With school holidays just around the corner, many parents face the same challenge: how do you keep the children entertained without relying on screens?
While tablets, TVs and gaming consoles can provide a quick solution, spending too much time indoors can leave everyone feeling restless. Summer is the perfect opportunity to swap screen time for fresh air, adventure and quality family time.
Whether you have toddlers, teenagers or a mix of ages, there are plenty of outdoor activities that encourage creativity, movement and unforgettable memories.
Why Take a Break from Screens?
Technology has its place, but balancing screen time with outdoor play can benefit the whole family.
Spending time outdoors can help to:
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Encourage physical activity.
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Boost mental wellbeing and reduce stress.
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Improve sleep quality.
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Develop confidence and independence.
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Strengthen family relationships.
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Inspire curiosity and creativity.
The best part? Many outdoor activities don't require expensive equipment or lots of planning.
Go Open Water Swimming
If your children are confident swimmers, supervised open water swimming can be a brilliant way to cool off during the summer.
Swimming outdoors offers a completely different experience to the local leisure centre. Being surrounded by nature, feeling the fresh water and enjoying the open space makes every swim feel like an adventure.
Always choose a managed venue with safety measures in place, and make sure children are supervised at all times.
Try Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding has become one of the UK's fastest-growing water sports, and it's easy to see why.
It's suitable for many ages and abilities, helps improve balance and coordination, and is a fantastic way to explore calm lakes and waterways together.
Families often find paddleboarding surprisingly relaxing, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Have a Water Adventure
Warm summer days are perfect for getting on the water.
You could try:
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Kayaking
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Paddleboarding
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Open water swimming
Water-based activities combine excitement with exercise and are a fantastic way to create lasting summer memories.
Get Everyone Involved
One of the best things about outdoor activities is that they bring families together.
Rather than everyone doing their own thing on separate devices, outdoor adventures encourage teamwork, conversation and shared experiences. Whether it's cheering someone on as they try paddleboarding for the first time or laughing together during a picnic, these are often the memories children remember most.
Make This Summer One to Remember
If you're looking for a way to get the family outdoors this summer, Longside Lake and CJM Ski & Wake offer something for all ages. Whether your little ones love splashing around on our inflatable water rides, your teenagers want to try wakeboarding or waterskiing, or you're looking for a relaxing paddleboard session or open water swim, there's an adventure waiting for everyone.
The summer holidays don't have to revolve around screens or the same routine. Spending time together outdoors is a chance to make lasting memories, build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy the fresh air.
From family paddleboarding sessions and exciting banana boat and ringo rides to beginner wakeboarding lessons and open water swimming, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone active throughout the holidays.
This summer, swap screen time for lake time and discover why so many families choose Longside Lake and CJM Ski & Wake as their go-to destination for outdoor fun, adventure and unforgettable memories.