Top Free Activities For Kids In The Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are almost here! The sun is peeking out for longer, the days are warm, and the kids are about to be bouncing off the walls with pent-up energy. But what to do?  Theme parks, trips to the cinema and fancy days out can quickly drain the bank account. Fear not, fellow parents (and anyone looking for budget-friendly fun)! This blog is your one-stop shop for amazing, completely free activities to keep you and your crew entertained throughout the long summer break.

We’ll be exploring a range of tried and tested ideas, from arty adventures at home to exciting explorations in the great outdoors. Whether you’ve got a tiny toddler or a teenager yearning for independence, we’ve got something to spark everyone’s imagination.  So pack a picnic basket, dig out those bikes, and get ready to make some magical memories this summer, all without breaking the bank! Here are our top FREE activities for the school holidays that are fun for the whole family.

1. Map reading

Unfold a whole new world of exploration with map-reading activities!  Turn your neighbourhood into a treasure trove by creating a simple map with landmarks like the swing set or the big oak tree.  Hide small trinkets and have your little explorers use the map and a compass (or improvise with a spoon and a magnet!) to navigate their way to the loot.   This not only builds map skills but also teaches compass basics and gets them thinking strategically – all while having a blast on a pirate-worthy adventure! 

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2. Go on a Penny hike.

Looking for a fun and unpredictable way to explore your surroundings with the kids?  Lace-up your shoes and embark on a penny hike!  This is a simple yet engaging adventure that lets your little ones take the lead.  All you need is a penny – heads mean one way, tails mean the other.  At every fork in the path, toss the coin and let it decide your direction.  This element of surprise keeps the hike exciting, and you never know where your penny might guide you!  Be sure to keep an eye out for interesting sights and natural treasures along the way – you might just discover a hidden gem in your own neighbourhood. 

3. Scavenger Hunt.

Scavenger hunts are a fantastic way to turn everyday walks or playtime into an epic adventure!  They get kids moving, using their observation skills, and working together to solve riddles or find hidden items. You can tailor the hunt to any location, from your own backyard to a local park.  The best part?  There’s no prep work needed for a basic hunt – just whip up a list and watch the fun unfold!. It could be in your home, your garden, the park, your neighbourhood, wherever you fancy. You could even theme it such as rainbow, nature, starting with the first letter of the child’s name, etc.

4. Rainbow Walk.

With the school holidays stretching out before you, why not inject some vibrant and free fun into your daily walks with a ‘rainbow walk’?  Pick a day and challenge the kids to spot all the colours of the rainbow on your walk!  From the fiery red of a post box to the calming blue of the sky, encourage them to be super observant.  Award points for each colour found, or have them collect small natural objects – a red leaf, a yellow dandelion – to create their own rainbow treasure back home. This colourful adventure turns any walk into a mini-quest, keeping little eyes peeled and adding a touch of magic to your everyday routine.

5. Alphabet Walk.

Transform your next walk into a learning expedition with an alphabet adventure! Head to your local park or explore a new neighborhood with your little ones on the hunt for letters hiding in plain sight.  They could be carved into a park bench (“B”), formed by a cloud shape (“C”), or written on a shop sign (“S”).  Turn it into a game: shout out the letter they find first, or have them collect interesting objects that represent each letter – a feathery seed for “F” or a bumpy rock for “R”.  You could eve look at things like street signs or numberplates to find the letters This engaging walk strengthens letter recognition while making learning a fun, interactive experience that blends seamlessly with the joy of exploration. 

6. Be kind to your neighbours.

Being kind to your neighbours doesn’t require grand gestures, but small acts of thoughtfulness can make a big difference!  Kids can be amazing kindness ambassadors.  A simple hello and a smile can brighten someone’s day.  Offer to help with small tasks – maybe carrying groceries or taking in the mail, mMake something for the local care home residents or an elderly neighbour such as a picture or a storybook. Walk past the care home and wave to the residents and staff that you see. Contact them and ask if you can send a card or letter to the residents..  Leave a homemade card or picture for a neighbour who seems down.  Even including a neighbour’s child in your pavement game can foster friendship and build a sense of community.  By showing kindness to those around them, children learn valuable lessons about empathy and the joy of making others happy.

7. Go on an animal safari.

No need for expensive plane tickets! Transform your local park or nature reserve into an exciting animal safari for your little explorers.  Grab some binoculars (or toilet paper rolls decorated with construction paper!) and head out on an adventure.  See if you can spot squirrels gathering nuts, listen to the chirps of different bird species, or watch for butterflies flitting through the flowers.  Turn it into a game – create a checklist of local wildlife and tick them off as you spot them. You can even research the animals you find beforehand, learning fun facts about their habitats and behaviours.  This backyard safari fosters a love for nature, builds observation skills, and ignites a sense of wonder in the animal world right on your doorstep.

8. Take the dog for a walk.

Even if your family doesn’t have a furry friend of its own, you can still experience the joy of walking a dog with your kids!  Ask a friend or neighbour if their pooch would be up for a shared adventure.  This can be a win-win  – your children get to bond with a playful companion, and the dog gets some extra exercise and social interaction.  Remember, always check with the owner first to ensure their dog is comfortable with children and leash-trained for a safe and enjoyable walk for everyone.

9. Say thank you.

Make thank you cards for school staff. Think about all the people involved in your child’s school life: teacher, TA, crossing patrol, before/after school club leaders, trainee teachers, office staff, catering staff, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, governors, PTA, etc. All these people work hard, some on a voluntary or low-paid basis, to enrich your child’s life. Why not make a card or write a note to thank them for their kindness and dedication? It will mean even more to know your child has been thinking of them during the holidays!

10. Messy play!

The school holidays are a time to loosen the reins a bit, and messy play is a fantastic way to embrace that freedom!  Dig out the shaving cream, whip up some homemade finger paint, or set up a mud pie kitchen in the garden.  Embrace the sensory fun – squishing, pouring, and mixing all spark curiosity and exploration.   Let imaginations run wild as kids create masterpieces (or mud monsters!), all while developing fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect. Don’t worry about the mess – a little clean-up is a small price to pay for the hours of creative joy and lasting memories you’ll create together. Kids of all ages love a bit of messy play, if you do it in the garden then it’s even easier to tidy up! You could use your paddling pool, a washing-up bowl or a tuff tray from your local hardware store to put your things in. Our favourites are shaving foam, cornflour and water, value ice cream or water beads.

11. Build a den.

Dens aren’t just for rainy days! They’re a magical world of imagination waiting to be built. Gather your little architects and transform your living room into a cosy hideaway. Drape blankets over chairs or clotheslines, creating a secret tunnel or a majestic castle. Stuff pillows and cushions for a comfy floor, and string up fairy lights for a touch of starry wonder. Let the kids loose with decorating – blankets, sheets, and colorful scarves become flowing curtains or a pirate’s treasure sail. Building a den is more than just construction; it’s a bonding experience that fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and hours of imaginative play within your own walls. Once the den is built, you could have a picnic in it, watch a movie, or read a book. Whatever you do, your children will love doing it with you.

12. Water painting.

Forget the mess of paintbrushes and palettes! “Painting” with water is a delightful free summer activity that lets your kids unleash their creativity without the worry of spills or stains.  All you need is a sunny day and some surfaces thirsty for a drink.  Fill spray bottles with water and watch them transform the driveway or patio into a giant canvas.  Sidewalks become magical rivers, fences bloom with watercolor flowers, and even the car (with permission, of course!) can be adorned with temporary, shimmering designs.  The best part?  The sunshine acts as your eraser, making way for a fresh masterpiece as soon as the water dries. It’s a sensory experience that combines artistic expression with the joy of water play, perfect for keeping cool and creative on a hot summer day.

13. Shadow drawing.

Turn your backyard into a free art studio with the magic of shadows!  On a sunny day, grab some paper, pencils, and a sense of silliness.  Let your children become the stars of their own shadow show, stretching and twisting their bodies into fantastical shapes on a sheet of paper.  Trace the outlines of their playful silhouettes, capturing everything from a leaping dinosaur to a majestic butterfly.  Once the shadows are captured, the fun continues! Encourage them to add details and flourishes – maybe a mane on their lion shadow or spots on their giraffe.  Shadow drawing is a delightful blend of art and science, teaching kids about light and perspective while sparking their imaginations and keeping them active on a sunny afternoon.

14. Make an assault course.

Gather up various household objects and get your children to create an obstacle course around the garden. They’ll have just as much fun creating it as they will doing it. Once they’ve had a few attempts at completing it, start timing them so they can see if they can beat themselves.

We did this with free things we had at home like some polystyrene packaging to jump over, a blanket to crawl under, a ball to dribble, hula hoops to jump through, the trampoline to do star jumps on, garden canes to mark the running track and a chicane to go through, a skipping rope to jump with, and scooters to ride to the finish line.

If you have a trampoline as many families do, Issy from A Suffolk Mum has some great ideas for trampoline games to play.

15. Have a board game day.

Board games offer a treasure trove of benefits wrapped up in a fun, free family-friendly activity.  Gather your crew around the table and dive into a world of strategy, chance, and laughter.  Not only do board games provide a welcome break from screens, but they also nurture valuable skills in children.  Taking turns fosters patience and sportsmanship while following game rules teaches valuable lessons about following instructions and respecting boundaries.  The element of competition can ignite strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, while cooperative games encourage teamwork and communication.  Board games are more than just entertainment; they’re a chance to connect, create lasting memories, and learn valuable life lessons, all rolled into one! You could even go one step further and challenge your children to create their own board game!

16. Head to your local library.

The library is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, especially during the summer holidays!  Take a break from the heat and immerse yourselves in a world of stories. Libraries offer a cool, calm space for children to lose themselves in captivating adventures or delve into fascinating facts.  Many libraries also host special free events and activities throughout the summer, perfect for keeping young minds engaged.  Don’t forget to check out the Summer Reading Challenge, a national program designed to encourage children to keep reading throughout the holidays. With themed activities, rewards, and the chance to win prizes, the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to make the library your home away from home this summer!

17. Go for a bike ride.

Sun-drenched days and empty streets are a match made in cycling heaven during the school summer holidays. Dust off those bikes and get ready for some pedal-powered adventures with your kids! Explore hidden corners of your local area that you might miss in a car, feeling the wind in your hair and the freedom of two wheels. Plan a picnic lunch destination – a shady park, a local lake, or even an ice cream stand – for a mini-adventure with a delicious reward. Bike riding is a great way and a free way to keep everyone active and engaged, burning off energy, spending quality time together and building happy memories that will last long after the summer sun fades.

18. Visit a local museum.

School holidays don’t have to mean breaking the bank! Explore the hidden gems in your own town by visiting local museums with your children. Many museums offer free entry, especially on specific days, making for a budget-friendly and enriching adventure.  Look for museums with interactive exhibits that bring history and science to life.  Imagine your little paleontologists digging for dinosaur bones in a simulated dig pit, or budding artists getting creative in a dedicated art space.  Interactive exhibits not only keep children engaged but also spark curiosity and ignite a passion for learning.  So, pack a sense of adventure and head to your local museum – you might just be surprised by the educational fun waiting to be discovered!

19. Make a time capsule.

Dive into a project that’s fun, free and educational with your kids – creating a time capsule! It’s a fantastic way to capture a snapshot of the present for them (or future generations) to discover in years to come. Gather some interesting trinkets – a favourite toy, a current newspaper clipping, a photo of a special family member, or a handwritten note about their hopes and dreams.  Let them decorate a container that can withstand the test of time – a waterproof box or a decorated metal tin.  Work together to write a letter explaining the contents and the year it was created.  The anticipation of what the future holds will spark their imaginations, and burying (or hiding) the capsule becomes a little time travel ceremony of its own.  Making a time capsule is a unique way to connect the present to the future, fostering curiosity and leaving a lasting legacy for them to discover someday.

20. Go on a bug hunt.

Transform your backyard or local park into a mini-safari with a thrilling bug hunt! Grab magnifying glasses, bug catchers (make your own free ones with recycled containers), and a healthy dose of curiosity.  Become insect detectives, peeking under rocks and logs to discover the fascinating world of creepy crawlies.  Will you find a ladybug munching on aphids, a speedy millipede wiggling through the soil, or a dazzling butterfly flitting between flowers?  Turn it into a learning experience by creating a bug identification sheet beforehand, or simply marvel at the unique shapes, sizes, and colours of the minibeasts you encounter. Remember to handle all creatures gently and release them back into their homes after your exploration.  A bug hunt is a fantastic way to get kids outdoors, ignite their curiosity about the natural world, and create memories that will bug-ify their summer in the best way possible!

21. Make salt dough.

Making salt dough is a fun and free way to unleash your child’s inner artist and create homemade keepsakes. It only requires a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand: flour, salt, and water.  Mix them together to create a soft, pliable dough that’s easy for little hands to mould and shape.  The possibilities are endless!  Roll it out and use cookie cutters to create seasonal ornaments, sculpt figurines of their favourite animals, or even design unique jewellery.  Once their masterpieces are formed, simply bake them at a low temperature until hardened.  Let them cool completely, and then comes the best part – decorating!  Paint them with vibrant colours, add glitter for extra sparkle, or incorporate small trinkets for personalized touches.  Salt dough creations are perfect for gift-giving, home décor, or simply a memento of a fun-filled crafting session. Don’t forget to check out our easy salt dough recipe here.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, if you are looking for more outdoor ideas to get your children outside and active, have a read of Twins, Tantrums & Coffee’s post all about making your garden fun for children or Steph Loves Honey’s 5 Free Things To Do This Weekend.

As you can see, the summer holidays don’t have to be an expensive blur of theme parks and pre-planned activities. With a little creativity and a sense of adventure, you can create lasting memories with your children without breaking the bank. So, ditch the screens, dust off your bikes, and get ready to explore the world around you!  From building dens in the living room to embarking on backyard bug hunts, the possibilities for free summer fun are endless.  We hope this blog has sparked your imagination and provided you with a treasure trove of free ideas to keep your little ones entertained throughout the long break.  Happy exploring!