40 Summer Holiday Ideas (from our members!)
Tuesday 22nd Jul, 2025
40 Summer Holiday Ideas (from our members!)
When the school holidays roll around, it can be tricky to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank. So, last year, we asked our members to share their favourite things to do over the holiday break - and they delivered!
From low-cost days out to family time at home, here are 40 brilliant ideas to make the most of the school holidays. There’s something for everyone!
Outdoor Activities
- BBQ
Outdoor cooking with the help of your little ones (where safe!).
- Beach / seaside days
Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea - swimming, building sandcastles, eating ice cream, or simply soaking it all in.
- Camping
Whether you’re at a campsite or in the back garden, it can feel like a real adventure.
- Cycling
Explore local bike paths at your own pace.
- Den building
Create a fun hideaway or fort using blankets and cushions - indoors or outdoors!
- Explore woods
Discover nearby forests and nature trails - you could even go bug spotting!
- Farms
Visit a farm to interact with the animals and learn about rural life.
- Football or Rugby
Kick (or throw) a ball around for some active outdoor fun.
- Garden games
From chalk drawings to giant Jenga, there are plenty of fun games to try.
- Growing fruit and veg
Learn about gardening and growing your own food.
- Ice cream trips
Whether it’s from a van, shop, or local gelato - it’s all delicious!
- National Trust days
Explore historical sites, gardens, and landmarks.
- Outdoor play areas
Let the kids burn off energy on the slides, swings, and more.
- Paddling pool
Set up the pool for a cooling way to enjoy sunny days.
- Parks
Visit local parks for casual walks or a good run around in open green space.
- Picnics
Pack sandwiches and snacks for a meal in the great outdoors.
- Puddle jumping
Raining? No problem! With a good pair of wellies, nothing can stop a carefree splash around.
- Scooter rides
Ride around the neighbourhood or through parks for some breezy fun.
- Strawberry picking
Head out to a farm and pick your own fresh (and hopefully juicy) strawberries.
- Swimming
Make a splash at the pool, beach, or water park.
- Theme park
Experience a day packed with thrills and excitement.
- Trampolining
Visit a trampoline park for bouncy fun and great exercise.
- Treasure hunt
Create a map and clues for the kids to search for hidden ‘treasure’ in the garden, park, or around the house.
- Walks
You can get a lot out of a simple walk - including exploring and appreciating wildlife and nature, whether locally, in the countryside, or by the riverside.
Indoor Fun
- Arts & Crafts
Get creative with colouring, painting, or making things from scrap materials like cardboard.
- Baking
Whether from scratch or a packet mix, tasty treats always go down well - and it’s a great way to build skills together.
- Board games
Challenge each other with classic games or a simple deck of cards.
- Bowling
A great option for competitive fun or a laid-back day out.
- Cinema
Sit back and unwind while watching the latest films on the big screen (popcorn optional!).
- Competitions
Keep an eye out for competitions - they’re usually fun to enter, and winning is a bonus!
- Indoor climbing
For families looking for a challenge and some great exercise, visit an indoor rock-climbing facility.
- Scrapbooking
Collect your holiday memories in one place - add photos, notes, tickets, and other mementos.
- Soft play
Ideal for younger children and perfect for days when the weather isn’t looking too good.
Everything Else!
- Caravan break
Enjoy a getaway with a mix of outdoor adventure and fresh air.
- Coach day trips
Let someone else do the driving.
- Car boot & jumble sales
Set up a stall to clear out old toys, or hunt for a bargain at a local car boot sale.
- Family and friends meet-ups
A simple idea, but one of the best - organise a catch-up and spend some quality time together.
- Shopping trips
It doesn’t have to be expensive - even a small treat with their pocket money can make it feel special.
- Summer classes
Some children enjoy attending classes for a mix of learning and play through structured activities.
- Train rides
Taking a train ride can be fun and exciting - and you don’t need to go far. Relax while taking in the scenery.
Got any more ideas to share?
This list was built from your ideas - and we’d love to keep it growing! If you can think of anything else we could add next year, please let us know.
MJ 22.7.2025
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