31 days outside... A blast from the past

How long has it been since you played Hopscotch?

For some it'll be a first time experience...

And for others it's a blast of memory from past summers.

31 days outside... Venture out of your comfort zone

When we become comfortable, life is good. But when we step out that comfort zone, life can be amazing.

Is it time to try something new and daring? Time to be adventurous and gain a new skill?

You might just surprise yourself.

31 days outside... Photography expedition

Set yourselves a task and head outside - even just in the backyard is fun. Maybe you'll look for flowers to photograph? Or you could search for letter and number shapes formed in random pieces of bark and leaves?

Or maybe you'll find something even cuter to snap!

31 days outside... Splash in a river

Find your closest river - it could be a short drive away, or perhaps in the city - and cool off.

A river is so different to a pool or the beach.

Rivers hold a certain peace that nothing else can capture.

31 days outside... Visit the zoo

There comes a time when you need to splurge and have a big, fun-filled, family day out. Don't you think?

The zoo is the perfect answer!

Pick a zoo and stroll around, learning together and admiring the wonder of nature.

And stand around for a while watching as your very favourites amble slowly about their day.

31 days outside... Start the day with a swim

Ready... set... SPLASH!

Kids are often early risers during summer - it's the irony of having to wake them up all year but as soon as they're able to sleep in, they don't. (I hear this about kids, anyway; my girl is always up early.)

Sometimes, instead of bemoaning the early mornings, you have to embrace them. And there's no better way to start a summer's day than with a SPLASH!

31 days outside... Collect a floral arrangement

The flowers hiding around the garden in summertime are the strongest of all, surviving despite the heat.

Find as many of them as you can, pick a few branches and leaves for good measure, and bring some of that outside joy into your home.

31 days outside... Pack a picnic

It can be as simple or as gourmet as you choose.

Pack up a lunch and share it on the grass - in your backyard, at the local park, or take a longer trip and find a spot that you've never been before.

Sharing a picnic always adds a sense of fun and lightheartedness that lunch is usually missing amidst the day's chaos.

Just stop and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

31 days outside... Relax for some cloud watching

Sometimes there's nothing better than lying back, on the grass or on the trampoline, watching the clouds. What shapes can you see?

Every so often there's a surprise in store up there...

31 days outside... Let out your inner artist

The '31 Days Outside' series has been going for a week now, and I think it's time to ramp it up a bit! Let's have some fun with this - who wants to join in?

Join in via Instagram and/or Twitter with the hashtag #31DaysOutside

You don't have to do every day, just when you'd like to share the fun you're having outside - with your kids or alone, being active or lazing about. As long as you're outside somewhere, we can each share an insight into our summer days.

Now for day 7...

A day at home can be turned into a day of creation and imagination.

And personally, I think that mess creativity is sometimes best kept outside.

31 days outside... Bushwalking is good for the soul

Where's your closest national park, state park, wetlands or bushy park?

It's guaranteed to be cooler out there than in the middle of suburbia. And if you're lucky you'll find some secret spots tucked away.

Grab your walking shoes and get out there.

Why? Well, I'll tell you why.

You could even make a day of it, and invite some friends along. Yep, it can be great fun for kids.

It's good for the soul.

31 days outside... We all scream for ice-cream

There's simply nothing better on a hot day than licking a cold ice-cream.

31 days outside... Surf, sun & sand

Summer isn't complete without some time at the beach.

Swim...

... wander, explore the rock pools...

... and play in the sand.

31 days outside... Let's go fly a kite

There's nothing quite like the freedom of flying a kite. Running, laughing, eyes upwards.

It always reminds me of the family in Mary Poppins: finding joy in the simple things and sharing the hope of life's possibilities.

And if you don't have a kite on hand, well, just use your imagination...

31 days outside... Berry, berry yummy

Nothing says summer like a fresh berry or two... hundred.

Out in the sunshine, searching for ripe berries, planning what to make with them later on.

The colours of summer are right here.

Best of all, kids love berry picking...

... but not many will make it into the bucket!