SUMMER'S here! Not that you'd necessarily know it, since, in typical British style, it's sunny one minute, pouring with rain the next.
But don't worry too much; while the unpredictable weather may stop us from heading to the great outdoors, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained under cover.
Here are 30 things to keep kids (and grown-ups!) entertained when the showers strike over the school holidays...
:: Take them trampolining – with all that bouncing around, the kids can burn off energy while having a good time.
:: Plan a trip to the movies – Finding Dory is released on July 29 at cinemas nationwide, and promises to be even bigger than Finding Nemo!
:: Colour yourselves calm by giving them a colouring book and lots of lovely bright crayons to keep them amused (parents can benefit from the stress-busting benefits of colouring-in too).
:: Take them on a big day out to the Ulster Museum, to see the South Pole exhibition at Titanic Belfast or to the W5 kids science centre.
:: Banish boredom with a board game. They're making a comeback, and who can resist a game of Monopoly?
:: It's a bake-off! Throw a cupcake party and get the kids to make cupcakes, they'll love spooning the icing from the mixing bowl.
:: Don't be puzzled thinking of things to do; get that 150-piece jigsaw out and you'll (hopefully) have peace and quiet for hours.
:: Make some ice lollies; just get the mould and wooden sticks and go wild with flavours.
:: Have an arty afternoon and take them to a gallery, which may inspire a culture vulture in the family.
:: A double decker bus tour is the best way to explore cities in the rain.
:: There's nothing like combining some healthy fear and fun; why not head to your nearest theme park and seek out the under-cover attractions, minus the crowds?
:: Make a Superhero cape! It's easier than you think – all you need is a large T-shirt, scissors, felt and fabric glue. Visit www.netmums.com to find out how.
:: Get creative with pasta shells and glue and challenge the kids to a pasta canvas contest (you could promise spaghetti Bolognese for lunch as a reward).
:: Play hide 'n' seek. Traditional games never go out of fashion, and you'll be amazed how many nooks and crannies kids can hide in at home.
:: Hunker down with a good book – children love to be read to, plus it will improve their development and instil a love of reading. Win-win.
:: Create a dressing-up box filled with clothes you no longer wear, girls and boys alike love dressing up. They could put on little plays for you too.
:: Host your own red carpet party – invite their friends over to watch a DVD and then get them to write a film review.
:: Have a story-writing competition with bonus points for illustrations and prizes for all competitors, of course
:: Splash about at an indoor swimming pool.
:: A 24-lane bowling alley will keep them stimulated and you can treat them to a milkshake afterwards.
:: Head to an indoor climbing wall – there are several in the north, including at the ironically titled Tollymore National Outdoor Centre near Newcastle, Co Down.
:: If they love slides, swings and climbing frames, take them to an indoor play area.
:: Use the rubbish weather as an excuse for the children to tidy their rooms and get rid of loads of waste. You never know – make it a competition and they might love it!
:: Build a fortress. It's really easy: take the cushions off the sofa, hang sheets across the furniture and camp out.
:: Organize an indoor treasure hunt... trinkets, coins and sweets are all worth hunting down.
:: Escape to a cave! There's so much mystery when you enter a labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways and take a fun tour.
:: Sea it to believe it... head to an aquarium and enjoy magnificent marine displays.
:: Paint a picture. Pretty watercolour paints, a few brushes and a little imagination are all it takes.
:: Go outside to the greenhouse, and plant some seeds without getting wet.
:: Download an app for the kids to play on your tablet or smartphone. Here are 47 of the best which are cheap or free: www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/google-android/best-kids-apps-2016-best-apps-for-children-ipad-iphone-android-
may-3464905/
