'Let's go fly a kite...up to the highest height'

This invitation may conjure up memories of Mary Poppins for some but for my two sons this summer it has been a frequently heard summons due to the wonderful windy conditions outdoors.

So if you are finding there is a need for something to encourage the children outdoors this summer holiday how about  a spot of kite flying. We have a simple, two string kite that we have had for a couple of years that is so much fun to fly. With two strings, the boys love experimenting with different tricks and if it is sitting in the right position, the kite can be launched with just a tug on the strings - a feature I appreciate as I always seemed to be the one running out to throw it back up into the air!

If you would like an extra challenge how about building your own kite. I found some great designs and instructions on The Kite Society website. From a simple 'Light Kite ' to a more complicated 'Hornet Stunter' there is a wide selection to choose from. 

And  while on the subject of kites did you know that....

The smallest kite in the world which actually flies is 5mm high.

The largest number of kites flown on a single line is 11,284, this record is held by a Japanese kite maker.The longest kite in the world is 1034 metres (3394 ft).

The largest kite in the world is the Megabite 55 x 22 metres (630sq metres). 

The fastest recorded speed of a kite is over 120 mph. (193 km/h).

The record for the highest single kite flown is 3801 metres (12,471ft).

for a train of kites 9740 metres (31,955 ft).

The world record for the longest 'kite fly' is 180 hours.

For my boys, kite flying this summer wins the prize for 'best outdoor fun to be had on a windy day' !