Leisure time articles
No-sew Halloween costume ideas
No need for complicated patterns or topnotch sewing skills – get ready for Halloween with these easy costume ideas. Ghosts, wizards, witches and more can be created in less than an hour and the kids can help, too. Emily Organ waves her wand and shows us how.
Top tips for your family's ski holiday
Skiing holidays can take a great deal of organisation, especially if you are new to the slopes. But with our expert advice you can plough through the planning, leaving you more time to enjoy your family holiday.
Cruise holidays - what do they offer your family?
Ever thought about taking your family on a cruise holiday? We look at what could be in it for you and your children.
Why family games help positive behaviour
Traditional family games can help your child develop skills such as patience, respect, turn-taking, and being part of a team. So try these tips to make time for games in family life.
Celebrate Father's Day without breaking the bank
Thinking of a great present for your father or carer can be stressful – you want to buy the best gift you can find, but that can prove to be very expensive! Check out our fantastic suggestions for cheap, easy Father's Day gifts that are also special, unique and heart-warming.
How to manage your child's television time
Do you worry that television viewing could be having a damaging effect on your child? We take a look at children's TV consumption and how you can manage it in a positive way.
Teaching your child to swim
Learning to swim is fun – and great exercise for your child. Kath Stathers looks at the ways you can support their learning of this essential life skill.
The benefits of summer camps
In American movies 'summer camp' is a rite of passage. Could UK activity holidays prove to be just as popular? Providing some excellent and unusual learning opportunities, read on to find out how summer camps could benefit your child.
Scouting with the Cub Scouts
Scouting offers young people up and down the country the chance to experience new adventures and challenges. We take a look at what Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs and Brownies could offer your child.
Creating a child-friendly garden
Whether you have an acre of land or a window box, it is possible to create a garden that will encourage your child to learn a whole host of different skills. We take a look at all that gardens have to offer, and give some great advice on how you can turn your child's fingers green.
What's so educational about model building?
You may think model building is a thing of the past, but in fact there are more exciting and diverse kits available than ever. And with so many educational benefits to them, there really is no better time to unplug the games console and give it a try.
17 new hobbies to try this summer
It's time to take up a new hobby (or 30!). Make this summer your kids' most enjoyable ever with our list of new activities to try and love.
Summer activities for every age
Keeping the kids occupied over the summer holidays needn't cost an arm and a leg, or be all about plugging them into the latest video games. In fact there's absolutely heaps of fun and games to be had around the house and garden!
18 great (free) rainy day activities
This is Britain. Rainy days are par for the course, so read on for some great ideas of things to do when the heavens open. You won't need to spend a penny or venture outside at all!
Great learning activities at home and away
There are learning opportunities all around us, if we know where to look. Try these happy holiday activities to keep the kids entertained and learning this summer.
How to choose a great summer camp
From local council holiday schemes to residential activities, Moira Holden looks at different kinds of summer camps and childcare. Here's what you need to think about before you book a place for your child.
Stop summer brain drain
The holidays are stretching out before us, and whilst children gladly throw their schoolbags in a cupboard and declare themselves done with learning, you might not be quite so keen on the idea! Here are a few ideas to keep kids engaged and interested over the summer.
10 things you must do during the summer holidays
Boring-but-essential or simply fun, Wendy Golledge has spoken to mums and teachers and rounded up the top things you must do with your kids before the end of the summer holidays.
Top craft activities for children
Getting your children to be creative over holidays, weekends, and during after-school time is a great way to nurture their artistic flair and keep them occupied. Try these great activities to get kids crafting.
Teach your child to play outdoors
Past generations of children spent many happy hours enjoying the benefits of playing outdoors. But in recent years, concerns about safety have increased. So how do we encourage safer play outdoors?
Creating a space to play
Try working together with your child to design, create and build their ultimate play area with our top tips and practical advice.
How to make outdoor play safe
The sights and sounds of children playing together outdoors have waned over the years, but with them go many learning benefits. Try these tips to inspire safe play outdoors.
Summer childcare: children's activity holidays
Summer camps not only offer brilliant and unusual activities for the kids to enjoy, they can provide a break (or much-needed childcare!) for you as well. We take a look at the different camp options.
The importance of children's play
Play helps a child develop their creative abilities, and takes them into a fun, positive and imaginative world where anything is possible. We explore the benefits of play and offer top tips on how you can encourage all the family to join in.
What supervised indoor play offers your child
Children's play is not only a great learning experience, it also can affect their approach to physical exercise and activities in years to come. We take a look at what play centres could offer your child.
Screen time rules
What do children really think about the amount of time they spend playing computer games? And how can you establish appropriate screen time so your child benefits from technology and all it has to offer? Denise Roberts finds out.
Children's playdate etiquette
Mummy blogger, A Modern Mother, shares her top tips for the perfect playdate for your child.
Do your children help around the home?
Laying the table, washing up and tidying the house are just a few of a very long line of chores that we all have to do on a daily basis. All too often parents are doing it alone, but, as members of the household, should the children be expected to chip in too? Camilla Chafer investigates.
Child safety: stranger danger
Keeping children safe is our top priority as parents. But how do we strike a balance between protecting our little ones, and smothering them?
Keeping your child safe on holiday
Take your kids abroad with confidence by following our tips on keeping your child safe on a foreign holiday.
Top tips for safety in the sun
When your child is out in the sunshine, in the UK or abroad, they need to be protected. Follow this advice to keep them safe.
Child safety while playing outdoors
Outdoors play is important for children’s development – and great fun. So how can we ensure they stay safe?
Teach your child to cycle safely
Learning to ride a bike (and falling off it) is a normal part of growing up, but some parents are delaying teaching their children to cycle because of safety fears. TheSchoolRun finds out how to teach kids to ride confidently and safely, with tips and advice to get you started.
Safe cycling tips for kids
When your child is ready to cycle unsupervised, it’s important to make sure they know how to be safe on the roads. Here are the steps you need to take.
Walking and orienteering for kids
Walking is something most of us take for granted. But did you know that regularly taking the kids on a walk has some great health and educational benefits? We take a look at what walking could offer your child.
Top 10 activities to get kids active
Struggle to peel your child off the sofa to get some exercise? Try these fun activities to get them up and out.
Happy camping – the benefits of a holiday under canvas
A camping holiday in the great outdoors could be just the thing for your family this year. We explore the fun you can have and the new skills your child might learn.
How to keep your family fit and active
After long days at work and school, exercise is often the last thing on our minds, yet it's crucial for our health. So what can we do to keep active as a family and pack everyday life with easy, enjoyable exercise opportunities?
Photography for children – the benefits
Find top tips on children's photography and great photographic 'assignments' you can try with your budding photographer.
Reading outside the book
For many children, reading is something they only associate with books. But beyond the page lies a world of words just waiting to be read. Here’s how you can strengthen children's reading skills every day.