Fresh air and sunshine - the perfect recipe for happy, healthy children (and adults too!). Exercise improves fitness as well as strength and dexterity. Running around with other children teaches sociability and brightens mood – it is good old-fashioned fun!

Anyone who has been for a walk with a toddler will know that you have plenty of time to look at the world around you - take a leaf out of your two-year-old's book and don't rush. Always take an old carrier bag with you to collect and carry those precious sticks, stones and leaves. Remind your children to listen as well as look - which bird might be making that sound? Can you hear the leaves crunching? They will enjoy all the different textures of the garden or countryside too - what does that bark feel like? Can you see how squishy the mud is? Jumping into puddles is a very underrated activity - kit your child out with some waterproof trousers and a pair of wellies and let them go for it!

Kids are quite happy to run around chasing each other but if you would like to add a bit more structure to your walk, then why not turn it into a nature trail? Buy or borrow books which show you how to identify birds, flowers and plants and your children will be on their way to becoming mini botanists.

Older children will enjoy collecting leaves, feathers and other bits and pieces – bring them home (the carrier bag comes in handy here!) and use pva glue to make a collage.

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a picnic – the bottom of the garden will do fine! A bright tablecloth or rug, a few sandwiches, some fruit and a homemade cake makes a meal to remember.

Homemade Lemonade
You will need:
250g sugar
225ml water, plus more to top up before serving
juice of 4 lemons
juice of 2 oranges

Make the syrup: put the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring slowly to the boil. Cook gently for 2 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Leave to cool.
Add the syrup to the fruit juices and top up with water before serving.
You can use fizzy water to top up if you like.

Gardening. Children love to watch things grow. Packets of seeds are a cheap and cheerful way to introduce kids to the garden. Nasturtiums, sunflowers, marigolds and herbs are all popular choices. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can grow cress and herbs in pots on the windowsill. Quick growing plants are best so that children don’t lose interest!