KEEPING kids entertained at home without screens is not always easy.
But you can use your outdoor areas to help turn youngsters into keen little gardeners.
7
Three cheap and fun ways to get the kids involved with gardening this summerCredit: Getty
It won’t cost much and it’s a guilt-free way of getting them busy, plus they’ll reap the benefits of being out in nature.
Here’s how.
GET CLUED UP: Dobbies garden centres run free gardening workshops for kids. The one-hour Little Seedlings sessions take place at weekends and there are extra sessions during school holidays.
Youngsters will learn all about different aspects of plants, for example, August’s theme is prehistoric plants that are still found in gardens today.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
And there is a special holiday club workshop exploring summer scents where those taking part can make their own petal perfume.
Dates and times vary by store. Book online at events.dobbies.com.
CRAFTY: If you have a load of old plant pots, get your kids to give them a new lease of life by decorating them.
They can use acrylic paints or marker pens. Ask them to paint flowers or just bright colours to stand out.
Another option is rock painting. Gather a few large stones and children can paint as they like. You could try animals such as ladybirds, hedgehogs and snails.
Or ask them to write out plant names on the stones then use them as markers.
‘I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do’
GET PLANTING: Once you have a few pots or a spare area in the garden, get planting with kids.
Look for plants that will attract butterflies to help children spot wildlife in the garden.
And select plants with different scents, textures and colours.
Try lavender, which is affordable, easy to look after and has a calming scent.
It will also attract wildlife such as butterflies and bees. Contrast with bright flowers such as geraniums.
Or sunflowers are great for planting with kids as they watch them grow and see how high they can get.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.Deal of day 
7
Dimplex tower fan, reduced from £85 to £68 at ArgosCredit: Supplied
COOL down with help from this Dimplex tower fan, reduced from £85 to £68 at Argos.
SAVE: £17
Cheap treat 
7
Just £5 for this quirky picture frameCredit: Supplied
POP a photo in this bright striped picture frame, £5, from Flying Tiger.
WHAT’S NEW?
ALDI is bringing back its popular chocolate spreads including Titan, £1.49, which tastes like a spreadable Mars bar.
Top swap 
7
Green T-shirt dress, £12 from NextCredit: Supplied
7
Head to Lidl to get the similar Esmara option for £7.99Credit: Lidl
TRY on this green T-shirt dress, £12 from Next for easy summer style.
Or head to Lidl to get the similar Esmara option for £7.99.
SAVE: £4.01
Shop & save 
7
Give your skin a glow-up and save a fiver in the process, thanks to SuperdrugCredit: Supplied
GIVE your skin a boost with Garnier Body Superfood body cream, down from £9.99 to £4.99 at Superdrug.
SAVE: £5
LITTLE HELPER
UNTIL July 20, save 25 per cent on the Nutmeg school uniform range – including polo tops, trousers, dresses and jumpers – with a More card at Morrisons.
Hot right now
WAGAMAMA is offering a limited-edition sweet and sour fried chicken dish available now through Deliveroo only.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
7
Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!