...without maxing out the credit card

With all the computer games, TV programmes and various phones, ipods and other gadgets, it's not always easy to encourage children outside to 'play'.

Generations of kids gone past were always desperate to get out to play, rain or shine. And with slightly less than reliable summers, a day missed here and there could mean getting very little sunshine - and Vitamin D.

Of course, an expensive bribe such as a trip to a theme park will probably get them out of the house, albeit with a phone or two surreptitiously resting in a back pocket. But, apart from standing in queues a lot, this type of entertainment can be less than sociable and very expensive.

Turn off the TV and computer, unplug all chargers and hide batteries, then take a trip down memory lane and spend some quality time with your kids....

Hopscotch:
Hopscotch has been played in gardens, parks, playgrounds and on the streets for generations and everyone can join in. Some bending of the rules may be necessary with very young ones, but nothing's set in stone.

Chalk out your playing area on a patio or any flat concrete surface. If you aren't familiar with hopscotch, there is an image of the playing area on this page http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/outdoorgames.html

Players take turns to throw a small flat stone onto a square on the playing area; The first throw must land on the number one square and player jumps over this square landing on two legs on squares 2 and 3. Then hop and jump to the end, turn and come back, picking up the stone before hopping onto square number one..

Players mustn't land on the square their stone is lying on. So if the stone is on square 3, player must hop onto square 1, then 2, then hop onto square 4 and complete the course. The stone is be picked up while coming back down the course.

Much older players can step rather than hop if they prefer!

Outdoor Twister:
The indoor game twister can be replicated on a patio or other area. Chalk out the playing board, and set up a dial to choose colours, or a home made pack of coloured cards could be used. Have one person - possibly a grown-up - picking the colours and let the kids do the acrobatics. On a concrete surface, care should be taken not to have too many children playing at once to avoid tumbles and injuries.

Ball games:
Cheap cheerful balls can help toddlers with hand/eye co-ordination, and they always love running after them! Older children can benefit from many ball games, including football, cricket, tennis etc. All of these games are inexpensive, healthy and wholesome and the grown ups can definitely join in. Step out of the box and learn to juggle. Two or three balls in the air looks impressive but isn't that difficult when you get going.

Gardening:
If you have a nature lover in the family, they will enjoy creating their own garden. A small patch of soil is a blank canvas to be filled with easy to grow vegetables and flowers. Create a theme such as a 'fairy garden' and encourage children to grow miniature plants and build fairy houses from twigs and large leaves.

Games should always be appealing by the very nature of being a game. But trying to convince a high-tech kid may not be so simple. The best, and almost infallible, answer is to do it yourself. Put on the trainers, buy some chalks and get out there in the garden. Chances are everyone will want to know what you're up to. And if you really don't convince them, a quick workout in the fresh air will make you feel great!