Summer’s here, the school bags are packed away, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and the long-awaited holidays are finally in full swing. But if you’re wondering how to keep the kids busy for six whole weeks, then don’t worry – we’ve got a plethora of ideas to keep you busy.

Whether you’re searching for fun things to do in the summer holidays, ideas for all weathers or budget-friendly days out, our list of 50 things to do in the summer holidays is packed with inspiration.

From action-packed adventures to crafty afternoons and relaxing family time, there’s something here for every kind of kid and every kind of day.

 

1. Build A Garden Obstacle Course

Use cushions, boxes, ropes or hula hoops – a great way for kids to put their minds to the test and burn off energy right at home.

 

2. Create A Diy Ice Cream Bar

Let them build their own ice cream bar with sundaes, cones, sprinkles, fruit and syrup! Let them be creative and come up with different combinations to create the next best summer treat.

 

3. Go Fruit Picking

Find a pick-your-own farm near you and stock up on strawberries, raspberries or whatever’s in season. This is an ideal activity to get out in nature and stock up on seasonal favourites that you can use to create fruit salad, jams and pies!

 

4. Visit An Outdoor Splash Park Or Lido

Perfect for sunny days and often free – just don’t forget towels and spare clothes as nobody likes walking home dripping wet!

 

5. Host A Family Bake-Off

Cupcakes, cookies or no-bake treats – let the kids take charge (with help from the grown-ups!). Don’t forget the score cards!

 

6. Explore A Woodland Trail

Find a local nature reserve or forest walk and enjoy some screen-free time outdoors. Bonus points if you add in a nature scavenger hunt.

 

7. Fly A Kite

Put your kids to the test and get them to make their own kites with a range of different designs. Then, all you need is a windy field and a bit of patience for some simple, classic fun.

 

8. Do A Nature Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of leaves, bugs, feathers or stones and let them explore your local park, woodland or garden.

 

9. Have A Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Pack up lunch and head to the garden or park with their favourite soft toys to host a teddy bear's picnic.

 

10. Spend A Day At A Theme Park Or Fairground

From roller coasters to carousels, a day of thrills (and maybe a few sticky fingers) is always a hit with kids of all ages.

 

11. Visit A Trampoline Park

Let them bounce off some steam in a safe, padded indoor space, ideal for rainy days or cooling down out of the sun.

 

12. Visit An Indoor Climbing Centre

Great for adventurous kids, many centres offer beginner sessions and family-friendly climbs.

 

13. Explore A Local Museum

Many museums are free and offer hands-on exhibits just for kids, plus air conditioning to keep you cool on those sweaty days!

 

14. Set Up A Home Cinema

Blankets, popcorn and a good family film = easy entertainment and a cool afternoon.

 

15. Try Simple Science Experiments

Make a baking soda volcano or rainbow in a jar – fun and educational.

16. Visit Your Local Library

Many libraries offer free summer holiday kids' activities like crafts, treasure hunts and story time. Bonus that the adults can enjoy a good book while the kids are off playing.

 

17. Make A Time Capsule

Fill it with drawings, toys and notes about their favourite things that summer, and hide it away to open next year to see how things have changed in a year.

 

18. Go Rock Pooling

Head to the beach with nets and buckets and see what creatures you can find. Be sure to release these ocean critters back to their homes after!

 

19. Start A Summer Scrapbook

Stick in tickets, photos, drawings and memories from all your summer adventures that you can show your friends and family.

 

20. Create Chalk Art On The Pavement

Let them draw giant games, messages or masterpieces on the driveway that friends and neighbours can enjoy together.

 

21. Ride Bikes Or Scooters Around A Park

Great exercise and a change of scenery – ideal for energetic kids looking to burn off some energy and explore.

 

22. Visit a National Trust Park

Visit woodland trails, historic gardens and wild play areas. Many National Trust sites offer summer holiday trails, activities and picnic-perfect spots that are ideal for a full day of family fun outdoors.

 

23. Camp Out In The Garden For Stargazing

Set up a tent, toast marshmallows and enjoy a night under the stars and see if you can spot a UFO. (or a shooting star!)

 

24. Visit A Local Farm Or Petting Zoo

Get up close to goats, pigs, horses and more – some petting zoos even let kids feed the animals.

 

25. Build A Den Or Fort

Indoors or out, use blankets, boxes or branches for their own secret hideout.

 

26. Go Bowling

Cool, fun and packed with family-friendly features like lightweight balls and ramps. Bowling at Hollywood Bowl is the ultimate activity when you want to escape the sun and enjoy a little friendly competition.

 

27. Explore The Arcade

Try your hand at air hockey, claw machines or classic arcade games at one of Hollywood Bowl’s arcades – great for kids and grown-ups alike.

 

28. Play A Round Of Putt & Play

Putt & Play is available at selected Hollywood Bowl centres, offering colourful, creative mini golf challenges that the whole family will enjoy.

 

29. Try Augmented Reality Darts

A fun, interactive twist on the classic game of darts – virtual darts is perfect for older kids and tech lovers.

 

30. Book A Pottery Painting Session

Local activity centres often run special summer classes where kids can make and take home their creations.

 

31. Visit A Soft Play Centre

Especially great for little ones on a rainy day – and often with coffee for the grown-ups too.

 

32. Go To A Wildlife Park Or Safari Zoo

See lions, zebras and meerkats up close – many offer summer family events and talks to keep kids entertained and learning.

 

33. Paint And Hide Kindness Rocks

Write messages of encouragement or fun pictures and hide them in the community for people to find.

 

34. Try A Kids’ Escape Room Or Puzzle Trail

More and more centres offer age-appropriate puzzles that families can solve together. Try an escape room for something a little different.

 

35. Watch A Theatre Production

Outdoor or indoor, theatres are a fun way to introduce your kids to live entertainment.

 

36. Join A Local Kids’ Club Or Summer Camp

From football to dance, these half-day or full-day clubs help break up the week and build confidence.

 

37. Go Geocaching

A modern treasure hunt – use an app to find hidden geocaches in your area and log your discoveries.

 

38. Make Friendship Bracelets

A quiet, creative craft that they can wear all summer or gift to friends.

39. Take A Trip To A New Town

Pick a place you’ve never explored, pack snacks and enjoy the adventure together.

 

40. Make Your Own Pizzas

Kids love rolling out dough and choosing toppings – plus, it’s dinner sorted.

 

41. Visit A Local Waterpark

Pack swimsuits and sunscreen – these water play areas are a big hit with younger kids.

 

42. Host A BBQ Party To Celebrate The Summer Holidays

Music, snacks, garden games and a toast to all the fun you’ve had – and the memories made. Plus, the kids can keep themselves busy whilst the adults celebrate.

 

43. Visit A Butterfly House

Step into a tropical indoor garden filled with beautiful butterflies – a magical and educational experience for little ones.

 

44. Host A Mini Sports Day

Egg-and-spoon races, sack races and silly relays – don’t forget the medals!

 

45. Play A Game Of Tennis

Book a local court or play in the garden with rackets and soft balls, it’s great for coordination and competitive fun.

 

46. Go On A Scenic Train Ride

Hop on a heritage railway or countryside route and turn the journey into an adventure. Don’t forget to bring snacks and enjoy the route!

 

47. Start A Kids’ Book Club

Pick a fun summer read and invite friends to join in. You can meet weekly to chat about the story and do themed crafts or snacks.

 

48. Wash Neighbours’ Cars

Turn it into a mini business or just a kind gesture – buckets, sponges and lots of laughter guaranteed (plus maybe a few tips!).

 

49. Plan A Full Beach Day

Pack a picnic, bring toys, towels and sunscreen, and enjoy paddling, digging and relaxing by the sea, a summer classic. You can’t go wrong!

 

50. Go Camping

Whether you pitch a tent at a campsite or in your own back garden, camping brings a sense of adventure and freedom. Toast s'mores, tell stories by torchlight and fall asleep under the stars, no screens required!

 

Plan Ahead for a Fun-Filled Summer

So there you have it, 50 amazing summer holiday kids' activities to enjoy this year. From cheap things to do in the summer holidays to big days out and everything in between, this list should help fill your calendar with fun, laughter and maybe even a little learning.

 

And if you ever find yourself needing a guaranteed good time – whatever the weather – Hollywood Bowl is ready to welcome you. Looking for more ideas? Explore our blog for even more exciting activities near you.