If you're wondering how on earth you're going to fill the seemingly never-ending Summer holidays, you're not alone. Once you've done all the typical (and expensive) days out, you can keep things simple with these free ideas to keep the family entertained through those long, hot, Summer days. Check out dozens of ideas to amuse kids of different ages, organised into 11 categories to suit all interests, including sport, nature, craft, music, food, and more. From making slime [1] to homemade ice lollies [2], prepare for your best (and cheapest!) Summer with the kids yet.
Outdoor Adventures
Camp out in your garden.
Build a den outside.
Play in a sprinkler or paddling pool.
Go on a bike ride.
Fly a kite.
Make an obstacle course.
Food
Pick your own produce in friends' and neighbours' gardens.
Grown your own fruits and veggies.
Make fruit ice lollies.
Bake your favourite sweet treats.
Create a muck up with store cupboard ingredients.
Nature
Go on a nature spotter walk.
Look for minibeasts.
Climb a tree.
Make a display of wildflowers.
Do some gardening.
History & Culture
Visit a museum or gallery.
Take photographs.
Go on a walking tour in a nearby city (or your own!).
Create a time capsule.
Research your family tree.
Stories
Read together at the library.
Write a story.
Browse at a bookshop.
Draw a comic book or graphic novel.
Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge [3].
Science
Make slime.
Create an exploding volcano.
Make your own bubble solution.
Make compost.
Make a rainbow [4].
Set up a sensory station [5].
Sport
Organise a friendly football match.
Have a skip-a-thon.
Learn how to juggle.
Race at a Junior Parkrun [6].
Learn to play tennis at a free lesson [7].
Beach
Go rockpooling.
Make a face out of pebbles.
Build a sandcastle (if you can't get to a sandy beach, try the local playground's sandpit).
Dip your toes in the water.
Throw pebbles into the water and try to skim stones.
Music
Sing karaoke.
Make your own musical instruments.
Put on a show.
Choreograph your own dance.
Create a playlist.
Fun & Games
Dress up in costumes.
Have a teddy bear's picnic.
Put on a puppet show.
Play your favourite board games.
Create quizzes.
Craft
Paint with your fingers and toes.
Make a fairy garden.
Turn old boxes into cars or Wendy houses.
Set up a treasure hunt.
Make play dough.