Just because it gets dark at four o'clock doesn't mean all fun needs to happen inside - as long as it isn't raining, there are plenty of things to do outside!
Encourage the kids away from the TV and off their iPads by getting them to enjoy the outside world at night - it's an exciting time to be out!
There are a whole host of games you can play, but here are six to get you started!
1. Torch tag
Simply give everyone a torch, select one player to be ‘on’ and then start running! Be careful in selecting the area that you are playing in – the last thing you want is for someone to trip over something!
2. Hide and seek
When playing in the dark do ensure that the area you are in is safe and enclosed – safety should always remain a top priority. To make it a little more fun (and safe), have the kids hide in pairs and set a time limit so that it doesn’t go on forever!
3. Glow-in-the-dark hopscotch
If you can’t find any glow-in-the-dark chalk or washable paint, you can always use white chalk which will work just as well. Find a flat area in your garden, draw your hopscotch outline and start playing.
4. Make shapes in the stars
Kind of like looking up during the day, the stars can hold just as many and unusual shapes as wispy clouds going by. Lay a blanket down on the ground, wrap up well and head outside – just choose an evening with a clear sky!
5. Treasure hunt
Hide a number of goodies in all corners of your garden and arm everyone with their very own flashlight. This is sure to be a lot of fun and the darkness will make it even trickier to find the treasures.
6. Shadow puppets
Hang a white sheet on your washing line and position a light behind it to create shadows. Assign one person to create their very own show and have a lot of fun.
