12 fun things to do in the summer holiday for kids

The summer holidays are coming up and you may be wondering how to keep the kids occupied. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative projects or want them to learn a new skill, we’ve got fun activities that will entertain the family all summer break long. From picnics to magic lessons, there’s something for every child to enjoy and plenty of opportunities to explore the local area.

1. Magic lessons

Kids are always drawn to magic whether it’s from Harry Potter movies or fairytale books. Magic lessons offer a variety of benefits for all ages and are one of the most fun things to do in the summer holidays for kids. Learning magic is a brilliant way to instill confidence in kids and encourage them to perform impressive tricks in front of family fun and friends and family.

2. Mini golf

Mini golf is fantastic for kids of all ages and even fun for the grownups! Whether indoors or outdoors, golf is one of the most popular school holiday activities. Your family can practise their putting skills while spending quality time together, engaging in a bit of friendly competition. 

3. Visit a museum

Many museums around the UK offer free entry and have exciting exhibits for kids. You hardly ever get to see everything in a single visit, so school holidays are a great time to revisit your favourite sites. From dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum to interactive science displays, there’s always something fascinating for your kids to explore. Be on the lookout for special holiday workshops too!

4. Arts and crafts

From scrapbooking to origami, arts and crafts are one of those school holiday activities that are fun and allow your child to keep creative during their break. Set up a crafts station at home and make greeting cards, friendship bracelets or even homemade decorations for the kids’ rooms. Paints, glue, glitter and paper are fairly inexpensive and you can also find affordable scrapbooking kits online. It’s a brilliant way to keep little hands busy while making something special. 

5. Board games

Rainy days can still be quite common during summer and this is the perfect time to get out your favourite board games. You probably already have the classics – Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Twister – but other popular options to keep kids entertained are Cranium Junior, Machi Koro 2 and Pictureka. 

6. Chess club

Joining a chess club is a great way for kids to sharpen their minds over the holidays. Many local libraries or community centres run beginner friendly sessions where they can learn strategies and play friendly matches. 

7. Science experiments

School holiday activities can be educational too. Turn your kitchen into a lab with simple, safe and super fun experiments! You can buy fairly inexpensive experiment kits for kids or you can use things lying around the house. Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or grow crystals with salt. It’s a fun way to learn while causing a (controlled) mess! 

8. Dressing up party

Parties shouldn’t just be for birthdays – your kids deserve to relax and unwind after the school term. Invite their friends over for a themed dressing-up party – superheroes, pirates or princesses! Add some music, snacks and create a mini catwalk for them to show off their outfits. It’s a great excuse for younger kids to get creative and engage in imaginative play.

9. Gardening

Planting flowers or herbs is a lovely summer activity and a very rewarding activity to do with the kids. Make a trip to your local garden centre to get supplies – seeds, pots and garden tools. Kids can decorate their pots, sow seeds and watch their plants grow! If you have a garden of your own, growing a simple herb garden or vegetable patch is a great way to get the whole family involved. 

10. Plan a Picnic

If you’re looking for fun things to do in the summer holidays, picnics are an easy activity where you can involve the kids from start to finish. Let them help prepare the packed lunch – no need to buy expensive picnic food as kids enjoy sandwiches, cheese, fruit and crisps just as much. Don’t forget a frisbee or football for extra fun while you munch on the treats. Of course an outdoor picnic is also weather dependent but an at home ‘carpet picnic’ can be just as fun!

11. Treasure hunt

A treasure hunt is one of the most engaging ways to keep the family entertained. Hide clues around your home, local park, or even during a trip to the beach. Use maps, riddles, or themed objects to spark kids’ imaginations – older children especially will enjoy solving puzzles and racing to the prize. It’s simple, affordable and always a hit.

12. Art gallery

Exploring an art gallery can be surprisingly fun for kids, especially if they love painting and drawing. Many galleries now include interactive exhibits or family trails designed for younger visitors. Make a day of it by combining it with a visit to a local café or even a car boot sale nearby for a mix of culture and treasure hunting!

A note on Summer months

The summer months are perfect for embracing spontaneity and trying new foods, exploring the local area, or even setting off on a family bike ride. Kicking things off with an exciting magic lesson is a brilliant way to spark creativity and confidence in your child before diving into other summer fun. It’s something that kids love. Whether you’re planning structured family days or simply letting the kids run wild at the splash park or soft play, these longer, warmer days are ideal for making memories that last a lifetime.

There’s no better way to enjoy the summer holidays than spending time in the fresh air. After mastering some new magic tricks, take the fun outside with a trip to the local park, building a den in the back garden, or splashing in a paddling pool. These outdoor summer activities offer the perfect mix of exercise and excitement. It’s a great chance for both younger and older kids to get moving and appreciate the great outdoors. Create your lasting memories!

Book your child’s school holiday activities

With a professional magician like Chris Whitelock to teach your child, they’ll learn amazing magic including card tricks, rope tricks, coin tricks and more. Chris has the experience and patience to teach kids of any age and will travel to you so lessons can take place in the comfort of your home. 

If you want to book magic lessons for your child, fill in the form or call Chris on 07747141238.