SUMMER holidays are a great way to get yourselves and the kids active.

The weather is generally good, there will be lots of organised events taking place and it’s a great opportunity to interact with your child.

Kids benefit greatly from being active, the summer holidays are time for them to unwind from the studies and they’ll love to explore.

Physical activity improves a child’s bone strength, muscle strength, co-ordination, balance, focus . . . and it gets rid of some of that energy which they seem to be overflowing with!

If you’re struggling for ideas to get your kids active, without breaking the bank, here’s a few ideas.

Activity doesn’t always need to be an organised expedition.

Kids, too, have lots going on, so a little down time is good.

Let them play outside in a safe place, if they need you to then give them a task, such as searching for worms, skipping, getting a ball into a net etc. You could join in with them to increase your daily activity, afterall, exercise is good for you too!

If your child is older, then there may be exercise classes in your area that will allow your child to join in alongside you, I’d check with the instructor before hand though.

Why not learn to rollerskate or teach your child a new skill like riding a bike? They’ll feel the sense of achievement and so will you.

We remember as we get older the people who taught us to do these things.

Swimming is great — it’s fun and it’s a safe and effective way for your child to exercise.

Take a football, frisbie, bat and ball to the park. Get involved with different activities with your child.

They’ll love doing something fun and spending the quality time with you.

The fresh air will also help stop that irritability later on in the day and the dreaded ‘I’m bored’ complaints.