Let’s be honest, the summer holidays are brilliant, if the sun is out, right?, But they can be long and really expensive if you are not careful. Keeping the kids entertained every day without turning to soft play or endless cinema trips takes some creativity and a decent snack stash.
If you are trying to make this summer fun without spending a fortune, I’ve pulled together a list of free things to do with kids, tried, tested and guaranteed to keep them busy (at least for a bit!).
Nature treasure hunt
Grab a bag and head to your local park, woods, or even the back garden. Make a list: a feather, a smooth stone, something yellow, something spiky. You will be amazed at how long it keeps them busy.
Picnic in the park
Nothing beats some picky bits in the park after playing. Pack a blanket, the little one's favourite party food, and spend the afternoon having dinner in the park. We have so many picnics over summer and they are the best!
Messy art (outside, obviously)
Chalk, paintbrushes and water, or even just a big roll of paper and let them go wild. The clean-up is so much easier when it’s all happening outside. We have had our tuff tray for years and it makes messy play an absolute breeze. There are so many fun and easy tuff tray ideas you can do this summer.
Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge
Your local library probably runs this every year; ours does. It is totally free, and the kids get little rewards for every book they read. We love reading in this house, and it's great for quiet time in the evenings too.
Bike or scooter adventure
Find a local trail, nature reserve, or even just a quiet road and get the bikes and scooters out. This summer it is our mission to teach Nila how to ride her bike, watch this space :)
Crafts and colour
Nothing quite like sticking the kettle on and having a craft session with a cup of tea. We love colouring in, and can make a whole afternoon getting our own out and coming up with something creative. A great one for the rainy days we have in the UK over summer.
Visit an animal shelter or a free petting day
Keep an eye out for animal rescue open days or free farms you can go to this summer. We have a few close to us in Staffordshire, and it makes a lovely unplanned day out.
Movie night
Cup of tea and biscuits, and your favourite family movie. Who doesn't love a movie night?. Enjoy the treats you baked and even make a den to snuggle up in whilst the film is on.
Water play
Tuff tray is great for water play, but if you dont have one, then grab a bucket, cups, sponges, and maybe a washing-up bowl, that’s your DIY splash park sorted. Kids love water, even if it’s freezing!.
Go for a local wander
You don’t need a big hike, if you know my girls, they hate walking for fun, just find a footpath or trail near you, bring a snack, it helps!, and get out for half an hour.
Bake
Use what you’ve got in the kitchen, I bet you have all the ingredients already to make jam tarts or even 2-ingredient bagels.
Kitchen disco
Lights off, music up and dance!. Bonus points for glow sticks or lights. We do this all the time, and it is so much fun.
DIY obstacle course
THE FLOOR IS LAVA!!!!!. Cushions to jump on, chairs to crawl under, a laundry basket to throw socks into, and you’ve got yourself a free home Ninja Warrior.
Nature crafts
Collect leaves, twigs and stones, and turn them into art. Think leaf animals, stick people or nature collages. It’s crafty and outdoorsy, and we have so many screenshot ideas for this!
Educational YouTube that doesn’t suck
Channels like Cosmic Kids Yoga, Art for Kids Hub or SciShow Kids are great for rainy days and also brilliant for any work-at-home parents that need half an hour to get their emails done :)
Museums or galleries
Loads of museums are free. Some even have kids’ activity trails or dress-up boxes. Worth checking local listings or searching for free museums or galleries near you.
Fly a kite
Simple and very satisfying when it actually works. Head to a field and let them run wild. We have had a kite for so many years and haven't flown one in such a long time, so this will definitely be on our summer bucket list.
Beach day
If you live close to the beach or close enough for a beach day, then do it!. Hop in the car or on the train with some packed lunches and have a beach day. The children will remember this forever, and I can guarantee you it'll be one of the best days they have this summer.
Make a summer scrapbook
Print some photos, collect leaves, draw pictures and let the kids make their own summer memory book. It will be lovely to make memories and also to look back on.
Play dates
Get out with friends. Children miss their friends during the summer. Get on a park play date with some of them, or invite them round for a coffee and a chat, the kiddies can play whilst you parents also get some human interaction!.
If you have any free activities that I have missed, pop them in the comments :)
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