Tell them to take pics not just of their chums, but also of their area and bits of the landscape they find interesting. Get them to start albums (or portfolios, as the more ambitious little photographers will call them).15 Moth safari. On a small table in the garden, place a lamp, plus a bit of wood which you have coated in sugar water. Then, as the light fades, sit back and watch the local moths zoom in. For the more serious student, visit to see how to make a proper moth trap, plus news of unusual sightings.16 Visit , which has a wealth of links to games, rainy day ideas, and instructions on making things.

Suggestions to suit all ages, and a great place to go for “if wet” ideas.17 Reading group. Your children and their friends each buy a couple of books at the beginning of the holidays They then read and swap them – and maybe even discuss them. Can also be done with computer games, but lacks the parental feel-good factor.18 Treasure hunt. An old stand-by, but, if well planned, can keep younger children amused for hours.

For older ones, take a trip round your area, work out some questions and riddles, sort them out so one leads to another, and let the kids loose on their bikes.19 An eBay contest. Once registered on the site (which will take most of a day), everyone can sort out things to sell online. You put them up, and see who gets the most (and more lucrative) bids. Junior profits to be retained by the seller, adult ones donated to the family Special Day Out Fund.20 Volunteering. An idea for older, worthier children, is to find out about any local digs, or conservation projects at which they can volunteer Your local library will have details. Just imagine – your child laying down the foundations of a life as a useful, concerned citizen. A small trench-shaped area is agreed, and off the little archaeologists go.