'Tis the season for fun and games

Six weeks of school holidays over summer is a long stretch to keep kids entertained, active and off screens.

Forward planning is the key. When I look back on my own long summer holidays, there was little, if no, spending involved. The lazy days, often with my cousins, were spent outside, playing in the backyard, going to a park or the river, reading books, or playing cards, board games and sport. I helped in the kitchen and the garden. Big outings were rare, except for an extended family picnic.

Here are 30 child-friendly summer holiday activities that will entertain the kids and won't break the budget.