It's official. Summertime has begun and the smell of summer is in the air with all the pleasures of this glorious season. Now the days are longer it's time to get out and about as much as you can and enjoy the great outdoors.

After months of being cooped up in our homes, with the central heating on full blast and with windows closed and curtains drawn, it's so uplifting to be able to enjoy life outside. And it's good for our health too.

Of course, the other great thing about outdoor life, is that it's something you can all enjoy together. While we tend to get on alone with our own activities at home, if you can actually prize your children away from the computer or television, there's bound to be something you can all join in together outside. And by encouraging your family to spend more time out and about they'll begin to appreciate the environment more.

Why not try and get them to help you and help them keep fit at the same time. Perhaps start by asking them to hang up the washing. There's something so appealing about leaving washing to dry in the fresh air and by doing your weekly wash in Bold 2 in 1 for added softness your family will really appreciate the really fresh smell and enjoy helping you in this small way.

And if they're old enough, one of them could be in charge of cutting the grass, or helping with a simple but strenuous task like weeding the beds. Reward them by giving them a patch of their own where they can start to grow some hardy vegetables like lettuce, or tomatoes in a grow bag if you haven't got a garden. Young ones can always start with cress seeds left to grow on well soaked tissue paper on a window ledge.

Once they've come round to the idea that life outside is more fun than being glued to the television all day, think about going further a field. You don't have to be a tri-athlete or be into extreme sports to enjoy fun, healthy recreation outside. A brisk walk in the park can do wonders for your spirits as well as your waistline and once you've tried a few circuits there you could suggest taking a trip to the countryside for a long weekend hike. With all the gadgets and gizmos children think they need to have fun these days, it's great to see them getting back to nature and finding pleasure in the simplest things like playing pooh-sticks from a low bridge or paddling in a small brook or stream.

If you really want to go the whole-hog and enjoy the freedom of outdoor living, invest in a small tent and try camping for the weekend. You can pitch your tent overlooking the sea, beside a lake or in gently rolling countryside and simply breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the views.

Keeping outside is so easy when there's more daylight. Encourage outdoor activity for the whole family as much as you can. It's great for the health and doesn't have to cost a fortune too!