10 Ways to Keep Kids Happy During UK Summer Holidays (Without Breaking the Bank)

The six-week summer holidays are looming, and if you’re like most UK parents, you’re probably wondering how on earth you’re going to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune. After 16 years of parenting and countless summer holidays with my two (now 16 and 15), I’ve learned that the best activities are often the simplest ones.

As someone who’s navigated everything from toddler tantrums to teenage eye-rolls during those long summer weeks, I know the struggle is real. The pressure to create magical memories while juggling work, household responsibilities, and your own sanity can feel overwhelming. But here’s what I’ve discovered: kids don’t need expensive theme parks or costly activities to have an amazing summer. They need creativity, variety, and parents who aren’t completely stressed out!

So grab a cuppa, and let me share my tried-and-tested strategies for keeping children happy, engaged, and entertained throughout the UK summer holidays.

10 Ways to Keep Kids Happy During UK Summer Holidays

1. Create a Dedicated Summer Colouring Station

Transform a corner of your home into a creative haven with a summer colouring station. Set up a small table with pencils, crayons, and a selection of seasonal colouring sheets. I’ve found that having a variety of designs – from classic British beach scenes to tropical adventures – keeps children engaged for hours.

The beauty of colouring is that it works for all ages. While younger children focus on the broader areas, older kids and even adults can lose themselves in the intricate details. It’s also perfect for those inevitable rainy days when outdoor plans get cancelled.

Pro tip: Print multiple copies of favourite designs so siblings don’t argue, and consider laminating some sheets to use with dry-wipe markers for repeated use.

2. Build Epic Sandcastles (Even Indoors!)

Beach days are a summer holiday staple, but you don’t always need to travel to the coast for sandcastle fun. If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, make it a regular adventure. Pack buckets, spades, and plenty of snacks for a proper seaside experience.

Can’t get to the beach? Create an indoor sandbox using a large plastic tub filled with kinetic sand. It’s mess-free and provides the same satisfying building experience. Add some shells, small toys, and castle moulds for authentic play.

3. Start a Garden Adventure

Your garden (or even a balcony) can become an exciting exploration zone. Create a nature scavenger hunt, start a small vegetable patch, or simply encourage children to observe and draw the insects and plants they find.

Gardening activities teach patience, responsibility, and provide a wonderful connection to nature. Even something as simple as planting sunflower seeds and watching them grow throughout the summer can become a magical experience for children.

If the weather is nice, how about lying out in the garden to watch a film as the sun starts to set? You can get comfortable on big cushions or even by lying in hammocks under the stairs, enjoying your favourite movie.

4. Master the Art of Indoor Picnics

British weather can be unpredictable, so having indoor alternatives is essential. Transform your living room into a picnic spot with blankets on the floor, finger foods, and perhaps some gentle background music.

Indoor picnics are perfect for younger children who find the novelty exciting, and they’re a lifesaver when outdoor plans get rained off. Add some storytelling or quiet games to make it feel special.

5. Introduce Mindful Colouring Time

While active play is important, children also need quiet time to recharge, and so do you! Mindful colouring with intricate designs like mandalas can be surprisingly calming for older children and adults.

This isn’t just about keeping kids busy; it’s about teaching them valuable relaxation techniques they can use throughout their lives. Set up a peaceful corner with comfortable cushions and soft music for the ultimate zen experience.

6. Organise Treasure Hunts

Treasure hunts are brilliant because they can be adapted for any age and any space. Create simple picture clues for younger children or complex riddles for older ones. Hide small treats, toys, or even just encouraging notes around your home or garden.

The preparation might take a bit of time, but watching children’s faces light up as they solve each clue makes it completely worthwhile. Plus, it keeps them active and engaged for ages.

7. Set Up DIY Water Play

Water play doesn’t require an expensive paddling pool. A washing-up bowl, some cups, and a few toys can provide hours of entertainment in the garden. Add some food colouring for extra excitement, or freeze small toys in ice cubes for a melting treasure hunt.

For older children, water balloon games or a simple sprinkler (even a plastic bottle with holes) can provide cooling fun on hot days.

8. Start a Summer Reading Challenge

Libraries are absolute gems during summer holidays – they’re free, air-conditioned, and often run special holiday activities. Create a family reading challenge where everyone (including parents) commits to reading a certain number of books.

Make it visual with a chart or thermometer showing progress, and celebrate milestones with small rewards. Many libraries also offer reading challenges with prizes, making it even more motivating.

9. Plan Local Exploration Days

You don’t need to travel far for adventure. Research free or low-cost attractions in your local area – many museums offer free entry, parks have playgrounds and walking trails, and historic sites often have family-friendly activities.

Make it feel special by packing a proper picnic, bringing a camera, and letting children help plan the route. Sometimes the most memorable adventures happen closest to home.

10. Establish Quiet Time Routines

This might be the most important tip of all: build in regular quiet time for everyone’s sanity. Whether it’s afternoon reading time, puzzle sessions, or simply lying on the sofa listening to audiobooks, these peaceful moments are essential.

Quiet time isn’t just for younger children – teenagers need downtime too, and parents definitely need moments to recharge. Don’t feel guilty about enforcing rest periods; they’re crucial for maintaining everyone’s well-being throughout the long holidays.

Final Thoughts

The key to successful summer holidays isn’t having every moment planned or spending lots of money. It’s about being present, staying flexible, and remembering that children often find joy in the simplest activities.

Some of my children’s favourite summer memories involve things like building blanket forts, having impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, or spending an entire afternoon colouring while listening to their favourite music. These moments cost nothing but create lasting memories.

Remember, you don’t have to be the perfect parent providing constant entertainment. Sometimes the best gift you can give your children is showing them how to find joy in quiet moments, creativity in simple materials, and adventure in their own imagination.

Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos that makes family life so wonderfully unpredictable!