With summer rapidly approaching, you might be looking for ways to keep the little ones active and entertained. Luckily, there’s many things you can do with the kids come rain or shine. So here are six activities to add to your to-do list.

 1. Head to the Theatre

Get out and about even in the rain with a trip to the theatre. There are shows just for kids, such as Dinosaur World Live, which is touring the UK and is sure to be one of the most fun things to do in Colchester this summer. Spectacular puppetry brings all your favourite prehistoric beasts to life on the big stage, so expect to see all kinds of dino species from the Triceratops to the formidable T-Rex. This show is perfect for kids aged 3 and above.

2. Picnic in the Park

Kids have a lot of energy to burn. So why not enjoy some time outdoors by heading to an area of natural beauty? There’s London’s Royal Parks to explore which offer a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or you could find a spot closer to home for a picnic. Colchester attractions, for example, include the much-loved grounds of Colchester Castle.

3. Explore Historic Sites

Worried about expensive days out? Colchester offers a host of attractions that are not only educational, but can also be enjoyed for free. There’s the ruins of St Botolph’s Priory, for example, which provide the perfect backdrop for a walk, as well as the site for the only known Roman circus in Britain. Here you’ll find multiple displays as well as a café.

4. Visit a Museum 

Many of the UK’s museums are free to visit, with most simply asking for a small donation to keep the attraction running. Check out the Natural History Museum in Colchester or the Science Museum in London. There’s also the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford that’s home to ancient masks, jewellery, pots, clothes, mummies, figurines and more. A simple Google search will help you to find fascinating places near you.

5. Play Some Retro Games

You can keep the kids active at home without having to go anywhere. Retro games such as Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, Ludo, Cluedo, Jenga and such like can be picked up from charity shops for pennies, and offer hours of entertainment. Kids are so used to gaming alone on their computers that they might love spending time playing board games as a family. Get set to see their competitive spirits come to the surface.

6. Get Crafty

British summers can be unpredictable. So if the weather is a little on the dull side, arts and crafts are a good idea. From painting and drawing to working with clay and making necklaces from dried pasta, you can literally do anything. You could also check to see if there are any local art competitions taking place that you can enter. Magazines often run competitions too, so it really is worth doing your research as this might inspire your children to be extra creative. They might even win a prize!