sport.

After you've chosen a batsman, a bowler and fielders; each player gets the chance to bat and score as many runs as possible from 10 balls.  

If the bowler hits the wicket or the ball is caught by a fielder, the batsman is out and the next player can take their turn to bat.

A tennis racket and a bucket are great alternatives to a bat and stumps if you’re struggling to find the right equipment around the house.  

Go to A Play Area

It's easy to see why Lydiard Park is one of the most popular family destinations in Swindon.

Kids love climbing, swinging and sliding on the park's huge climbing frame, adventure slides and fireman's poles.

The park is open daily throughout the summer and entry and parking is free.

For a memorable family day out make sure to pack a picnic and plenty of fun and games!

Play Quoits

Practice your aim with a good old fashioned game of quoits.

The objective of the game is pretty simple, players must throw six rope quoits over a wooden peg - each peg is worth a different amount of points depending of its difficulty.

The game can be played almost anywhere and by almost anyone - making it a great game for the whole family.