Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring…..What ever the season, kids need to get outside for exercise, sun (when it’s out!) and fresh air. But for many, playing outside seems to be a lost art. These days we have television, computers and video games to compete with. Nevertheless, with some imagination, creativity and energy, playing outside can produce hours of fun. Lots of times, sitting around being bored indoors can be turned into an exciting outdoor afternoon just by going outside and seeing what is happening, so Turn the TV off, and head outdoors.

Choose games that you enjoy being involved in. There are the usual team sports that you can practice such as football, soccer, cricket, basketball or base/softball. Get involved with these or be creative and think back to being a kid at school. Remember that the most fun can be had by getting back to basics and playing traditional games such as tag or hide and go seek. Talk to other parents, grandparents, or older relatives like aunts and uncles about the days before video games computers and pay TV. This may help you to remember or discover new ‘lost/old games’ like shooting marbles, jacks, jump rope or even plain old tag. You might learn new or alternative rules to a game that you were not aware of, this could make for ten times more fun. Learn some jump rope rhymes, this is a sure fire way to get some laughs and jumping rope is one of the best ways to get a quick dose of exercise.

Look for a safe and clean location to chase your fun and games. This could be your own backyard, if you are fortunate enough to have a large one, a local public park, school grounds (making sure that they will allow out of hours use of their property) or even the beach.

When in the outdoors, Young kids should check in with their parents often, and parents should get to know the parents of their kid's friends so that they can be aware of what is going on when the kids are at someone else's home.

If you own a cell phone, take it with you, and make sure others know your number, and your phone is fully charged, possibly with credit.

Be prepared for anything that might happen. If your friend, or yourself, gets hurt, make sure you're carrying the right equipment to help them, and know all the precautions to take. Never let your game take you into the street, chasing balls, etc

In the peak summer times, stay out of the midday heat if you can. Try to play your games in the evening or early morning when it is cool. Drink lots of cool water, and take frequent breaks. Use plenty of sun block to prevent sunburn, and long term effects on your skin. Watch out for sudden summer time thunderstorms and seek shelter early if one approaches

If your out and about for just a morning or an afternoon of fun in the great outdoors it’s a good idea to choose games that don't require a lot of equipment to play. With a very small space, games like kickball may be out. Save yourself the effort of carting tons of balls, bats or even portable goals. Pass the time by playing a running or hiding games instead and if you have to have a ball, take just one or two. Place one person in charge of each piece of equipment, that way the load and responsibility is shared.

But if your out for the whole day or you’re looking for fun in your own backyard, and there is plenty of room for games that use equipment like cricket, the cost of setting up the basic games is not too expensive, and they can give you a good measure of competition as well as some great exercise.

Set up games like badminton, volleyball or croquet where you can leave them set up for extended periods, that way you can play spur of the moment games whenever a friend or friends drop in.

Check out your local athletics park to see what they offer in terms of activities. There may be basketball and tennis courts available for public use, and often it is just a matter of bringing your own ball or racquet. Play with your friends or try hanging around a while for a challenger to show up alone to get a game started.

Try your hand at golf, pitch ‘n’ putt or miniature golf. If you don't have clubs and equipment, you can usually rent them at most courses. Green Fees at public courses are usually minimal and if you have your own equipment it’s even better. Maybe you can find an unused soccer field and pick up a bucket of range balls and practice driving and chipping without paying any green fees at all. Be polite, though, and don't divot up the grass.

If you simply can’t be away from technology take the Game Boy or the PSP outdoors. This doesn't give you a lot of exercise, but at least you can get some sun and fresh air, and gets kids out of parents' hair for a while. And, while you are sitting outside playing your game, someone may come by and invite you to play some active games with them.

By Jodie Sparke