Kids' Games: How to Climb a Tree and Make a Paper Kite

Outdoor activities give kids a chance to unplug for a bit and enjoy the fresh air.  Follow these tips for climbing trees safely and to properly construct a paper kite -- both are guaranteed to keep your little ones wanting to make the most of the great outdoors.

First, take a good look at your tree to be sure that there are plenty of branches you can use for suppport. Never climb wet trees — they are slippery.

• Wear shoes with a good grip.
• Stick to the three-point rule: keep both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot, on the tree to support you at all times.
• Stand only on upwardly slanting branches, as close to the trunk as you can.
• If a branch looks dead, or too thin to hold your weight, avoid it.
• Retrace your steps slowly and carefully as you come back down, making sure that your foot is secure before putting your whole weight on it.

This simple paper kite costs next to nothing and is quick to make. You could have lift-off within 15-20 minutes.

You will need:

• Sheet of A3 paper (decorated if desired)
• Sticky tape
• Wooden skewer, about 25 cm (10 in) long
• Ribbon
• Hole punch
• Ball of fine string

1. Lay the sheet of paper on a work surface in front of you with the long sides to top and bottom, fold it in half from right to left, and make a firm crease down the middle.
2. Rotate the paper so that the folded edge is facing you. Make a diagonal fold so that two triangles of paper protrude from beneath the folded section, one about four times larger than the other. Make a firm crease.
3. Turn the paper over and unfurl one leaf of the uppermost folded section. Apply tape along the join revealed to create the spine of your kite.
4. To hold the wings in place on either side of the spine, tape the wooden skewer across the widest section of the paper at right angles to the spine.
5. Tape the ribbon to the bottom of the spine, then turn the kite over. The fold of paper beneath the wings is the kite's keel. Fold it back and forth so that it stands at right angles to the wings.

Teaching your kids the safe way to climb trees and how to properly make a paper kite will help provide hours of entertainment outdoors.