Summer is in full swing and as the long, warm days turn into weeks it can be tough to come up with new activities to keep kids entertained. And that's before we even consider the financial impact of summer fun: in our survey of parents in the UK we found that 51% of respondents were having to rethink their summer plans this year due to the rising cost of living and 22% will feel guilty if they haven’t organised enough activities.
Whatever your summer plan preference, if you’re looking for inspiration to make the most of the lighter, brighter months, you’ve come to the right place.
Enjoying the outdoors
Explore nature's wonders: Embark on adventures in the great outdoors. Visit local parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens where they can marvel at the beauty of nature, spot wildlife, and enjoy picnics in scenic surroundings.
Plan a beach day: Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing under the sun. Enjoy swimming in the ocean, collecting seashells, and indulging in beachside picnics.
Go on a bike ride: Go on a bike ride through local trails or explore scenic routes in your area. Cycling not only provides exercise but also allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy quality time together.
Organize a family hike: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a family hike. Discover nearby trails, national parks, or nature reserves and enjoy the stunning views, fresh air, and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Have a camping adventure: Plan a camping trip with your kids and embrace the great outdoors. Whether it's pitching a tent in a nearby campground or setting up a makeshift campsite in your backyard, you can take the chance to stargaze, tell stories around a campfire, and enjoy s'mores.
Indoor entertainment:
Visit science centers and museums: Explore interactive exhibits and engage in hands-on learning at science centers and museums. These venues often have displays covering a wide range of subjects, from space exploration and technology to history and art. Look out for free local summer activities at nearby museums and exhibitions for a fun filled (and educational) way to spend a summer’s day.
Attend live performances and shows: Treat your kids to the magic of live performances by attending theater shows, musicals, or concerts. Check local listings for family-friendly performances, including puppet shows, ballets, or children's theater productions.
Get creative with arts and crafts: Set up an indoor craft station where your kids can unleash their creativity. Don’t forget to look up local craft activities in your community too. Engage in activities like painting, drawing, making collages, or crafting with recycled materials. You might just be rewarded with a masterpiece to share in the refrigerator.
Have a movie or game night: Set up a cozy movie night or gather around for a family game session. Choose age-appropriate movies or enjoy classic family-friendly games that promote laughter, friendly competition, and quality bonding time.
Visit indoor play centers or trampoline parks: On days when outdoor activities are limited (in the UK, that means rainy days!), indoor play centers or trampoline parks are a great option. These venues offer a range of activities such as climbing structures, inflatable bounce houses, and trampolines, providing active playtime for your kids.
Our summer survey results
We asked 1,000 UK parents of children aged 4-16 how they feel about this summer. Our research found that:
51% are having to rethink summer plans due to rising cost of living
30% have concerns about how much screen time their children will be exposed to
22% will feel guilty if they haven’t organised enough activities
31% are taking more time off work this summer to look after their kids
A quarter (24%) of parents said paid for activities for their kids are more expensive this year
A quarter (25%) of parents said they expect to spend more on entertaining their kids this summer
Nearly half (43%) of parents said they were finding it difficult to find good value experiences for their child over the summer
38% of parents said they were less likely to go abroad now than 5 years ago
Learning and discovery activities:
Enroll in summer camps or workshops: Explore the wide range of summer camps or workshops available in your area. Look up local groups and forums to find free options in your area. These programs often cater to various interests such as sports, arts, science, or technology, allowing your children to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun.
Visit the local library: Show kids the beauty of your local library and the joy of choosing an exciting new book. Take advantage of your local library's summer programs, including storytelling sessions, craft workshops, or book clubs.
Discover local history and landmarks: Do some research and embark on educational outings to historical sites, landmarks, or museums that showcase the heritage of your region. Learn about local history, traditions, and the contributions of notable figures. You might be surprised how many exciting and inspiring activities there are in your local area.
Attend workshops or classes: Check out community centers or local organizations that offer workshops or classes for kids during the summer. These may include art classes, sports clinics, music lessons, or cooking workshops, allowing your children to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Thrill-Seeking Adventures:
Try adventure sports: If you have little daredevils in your family, engaging in treetop adventures together could be a perfect option. Outdoor adventure experiences like Go Ape give you the chance to feel the adrenaline rush with zip-lining and forest escapes. Meanwhile rock climbing at indoor climbing gyms can challenge your agility. Look for places that offer different difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit amusement and theme parks: Take your family on a thrilling adventure to an amusement or theme park. Enjoy a day of exhilarating rides, roller coasters, and entertainment that will get everyone's hearts racing. While these parks typically have admission fees, the sheer excitement and joy they offer are incomparable.
Go kart racing: Channel your family's need for speed by visiting a go-kart racing track. Race against each other or the clock as you navigate tight corners and feel the thrill of speed. Many tracks offer different options for younger and older children, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for all.
Exploring Local Activities:
Attend community events: Check your local community calendar for events happening during the summer months. Look for festivals, fairs, parades, or outdoor concerts taking place in your area. These events often offer free or low-cost entertainment, showcasing local talent, music, art, and food.
Visit farmers' markets: Take your kids to a nearby farmers' market and let them experience the vibrant atmosphere while supporting local farmers and artisans. Explore stalls selling fresh produce, homemade treats, and unique crafts. Some markets even offer live music or children's activities.
Discover local parks and playgrounds: Explore the parks and playgrounds in your community. Visit different ones throughout the summer to add variety to your outdoor adventures. Pack a picnic, bring along outdoor games, and let your kids make new friends while enjoying the local recreational spaces.
Check out local sports events: Keep an eye out for local sports events, such as baseball games, soccer matches, or swimming competitions. Support your local teams and get a buzz from all the excitement.
Support local businesses: Discover and support local businesses in your area. Visit independent bookstores, toy stores, or ice cream parlors. Engage in conversations with shop owners and learn more about the community while enjoying unique products and experiences.
Attend workshops and classes: Look out for opportunities to participate in free art workshops, cooking classes, gardening sessions, or music lessons. These activities provide a chance to learn new skills and connect with other children in your community.
And there you have it, hopefully this has given you some ideas for keeping your children happy and entertained all through summer. Whether you’re looking for free fun days, paid activities or a mix of both, it’s hard to find services that offer true quality experiences, so don’t forget to do your own research and search for reviews on Trustpilot to read real reviews by real families and be confident you’ve experiences you can trust.
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