10 ideas for entertaining the kids outdoors this summer

If you are looking for ways to entertain your kids this summer, here are 10 wee kiddy adventures you can do on the cheap:

1. Take a kid sprat fishing off a wharf. For about $10 – $15 you can buy a wee kids fishing rod. These rods are super light so are prefect to catch sprats. The most effective way to ensure your kids catch lots of sprats is to use a Sabiki rig with the smallest hooks, these are about $4.00 from any fishing shop. Either cut up tiny bits of bait or use flour and water dough as bait. Cat food is a great burley to attract sprats around your line.
2. Catch fresh water crayfish. Either through forestry land, DOC land or by asking a farmer take your kids to a creek. From either a toy shop or fishing shop you can buy a butterfly net for under $10. There is all sorts of freshwater life to be observed in creeks. Scoop around the creeks and before long you should be able to catch a kura (fresh water crayfish), fresh water shrimps, eels, and wee native fish. It is important to find a creek with fresh running water.
3. Day walks. You don’t have to travel very far from any where in New Zealand to take advantage of one of the many walking tracks in this country. These are a great way of getting the kids out of the house and enjoying nature.
4. Camping. There are DOC campsites all over the country and for a very small fee you can pack the car and head off for an inland or coastal camping trip. Visit the Department of Conservation website for locations and booking details.
5. Build a hut. I used to love building huts when I was a kid it doesn’t have to cost a cent and will entertain kids and dads for hours. All you need to do is walk into a forestry block and use fallen branches to create your bivouac.
6. Eeling. I will never forget the day my dad threw a rotten goose egg into a creek to lure in a whole heap of eels. Luring some eels with meat  can be great fun for kids however if you would like to catch one use a hand line and a hook. It is a good idea to grind off the barb if you wish to return the fish.
7. Dig for shellfish. Collecting pipis, cockles and tuatua has always been a great NZ summer past time and is a great way to entertain kids. Go out on the sand bed at low tide and use your feet to find them. Make sure you always keep a close eye on your kids, you are aware of bag limits and possible area contamination.
8. Explore rock pools. Kids love exploring rock pools. Take them to the coast at low tide and walk with them to find an identify sea life living within the rocks.
9. Build a camp fire. Find a place where you can safely build a small fire. Try cooking spuds in tin foil, damper, hot chocolate in a billy or marshmallows on a stick. Kids will love it!
10. Set up a tent in the backyard. You can buy a cheap tent for under $30 these days. This is a great Christmas gift for kids. Set it up in the back yard and let them have their own camping adventure.