Fill a tent with sand to make a sandpit with shade… and 8 other brilliant parenting hacks for summer

PARENTS across the country will know that summer holidays are fast approaching which means it's up to you to think of exciting activities to keep the kids entertained.

That's six whole weeks of quality time with your little one and it's not uncommon for them to quickly lose interest, so have a read of these summer hacks and get inspired.

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1. Create the beach at home

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Buy a kids tent and fill it with play sand. Kids can stay out of the hot sun, zip it up to keep cats from from pooing in there and keep the rain out.

2.  Never have sandy feet again

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Whenever you're spending the day at the beach, make sure you have talcum powder on standby and when you want to get rid of damp sand simply sprinkle it on.

3. Drip-free ice lollies

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Ice lollies can be the bane of a parent's life because the mess they can make, but add some gelatin into the mix and voila - drip-free ice lollies.

4. Outside art

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Let your kid's creative side out by picking up a blank bedsheet and let them loose with the paint, they'll have their own huge canvas to cover.

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5. Soothe sunburn easily

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For an way to cool down your child's sunburn by filling up an ice-cube tray with an aloe Vera solution and allow them to freeze.

6. Drip-catchers

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Unfortunately with shop bought ice creams, you can't simply add some gelatine in, instead use a cupcake case and slip it under the lolly to avoid any unwanted drips.

7. Safe play den

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Houses can be danger zones for your little ones but not if you create a safe play den using a blown up paddling pool, you could even turn it into a pool pit.

8. Waterproof forts

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Sometimes the British summer can be temperamental, so create a fort for your kids so they can spend time outside and stay dry by using a hula-hoop and a shower curtain.

9. Extra trampoline protection

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Trampoline springs can be scary and painful if your kid catches themselves on them, so use a cut-up woggle and wrap them round.