A new survey suggests children are shunning sports and outdoor play because of safety fears. But there's no excuse for North East youngsters with dozens of summer playschemes and skills camps.
Thousands of children are taking part in summer schools and playschemes learning new skills and making new friends.
They are getting active with junior gym sessions, countryside trails, kickboxing and football sessions or signing up for longer courses to learn to ski, swim or climb.
There are also plenty of chances to get arty with drama workshops, circus activities or join environmental projects.
Many of the sessions are free or have very low charges.
Youngsters at Newcastle's Scotswood Play centre have been making dens, producing their own music and learning gardening skills.
Eleven-year-old Amy Hopkinson, from Benwell, said: "I come here to make new friends and play instead of being bored at home.
"I like the singstar. It is fun."
Nicole Coates, 10, from Scotswood, said "I like the play centre because it is full of achievement.
"We play all kinds of games and my friends are called Nikita, Monique, Katie, Becky, Chloe and Amber."
Kieran Thompson, 12, from Lemington, said: "We can choose what to do here in the free play sessions. That's my favourite time."
Centre staff have also arrange a series of trips to local attractions for the youngsters.
On Tuesday they visited the Blue Reef, in Tynemouth, with trips planned to Derwent Park and Benwell Nature Park and Morpeth Park.
Assistant manager Angie Newman said: "We're doing all kinds of fun activities.
"We're going to make a herb garden in the grounds and we're going to make kites and fly them.
"The children choose what they want to do. It's up to them and their imaginations.
"They love playing with the soft play equipment because there are little dens inside where they can hide.
"The singstar machine is really popular too. They compete against each other singing pop tunes, which helps their reading without them realising it."
The Children's Society survey found children thought provision of play spaces was poor, the outdoor world is unsafe and they would rather stay indoors.
In April, a Department of Health report detailed increasing obesity among young people, including children aged under 10-years-old.
Don Irving, head of Newcastle City Council's Play and Youth Service, said: "The programme has been put together to ensure there is something for everyone.
"There are a mix of fun activities alongside sessions which will help young people learn new skills and take an interest in a range of topics such as our environmental themed events, under the guidance of our trained play and youth workers."
Coun John McElroy, Gateshead Council's member for culture, said: "Keeping active can be beneficial to both the physical and mental well-being of young people and if started at an early age, it can be a habit that is carried on throughout life.
"In Gateshead we have made a commitment to ensure all youngsters have the opportunity to take part in regular exercise and we are continually looking for new and innovative ways to do this.
"The summer programme is packed with an extensive range of fun activities and events to suit all ages and abilities and offers young people the chance to take up a new hobby, meet new people or learn about their local countryside."
Northumberland