Keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays can be a tricky task! Read our guide to the top summer holiday activities including educational, sporty and creative ideas for children of all ages.

We want our children to have fun. And let’s be honest, if it’s a little educational or sporty too then we like it even more. Whether your children are arty indoors types or prefer to be outdoors, there’s something for everyone in these activity ideas for kids.

Creating keepsakes

Going to the beach for the day is one of our favourite UK holiday activities. Combine your day out with a seashell and pebble-hunting mission for an arty child so they enjoy the fresh air and still get to be creative. You could find out all about seashells together or encourage them to be inspired by the sights of your day to create gorgeous keepsakes by painting the gathered pebbles or making a collage from the shells. 

Designing a menu  

Cooking is a very important life skill that can also be a lot of fun. Allowing your child to design their dream menu and then helping them to make it could become a special childhood memory that stays with them forever. Trusting, guiding and assisting them to produce a delicious meal is a very positive way to spend time with your child. You’ll find a simple homemade pizza recipe and other ideas in my rainy day activities for children. 

Writing a story 

Every year there are creative writing and poetry competitions for children. If your child loves stories, this can be a great way to motivate them to get writing. It’s a brilliant way to channel a vivid imagination that will also help them with their written English and serve them well at school. Creative writing can build confidence in quiet children and help them to express themselves in a way they feel comfortable with. Writing stories, poetry, plays or even just a diary could be the start of a fulfilling new hobby for your child and entering a competition is always exciting. They might even win!  

Fossil-hunting 

There’s something magical and other-worldly about dinosaurs that young children often love. A shell or fossil-hunt at the beach can prompt an interesting discussion about ancient history with your child. Join an organised fossil hunt to learn more about dinosaurs and the fossils they have left behind or simply search for your own fossils around Dorset's Jurassic coastline or on the Isle of Wight. You may have a future palaeontologist in your home!

Rockpooling 

Rockpooling can teach young children about the creatures that live in the sea and to respect life, however small. Starfish, sea snails, shrimps, crabs and other tiny wildlife can all be seen in coastal rock pools. A classic UK holiday activity, going to the beach offers a lovely opportunity to show your children how to gently lower their bucket into the rock pool to see what’s inside, taking care not to hurt any of the creatures inside. Find the best places to go rock-pooling.

Cycling a scenic route 

Getting outside in the fresh air is good for all the family and a scenic bike ride, just like a walk, can be a lot of fun. When you follow a country or coastal cycle route you can avoid the traffic, make the most of the scenery and find out more about the history of the landscape and places of interest nearby. Find the best cycle paths in Somerset and the Cotswolds.

Playing racket sports 

Playing tennis outdoors, badminton indoors or table tennis if you’re short of space are all great summer holiday activities for kids and adults alike. Racket sports are ideal for anyone with two children or single parents with one child so no one feels left out. You could combine a game with a short history of tennis to help your child understand its origins and rules. 

Learning to code 

And lastly, if your child is a gamer who seems only interested in playing Playstation or Xbox games, you might want to consider steering them towards coding to help them learn the basics of computer programming. Little Johnny’s love of gaming could one day lead to a brilliant career in IT! 

More summer holiday activities: 

1. Walk in the woods

2. Swim or visit a water park

3. Follow a countryside walking trail

4. Build a den outside

5. Build a cushion fort inside

6. Go geocaching

7. Visit a National Trust property

8. Make a puppet show

9. Create a volcano

10. Choreograph a dance

For more inspiration please see my other family-friendly ideas for school holidays and activities for kids to do on holiday.