Your children may not have noticed it's summer, especially if they're noses deep in their tablets or computer screens.
If you're eagerly awaiting the opportunity to tell your kids to "go and play outside" it might not be long before you are challenged with a response of "we're bored" after five minutes of outdoor 'play'.
Keeping children entertained for longer than a few minutes can be tricky, especially nowadays where screens are seemingly so much more exciting.
Luckily for you parents, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your little ones occupied this summer.
We've compiled a list of the best outdoor activities, we're sure will keep your children engaged for longer than a few minutes at a time.
Best outdoor toys
1. Little Tikes Fun Zone Pop 'n Splash Surprise
Looking for endless fun for the kids indoors and outdoor? The Pop 'n Splash Surprise tower from Little Tikes will do just that, connect it to a water source, for a fun way to cool down on hot days.
The interactive game works by turn taking to spin a wheel which will give you further instructions. Step on the stomp pad, use the hand pump or rotate the crank - hopefully you won't be the unlucky one that releases all of the balls, or the gushes of water to soak everyone.
Price: £49.99, Smyths Toys - buy here now
2. Intex Rainbow Ring Play Centre
Boredom just became a thing of the past, this inflatable play centre is bound to keep the kids entertained for hours.
One for your children to enjoy on those hot summer days, lounge in the wading or main pool area, there's a water sprayer which easily connects to most garden hoses to keep them extra cool in the heat.
If the water slide isn't enough to occupy them, a good game of ring toss with inflatable rings should help to keep the fun alive.
Price: £55.32, Amazon - buy here now
3. Two Pairs of Bubble Wands
Is it even summer if there isn't bubbles in sight?
Now your little ones can enjoy hours of fun with gigantic bubbles that can probably grow to sizes bigger than their tiny bodies.
This is one the whole family can enjoy, the wand is designed to adjust to different lengths; so whether it's Mum, Dad, baby brother or big sister - everyone can have a go.
Price: £8.99, Amazon - buy here now
Kids toys set to be worth thousands in years to come
4. Pro All Surface Swingball
An old-school classic that is just as popular today as it was years ago.
You can add water or sand to the base for extra security, however, it is suitable for all surfaces. So whether you have grass, decking or paving in your outdoor space - the swingball will fit right in.
If you're off on your travels, simply add all the components to the base of the unit and it becomes a very handy carry case.
Price: £39.99, Swingball - buy here now
5. Sportspower 8ft Folding Trampoline
The great thing abut trampolines is once they're up, you can let the good times roll - or bounce.
This 8ft trampoline will provide hours of jumping fun for the little ones. It also folds away nice and compactly for convenient storage.
Price: £100, Argos - buy here now
6. Nerf Super Soaker Hydra
Everyone loves a water fight, especially in the really hot weather - sometimes kids just want to be soaked from head to toe in cold water.
The Super Soaker has a huge tank that can hold nearly two litres of water, that's a very wet child!
Drench the competition and enjoy a splash-tastic time with the much loved Nerf gun.
Price: £17, Argos - buy here now
7. Jacques Traditional Wooden Rounders Set
Another great outdoor activity that the whole family can get stuck into this summer!
A traditional game of rounders never hurt anybody, (unless you can't agree on the correct rules) luckily for you rules are included in the set.
The kit also comes with a cotton tidy bag, so when it's not in use you can store it away neatly.
Price: £24.99, Amazon - buy here now
8. Rollplay 12V Nighthawk Ride On
This is one of those gadgets that make you think "why didn't they have this when I was a child?"
Mum, Dad - unfortunately you won't be able to enjoy this one, but your kids can and no doubt will for hours!
The Rollplay Nighthawk is an innovative design that allows little thrill seekers the ride of their lives. Gas and brake pedals let them control their speed and by simply leaning left or right they can twist, turn and manoeuvre themselves around with ease.
A rear safety flag at the back of the device means you can keep an eye on your child as they race around.
Price: £169.99, Hamleys - buy here now
9. Slime Blaster Gun
We're not sure what it is, but children seem to be obsessed with slime.
Now they can enjoy slime fun with this slime blaster gun.
The device can be used with water or slime and each kit comes with 12 slime sachets - giving around 200 shots!
The slime substance is 100% safe on the skin and the gun can shoot up to seven metres - ensuring slime covered little humans.
Price: £10.99, Amazon - buy here now
10. Play BBQ
What would summer be without a good old barbecue?
Now your child can practice burger flipping and sizzling sausages right alongside the parents with this play barbecue set.
Encourage your little ones imaginative side, the set includes food, plates and even tongs to make sure they cook everything just right.
Price: £35, JoJo Maman Bebe - buy here now
Have a read of our best things to do over the summer holidays if you're still stuck for ideas on what to do with the kids this summer.
