15 Fun Things To Do With Kids in the UK During the Summer Holidays

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Ah, the great British summer holiday. Six long weeks of school-free joy—at least for the kids! For parents, it can be a juggling act of planning, entertaining, and praying it doesn’t rain too much. But fear not—we’ve pulled together a list of engaging, memory-making activities to keep the kids happy and the stress levels low.

Whether you’re staying local or venturing further afield, here are 15 fantastic things to do with the kids this summer in the UK—plus a few of our top gear picks to make them even more fun.


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1. Go Rock Pooling on the Coast

Pack up a bucket, a net, and your best sense of adventure. From Cornwall’s rugged coastline to the quieter spots in Northumberland, the UK is bursting with tidal treasures. Our choice for a rock-pooling starter kit is lightweight, collapsible, and ideal for little hands.

2. Host a Garden Camping Night

No need to book a campsite—just pop up a tent in your garden. Let the kids stay up late watching the stars, roasting marshmallows, and telling ghost stories. Our choice for a family-friendly pop-up tent is waterproof, easy to pitch, and surprisingly spacious.

3. Visit a Historic Castle

The UK is dripping with history, and castles are the perfect blend of educational and exciting. Try Warwick Castle for jousting shows and birds of prey, or head to Caernarfon in Wales for a royal experience.

4. Backyard Water Fun

Turn your garden into a mini waterpark. A splash mat or inflatable water slide is hours of laughter and screams (the good kind). Our choice has multiple spray settings and is simple to attach to a garden hose.

5. Have a Nature Treasure Hunt

Print out a simple list—think pine cones, feathers, daisies—and set off to your local park or woodland. Our choice is a ready-made scavenger hunt set that includes reusable cards and a handy carrying pouch.

6. Take a Canal Boat Day Trip

The slower pace of a canal boat makes for a relaxing and novel day out. Look for family-friendly hire spots along the Kennet & Avon Canal or the Llangollen Canal.

7. Try a New Sport Together

Summer is a great time to learn something new. Whether it’s frisbee golf, paddleboarding, or even beginner archery, there are kits to help you get started. Our choice for kids’ paddleboards includes a safety leash and adjustable paddle.

8. Create a DIY Outdoor Cinema


9. Explore a Model Village

Miniature towns like Bekonscot (Buckinghamshire) or Babbacombe (Devon) offer delightful detail and plenty of child-sized magic.

10. Take a Trip on a Steam Train

From the Hogwarts Express-esque Jacobite in Scotland to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, steam trains make travel part of the adventure.

11. Go Bug Hunting

Arm your kids with a magnifying glass, insect jars, and an illustrated ID guide. Our choice comes with a bug viewer, tweezers, and a backpack to carry it all.

12. Build and Fly a Kite

Head to a breezy beach or wide-open park and let those kites soar. Our choice is vibrant, easy to assemble, and comes with a long tail for extra lift.

13. Get Crafty on a Rainy Day

Let’s be real—British summers are not known for endless sunshine. Stock up on a rainy-day craft box. Our choice is jam-packed with pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and glitter glue.

14. Visit an Interactive Museum

The Science Museum in London, Techniquest in Cardiff, or Dundee’s Science Centre offer hands-on experiments and child-friendly exhibits.

15. Start a Summer Nature Journal

Give each child a sketchbook to fill with pressed flowers, leaf rubbings, or simple observations. Our choice is eco-friendly and comes with coloured pencils to personalise.


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Make the Most of Summer

With a little imagination (and maybe a few clever buys), the summer holidays can be an incredible time to reconnect, explore, and play together. Whether you're building dens, learning something new, or simply soaking in the sunshine, there’s no shortage of magic to be found right on your doorstep.


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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we truly believe will add value to your family adventures.

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