School’s out and it’s time to get the family active. The holidays are the ideal time to try an array of activities – without stretching the family budget. Many sports clubs offer either single day or a series of taster sessions free, so there’s every reason to get involved. All the websites below have links to local clubs.

DIVING

This is a great way to make swimming even more fun. Highboard diving involves muscle control, which improves core strength. Lessons begin at the poolside, where you will learn some basic skills, such as swallow diving, before moving on to the boards. If you don’t like chlorine, try a saltwater pool or, on warmer days, escape to a lido or outdoor pool and enjoy the fresh air, high boards and water games. Discounted taster sessions for diving are on offer at pools nationwide.

Suitable for 13+

Cost The cost of the first lesson is usually deducted from the price of the course, if you decide to carry on. Lessons £10-£20 an hour.

Contact Find your local swimming pool at www.britishswimming.org ; 01509 618700 For more information on diving: British Diving Association; www.diving-gbdf.com

SAILING

Even wannabe pirates of the Caribbean have to start somewhere, so if your children have been lolloping around the house talking like Jack Sparrow for the past few weeks, give them a real taste of life on the ocean wave with a dinghy sailing session at your local club. Sailing is great for building confidence and provides a mental and physical challenge from the outset. It can be done alone or as a family, and picking up the basics is easy.

Suitable for 8+

Cost Free taster sessions available

Contact Royal Yachting Association; 0845 3450400; www.rya.org.uk Find your local club at www.uksail.com/clubs

SURFING

Balance, coordination and bags of patience are required to master the art of surfing, but the thrill of jumping to your feet on the board for the first time and riding a wave into the shore is an experience seldom bettered. Competent swimming is a prerequisite and endurance will improve as you progress. Paddling out also builds strong shoulders and arms. Check out your local centre for discounted sessions.

Suitable for 8+

Cost Discounted group sessions, with a mximum of ten people, £30

Contact www.nationalsurfingcentre.com, 01637 850737

GYMNASTICS

Tumbling, cartwheels and vaulting are great for working out excess energy. Gymnastics improves flexibility, strength, coordination and teaches self-discipline. Although Olympic-level gymnastics take years of practice to master, more simple moves are easy to learn in a day and can be practised at home.

Suitable for 4+

Cost From £6 an hour

Contact British Gymnastics; 0845 1297129; www.british-gymnastics.org

FISHING

One of the nation’s favourite sports, fishing is an accessible outdoor pursuit, and if you take to the lake in a rowing boat you’ll get a good upper-body workout, too. National Fishing Week starts today and provides a great opportunity to try the sport for the first time. During the week hundreds of clubs nationwide will be organising free events for the whole family. From casting off to hooking a maggot, you can learn the basics from a qualified licensed coach.

Suitable for 3+

Cost National Fishing Week events are free

Contact www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk

CANOEING AND KAYAKING

Whether paddling on a tranquil lake or bouncing down hair-raising rapids, canoeing and kayaking are fantastic family activities and are great for developing upper-body strength and building stomach muscles. It’s also easy to get started, with inexpensive taster sessions and lessons. Clubs often organise fun family activities and summer holidays for eager youngsters.

Suitable for 7+

Cost Taster sessions from £2.50

Contact British Canoe Union; 0845 3709500; www.bcu.org.uk

LAWN BOWLING

This game of skill helps to sharpen hand-eye coordination, boosts concentration levels and gets you out in the fresh air. With more than two million regular players in the UK, it’s certainly a sociable pastime. You have to be a member to play at most clubs, but there are many taster sessions on offer.

Suitable for 8+

Cost Free taster sessions

Contact bowlsengland.com , 01903 820222

CLIMBING

Not for the faint of heart, climbing provides excellent aerobic exercise and pulse-racing thrills. It’s also good for building muscle and strengthening the legs and arms. Climbing can be expensive, so check out your local indoor climbing wall for the chance to try it out before you commit to longer courses or brave the elements on an outdoor cliff face.

Suitable for 10+

Cost Starter sessions from £5

Contact British Mountaineering; www.thebmc.co.uk or www.UKClimbing.com

GOLF

It’s the most popular sport in the world, so forget any preconceptions of golf as the preserve of overweight businessmen. Playing 18 holes can often involve walking more than four miles, providing a gentle workout and giving you the chance to enjoy the surrounding countryside. It’s also suitable for young children. Lessons are essential before you take to the greens, but book a trial session first to make sure that it’s the sport for you.

Suitable for 5+

Cost Two to three hour tasters are free

Contact www.getintogolf.org

Prices indicated were the lowest prices found and vary between facilities. Make sure that the school or centre you choose is approved by the sport’s governing body

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