FOR parents struggling to think of new ways to keep their little ones busy during lockdown, we've rounded up a few budget-friendly ideas.

Sure you can't go outside too much, and you don't really want to spend a fortune either, but that doesn't mean there aren't things your kids will ACTUALLY enjoy.

1. Have an indoor picnic

This age-old classic tactic from parents looking for peace will (hopefully) keep your little ones occupied for a while over. All you need is a blanket, and their lunch.

This conveniently avoids pesky ants or sunburns, and can even make a good base to play some board games and watch a movie afterwards.

2. Video call their friends on your phone

It goes without saying that it's important to let your kids socialise, although this may at first prove tricky when stuck indoors.

However, with the magic of technology, it means that with a little preparation and timing your children can still see their friends.

Apple phones have built-in FaceTime, but most online gadgets with a camera will have access to free apps such as Skype. Just download the app and let the fun commence.

ALSO READ: Reading and Bracknell readers send in their messages of thanks to key workers during the coronavirus pandemic

3. Host a fashion show

Another great way of keeping your little ones entertained. Make a room dark, whack a spotlight on, and give them half an hour to choose three outfits.

If you feel like embarrassing them in the future, take photos of what they come out wearing. Lots of photos.

4. Online PE classes

Tiring your children out is not only great at keeping them from staring at whatever technology they have all day, but it's also a great way to keep them healthy.

There are literally hundreds of videos of people finding new ways of making exercise fun to children on the internet - have a look on YouTube and see what you can find.

ALSO READ: Winnersh PE teacher keeps primary students healthy over YouTube

5. Pass the drawing

Many readers will remember playing this as a child, and will have just forgotten about this creative game.

All you need is a pen and paper, maybe colouring pens/pencils if you're feeling a bit extra. Fold a page over as many times as there are players (e.g. if there's three players fold the page three times over itself).

Give each player a section to draw of a character - common set-up is head, body, waist, legs, feet. The first player has 30 seconds unfold the top of the page, draw the head, and fold the page back over to hide their drawing.

Repeat the process with each player, until the 'mystery character' is fully drawn. Finally, reveal what strange looking picture you've collectively drawn from your combined imaginations.

6. Make a movie on your phone

Again, using a smartphone as a tool, you can create endless creative possibilities for your children. Let your children use your phone to film a story they have made using their toys (dolls or LEGO work best).

Once you've finished, send it to friends and family and see if they can get their little ones to do the same.

ALSO READ: Reading residents still out and about unnecessarily, police say

7. Walk, bicycle or garden where you can

Now, of course government advice is to stay at home, but even the authorities realise that children and adults alike need to head out to exercise.

If you have a garden, use it. Get the kids to run around outside for a while, explore nature and all its creepy crawlies, or maybe even teach them some gardening or to ride a bike.

If you don't have a garden, current government advice states you can only leave home for essential reasons -including "one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household".

You can leave the house with your children, just make sure they keep to the rules of keeping 6ft apart from anyone else.

For more information on what the government says on how you can exercise outside your home, click here.