Do you remember the sheer excitement you felt as a child knowing the summer holidays were in touching distance?
Well, if you’re a parent you might be feeling a little different this week as you prepare for the end of term on July 25th.
Yes, it’s that time of year again when many of us are tasked with entertaining the little people in our lives for the next six weeks.
And while the holidays mean weeks of fun and freedom for the kids, for the grown-ups it’s weeks of juggling activities and budgets.
If you’re scratching your head with things to do over the holidays, check out our summer holiday activity guide.
1. Get outdoors
Remember when you were younger and you’d spend hours outside playing with pals, exploring the great outdoors?
Whether you hopped on your bike for a day of adventures or spent it pottering about the garden, the summer holidays were a chance to break free from the confines of the classroom and spend as much time outside as you could – often pushing it for “just another 10 minutes.”
While a lot of things have changed over the years, the great outdoors still guarantees fun for the whole family.
First things first, why not explore your local area and make use of the parks nearby. This is a great way to keep the kids active without spending a fortune.
Live near a local pond or canal? Why not head out and feed the ducks and pack a picnic for yourself too.
Heading to national parks is also a great way spend time as a family. The Lake District offers stunning landscapes and the chance to get your walking boots on for a walk or even water activities. Meanwhile in Wales, you could explore the trails of Brecon Beacons or the Glenariff Forest Park in Northern Ireland.
The of course, there’s the beaches. The UK is home to some beautiful costal spots perfect for an afternoon of eating ice cream and building sandcastles (when the weather allows, of course).
2. Step back in time
As we’ve already mentioned, the great British weather can be unpredictable at best. If you find yourself at a loss of things to do when the weather takes a turn this summer, why not take a trip to a local museum?
Many offer free or low-cost entry during the school break, with some hosting workshops and events for families.
The Natural History Museum in London and York’s National Railway Museum are often a hit with the kids. If you live in Wales, take a trip to the National Museum Cardiff or if the weather plays ball, head to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland for truly spectacular views.
3. Get crafty
Let’s be honest, when it comes to keeping boredom at bay sometimes you can’t beat a bit of arts and crafts.
Tried and tested, getting crafty is a great way to keep the kids entertained without paying a fortune.
DIY projects using household items can be a great way to keep little hands busy. Whether it’s painting rocks, drawing pictures or making paper bag kites, there are plenty of activities to try.
What’s more, arts and crafts also help children develop their creativity and fine motor skills – it’s a win, win for everyone.
If you’re stuck for ideas, look to YouTube for free tutorials that cater to children of all ages.
4. Create a summer reading list
Discover a world of adventure in your own home with this summer with the help of a reading list.
Trips to the local library can offer hours of fun or if the weather allows, grab a blanket and enjoy al fresco reading with your child.
The Summer Reading Challenge is also a great way to encourage children to pick up a book.
Sign up to set up reading goals, earn digital rewards and discover exciting new reads.
5. Cook together
Cooking or baking together can be a great way to not only to keep kids busy but also teach them valuable life skills.
Planning a trip to the park? Prepare a picnic before you leave, encouraging the kids to make their own sandwiches for the trip.
Homemade pizzas are also a great way to help kids improve their confidence in the kitchen, and of course making cookies or cupcakes is always a good idea.
Stuck for inspiration? BBC Good Food share their top 20 easy bakes for kids here.
Hopefully with our handy tips, keeping the kids busy during the summer holiday won’t be stressful or expensive.
Remember, with a bit of planning and creativity you can make the most of a summer of fun for the entire family.
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