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Every year, as the warm days roll in, our homes become a hub of pure joy and excitement. It's that magical time when once-muddy meadows flourish with vibrant wildflowers, and we can spend hours playing outside with our littles ones.
But let's be honest; keeping our kids entertained during this extended break can be tough.
To help you beat the summer holiday burnout, we’ve curated a fantastic list of 10 things to do with kids at home that’ll make this summer extra special. Not only will these activities get your kids off the screens and out in the fresh air, but they are also a great way to create lasting memories as a family.
When Do the Summer Holidays Start in the UK?
Typically, the summer holidays kick off towards the end of July or early August, depending on the school term dates. This long-awaited break is usually six weeks long, with kids only returning to school in early September.
10 Super Fun & Affordable Summer Activities for Kids
Sure, if you have an endless budget, there are plenty of things to do in the summer holiday. But, if like us, you’re still recovering from the last school break, then maybe a staycation is just what your family needs. Here are 10 fun (and affordable) summer holiday activities you can do at home with the kids.
1. Picnic in the Park
Who can resist a picnic in the park? It's the perfect recipe for a fun day outdoors. Just grab your picnic basket and load it up with scrumptious goodies that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
And let's not forget the fun and games. Grab a frisbee or a ball and challenge your kids to a friendly match.
2. Hunt for Treasure
Unleash the inner pirates in your little ones with an epic treasure hunt. The excitement in their eyes as they follow clues and search for hidden trinkets is priceless!
Create a treasure map straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean with tea stains, and get creative with your clues, using secret hints only they would know. If you need some inspiration, check out National Geographic Kids’ step-by-step guide to creating a treasure map.
3. Make a Splash
When the summer heat becomes unbearable — and it will — bring out the waterworks! Set up a sprinkler, blow up an inflatable pool, and transform your garden or patio into their very own Waterworld.
If you don’t have space for a small blow-up pool, prepare water balloons instead and head outside for an epic battle that will leave everyone soaked and giggling. The dryest family member left standing wins!
4. Scavenger Hunt in Nature
The beauty of a nature walk lies in the simple pleasures around us. Encourage your little ones to observe the vibrant flora and listen to the melodies of chirping birds.
To make it even more exciting, embark on a scavenger hunt in your local park or backyard. Arm your children with a list of items to find, such as a colourful leaf, a pebble, or a feather, and watch as their enthusiasm grows with each discovery. This scavenger hunt is also a fantastic way to get them to connect with nature and nurture their sense of curiosity.
5. Beach Day Out
Escape to the coast for a day of sun, sand, and seaside bliss. After a long winter, there’s nothing better than packing your beach bags with all the essentials — towels, sunscreen, and plenty of tools to build a sandcastle — and enjoying a family beach day out.
Get your kids to build a towering sandcastle fit for royalty, collect seashells as precious treasures, and dip your toes into the cool, refreshing waves. For extra fun, bring a beach ball or a volleyball and team up for a game!
6. Camp in the Garden
Why venture far when you can create a camping ground right in your own backyard? Camping can be a fun way to spruce up an ordinary family night at home.
Simply pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and enjoy a night of stargazing and story-telling. To make it extra cosy, you can throw a dreamy slumber party for your kids and their best friends.
7. Movie Night Under the Stars
Take movie night to the next level by transforming your backyard into a magical cinema under the stars!
Choose a warm night, hang a white sheet, set up a projector, gather your comfiest blankets and cushions, and put on your favourite film. We promise this snug experience will become a regular summer holiday ritual both you and the kids will love.
8. Mini Sports Olympics
Ignite the competitive spirit in your family with a mini Olympics right at home. Transform your garden or local park into a sports arena filled with laughter and friendly rivalry.
Set up different sports stations where your little champions can showcase their skills. From relay and sack races to hula hoop contests and mini-golf, the options are endless.
For a special touch, you can crown your winners with medals and trophies, and let the spirit of friendly competition bring your family closer together.
9. Visit a Farm
Pack the kids in the car and visit a nearby farm for a day of rural adventure. Most farms have petting areas where children can experience the joy of feeding and petting animals. A farm visit is also a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about nature, farm life, and the importance of caring for animals.
10. Art Party Explosion
Let your kids' creative spirits soar with an outdoor art party. Set up an art station in your garden and watch their imaginations run wild.
Paintbrushes, canvases, and vibrant colours create a palette of endless possibilities. Encourage them to draw inspiration from nature by making leaf rubbings or pressing flowers.
If you don’t mind a bit of mess, fill water balloons with paint (acrylic is the easiest to wash off) and see who can create the best abstract masterpieces!
If you need extra space at home this summer holiday, Storage King is a trusted and leading self storage provider throughout the UK. To find out more about flexible self storage solutions, contact us at 0800 0852 954 or request a price online.
