Let's face it - the long summer holiday can be a huge juggle for many parents. Keeping kids entertained, happy (and not fighting one other!) for six weeks whilst also balancing work is a challenge for lots of us, so we've compiled a few ideas for keeping your little ones smiling and busy at home, right through to September.

1. Play Outside

There's nothing better than letting off steam outside, especially after a long day at work or at home, so make the most of the fresh air and take their bike, trike or scooter down to the park for some outdoor fun time. 

Our collection of Banwood ride-on toys includes both their 'First Go' balance bikes and their next step 'Classic' bikes (with stabilisers included), as well as scooters and trikes with helmets to match. All available with quick UK delivery. 

If ride-ons aren't their thing, why not try one of our Lillagunga swings or acrobat rings? They can be used outside or in, providing you have somewhere stable to hang them, that is. 

And last but not least, we have colourful paddling pools, watering cans, buckets, spades and rakes for summer sand and water games from Belgian brand Quut. Just perfect for digging, raking, pouring and splashing... and cooling off when the heatwave hits again! 

2. Play Let's Pretend

If the weather isn't playing ball, there's so much fun to be had indoors too! Whether it is playing shops, cooking up a storm in the cafe or hosting a doll or teddy tea party, our Imaginary Play collection has plenty of ideas for keeping kids occupied.

Why not try one of our toy kitchens or best-selling General Stores market stall, with a wooden food basket or two? Fancy a smoothie or a babyccino? No problem! We have rockets, space-themed toys, dolls houses of all sizes and figurines to go with them. Whatever your budget, we have it covered.

3. Get Dressed Up

Whether it's a fairy or a superhero, our Dressing Up collection has everything they need to enter an imaginary world of their very own. Perhaps they have a party to go to? Or a show to perform to you (our kids personal fave...)

Whatever the occasion, dressing up is always a good idea!

4. Play a Game

Stock up on games and puzzles for the holiday! We have golf sets, dentist sets, vet sets, doctor sets, bingo games, colouring posters and puzzles for counting, stacking and sorting... Take them out with you for the day or evening, or play them together at home before bed.

Our personal favourite Way To Play race tracks can be used outside in the water or on the beach too! 

5. Have a Read

Day or bed time, there's nothing quite like a good book. Our Books collection contains everything for little dreamers! Animal books, books about heroes, our planet, as well as books packed full of activities for the holidays, take a peek at our hand-picked collection. We promise you will feel inspired (and it may just give you a few minutes peace and quiet...) 

So, whatever your plans for the holidays, make sure you include lots of play time. And don't - absolutely do not - feel guilty for not spending every single second with your kiddos. The juggle is real! And we're all feeling it.