The world has changed a lot since we were children, as has the way children have fun. Maybe you would like to spend more time with your grandchildren but you don't really know what to do with them. In fact, there are so many options that it is difficult to choose just one. 

However, spending the day in the park with children is still an excellent choice. There are plenty of green spaces across Lewisham: Mayow Park, Manor House Gardens, Hilly Fields, Blythe Hill...  so you don't need to go far to enjoy nature with your grandchildren. 

For example, you can go for a picnic. A sandwich tastes better when you are sitting on the grass and it can be a good opportunity to make some healthy food and teach children healthy eating habits. 

You can also encourage children to watch for wildlife. It is easy to find birds, bugs, and squirrels in parks. Your grandchildren can write down on a notebook about all the animals they've seen, draw them or take pictures.

And what about making art from nature? Teach your children to press flowers and glitter pinecones, start a rocks collection together or help them draw part of the park. The possibilities are endless. Just use your imagination and try to find artistic ways to interact with nature.

Finally, watching the clouds on a sunny day can also be fun. Identifying shapes provides good mental exercise and can help your grandchildren develop their imagination.

Maybe your grandchildren are always glued to their computers and cell phones but don't forget that teaching them that stepping out to enjoy nature is a healthy and fun activity is in your hands. Tell them to switch off the computer and show them that there is fun beyond the screen.