No more summer blues! Is the thought of endless days stretching before you filled with boredom and sibling squabbles? Or maybe you're just chomping at the bit to ditch the textbooks, soak up the sun, and create lasting experiences with your family?
Whatever your summer goals, this guide is your ultimate weapon against a boring break – it's your summer survival kit!
We've scoured the country to find the hottest activities and coolest places to visit, all designed with families in mind.  
Forget the same-old, same-old summer routines. This guide unlocks an adventure waiting to happen, filled with laughter, exploration, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Without further ado, let's jump straight into it.

Let's get Splashy

Water splash

No British summer is complete without a trip to the beach. Build sandcastles, chase waves, and grab a refreshing 99 ice cream for a picture-perfect day. Need some inspiration? Check out The Beach Guide to find the perfect sandy haven near you.

Wet and Wild

Feeling the heat? Head indoors to one of the UK's amazing waterparks! Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is a must-visit, while Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent is another family favourite. If the sun decides to shine, check out Splashdown Waterparks in Poole or Paignton for a splashtastic day!

For The Adventurers!

National Trust Escapades

The National Trust is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures. From epic scavenger hunts to delightful mud pie making, their "50 Things to Do Before You Turn 11¾" list is a fantastic source of inspiration. Check out their website to find activities and locations near you.

Conquer a castle

Step back in time with a thrilling castle conquest! Imagine your little ones transformed into brave knights and princesses storming a majestic fortress. The National Trust has a list of the Top 10 Castles to explore, including Bodium, Chirk, Corfe, and Castle Drogo. 

Jousting for Fun

Immerse yourselves in the pomp and pageantry of a real jousting tournament! English Heritage offers fantastic summer events where families can witness brave knights battling it out. For more information, check out their site to find a location near you. 

Forest

The Forestry Commission manages some of the UK's most beautiful woodlands and forests. Head to your nearest one for walking, cycling, or exploring a play trail. For little ones, don't miss the interactive Gruffalo Trails (download the app beforehand!). Feeling adventurous? Many Forestry Commission sites have Go Ape high ropes courses for the whole family.

Summer Forest adventure

Theme Park Thrills

For a guaranteed good time, consider a day trip to a theme park. Preschoolers will adore Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, while Legoland is a wonderland for construction fans and thrill-seekers alike. Alton Towers offers excitement for all ages with CBeebies Land, and for a classic seaside experience with rides and games, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to be.

Bounce with Joy

Trampoline parks are a lifesaver on rainy days, burning off energy and keeping little ones entertained. Flip Out is a popular choice with locations across the UK.

Summer trampoline

Monkey Around

Climbing centres are a fantastic way for little ones to burn off steam. Clip n Climb has locations across the country, offering themed climbing walls that entertain even the youngest adventurers.

Nature Detectives

Spark a love for the natural world with a minibeast adventure at an RSPB wetland or nature reserve. The RSPB also hosts pond dipping and Wild Challenge activities throughout the summer. Check out their website for events near you.

Museums

The UK boasts a wealth of incredible free museums. From the National Football Museum in Manchester to the V&A Museum of Childhood in London, there's something to spark every child's curiosity. Let your little ones crawl through interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and ignite their curiosity about the world around them.

Museum

Summer Fun: Rain or Shine

Even the sunniest summer days get interrupted by a rainy afternoon or a scorching heatwave. But fear not, we've got a treasure trove of indoor activities to keep the fun going, no matter the weather.

Craftastic Creations

Unleash your creativity with arts and crafts projects! Get messy with finger painting, create masterpieces with watercolours, or build a fantastical city out of Legos. The possibilities are endless!

Movie Magic

Who doesn't love a good movie marathon? Build a pillow fort, grab your favourite snacks, and settle in for a cinematic adventure. Cuddle up for a classic Disney flick, laugh out loud with a hilarious comedy, or get into a thrilling animated film.

Camp Out Under the Stars

There's something truly magical about spending quality time under the night sky. Pitch a tent in your backyard for a family campout, complete with roasted marshmallows and spooky stories (or silly jokes, depending on their age!). 

If you're feeling adventurous, consider a real camping trip to a local park or campground – just be sure to check kid-friendly amenities and pack accordingly. Don't forget stargazing! Download a stargazing app to help them identify constellations and learn about the wonders of the universe.

Summer movie night

Foodie Fun in the Kitchen

Master Chef Challenge

Experiment with new recipes or have a baking extravaganza filled with cookies, cakes, and all sorts of yummy treats. Challenge yourselves to recreate a restaurant favourite or browse online for inspiration.

Global Grub Week

Embark on a culinary world tour! Pick a different country each week and explore its unique flavours by cooking a traditional dish. Learn about different cultures while tantalizing your taste buds with delicious new foods.

Become an Ice Cream Scientist

Summer Icream

Whip up a batch of homemade ice cream! It's a fun and delicious activity for the whole family. Experiment with different flavours and toppings to create your own signature scoops.

Ocean Odyssey

Dive into the wonders of the underwater world at your local aquarium. Learn about fascinating sea creatures, from playful dolphins to majestic sharks, and discover the importance of ocean conservation.

Creative Activities for All Ages

Rockin' Art

Turn ordinary rocks into extraordinary works of art! Paint them with inspirational messages, whimsical characters, or anything your imagination desires. Then hide them around your neighbourhood for others to find! Imagine the joy you'll spark when someone stumbles upon your hidden masterpiece.

Fairy Tale Fantasy

Create a miniature world of magic with a fairy garden. Gather tiny plants, pretty pebbles, and charming decorations to design a whimsical wonderland. Let your imagination run wild as you build tiny houses, bridges, and pathways for the fairies to explore.

Classic Fun for the Whole Family

Dust off your favourite board games and challenge your family to a friendly competition. Board games are a fantastic way to spend quality time together, develop strategic thinking skills, and create lasting memories filled with laughter. For a twist on tradition, try inventing your own board game based on a favourite book or movie.
Remember, the most important ingredient for a fantastic summer is spending quality time with your kids. Put away your phone, focus on the present moment, and truly connect with them. 
Whether it's building sandcastles at the beach, playing board games, or just having conversations, these are the moments they'll cherish most. Capture these moments with photos or videos, but be sure to put the camera down often and simply be present.
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to fun summer activities! With a little creativity and these ideas in your back pocket, you're sure to create a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. Now, get out there and start making the most of this special time together!