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Top 30 summer holiday activity ideas
Ready to make this summer your most memory-packed yet? Maybe you’re wrangling toddlers, entertaining teens, or bringing the dog along for the ride…whatever your situation, we've rounded up 30 cracking things to do in the summer holidays that’ll keep everyone smiling (and screen-free).
We’ve got budget-friendly beach experiences to rainy-day rescues, making this your ultimate guide to squeezing every drop of fun out of a British summer - no passport required. Buckle up for some good old-fashioned family antics.
Free things to do in the summer holidays
Beach combing and rock pooling
Time to shell-abrate! Dig for treasures, dodge seaweed and maybe meet a crabby character or two along the coast. Cornwall and Dorset have some brilliant beaches including Kimmeridge Bay and Lyme Regis.
Woodland walks
Wander through whimsical woodlands or enjoy lush gardens and hidden nooks ideal for leafy hide-and-seek. Top: check out our guide to our favourite walks and nature trails across the country. The New Forest is one of the best, and you might even bump into a horse or two on your trek.
DIY nature bingo
Print off your bingo cards (or create your own) and challenge the kids to spot birds, bugs, and berries where you roam. The winner gets extra marshmallows at teatime!
Have a movie night
Transform your back garden into a cinema with a projector, blankets and popcorn. Pick a family classic or a new release - magical for all ages.
Fancy an outdoor cinema experience to remember? Many of the Away Resorts holiday parks host blockbuster entertainment over the summer - why not check it out with the whole family?
Stargazing (a.k.a cosy cosmic chillouts)
Snuggle under a sky full of sparkles. No telescope required. Just blankets, a cup of hot chocolate and a sprinkle of imagination. A great way to wind down after a sun-soaked day.
Dog-friendly days out with the kids
Doggy paddle beach days
Let your pooch unleash their inner Baywatch star this summer holiday at dog-friendly hotspots across the UK. Sand, sea, and wagging tail adventures.
Pawfect pub lunch pit stops
Many countryside pubs roll out the red carpet for four-legged pals to sip, snack, and snooze. Top tip: If you’re staying at an Away Resorts holiday park you’ll have plenty of on-site cafes and eateries to take your dog along to.
Dog-friendly heritage sites
Several historical sites welcome dogs on their grounds, including many English Heritage and National Trust properties. Exploring ancient castles and gardens becomes even more enjoyable when the whole family, including furry members, can join in.
Canal-side canines
When looking for things to do with the kids this summer holiday, you can keep it simple. Take a stroll along traffic-free canal towpaths. Flat, scenic and ideal for dogs and buggies alike.
Steam train rides
Choo-choo for you and your pooch! Many heritage steam railways across the UK welcome dogs aboard, making for a charming, stress-free family day out. We love the Isle of Wight railway because you can bring the dog along for the ride too (along with these other ideas for things to do on the Isle of Wight).
TIP:Â If you're planning a getaway this summer with your dog, it's worth knowing that some holiday parks really roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests.
Take Away Resorts, for example - we actually have dog menus in our restaurants (yes, really!), plus dog-friendly walking areas and the ability to take your dog along to the on-site amenities.
Many of our parks are perfectly positioned near dog-friendly beaches and walking trails too. Worth checking out the dog-friendly holidays if you're after somewhere to keep the whole family entertained.Â
Things to do in the summer holidays with the little ‘uns (ages 3-8)
Farmyard frolics
Cuddle a lamb, moo at a cow, and earn a tractor ride! Family-friendly farms across the UK serve up proper hands-on animal encounters.
Splash pads and water play parks
Cool off and burn energy with a trip to a local splash pad or water play park. These free or low-cost spots offer fountains, jets, and shallow paddling areas. Ideal for little ones to have a splash and a giggle.
TIP: Away Resorts locations feature splash parks across multiple parks, making them great for kids to enjoy in the hotter weather. Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire and Retallack Resort in Cornwall.
Butterfly and bug bonanza
Little ones love a colourful sensory experience? Pop into a butterfly house or wildlife centre - flutterly brilliant for nature lovers, rain or shine.
Enjoy a teddy bear’s picnic
Amp up your picnic game with teddies, fancy napkins and a basket of treats - pure nostalgic family joy.
Make a summer scrapbook together
Collect tickets, press flowers, and add photos from across the summer. At the end, craft a scrapbook full of smiles and memories.
Things to do this summer for bigger kids (Ages 9+)
Tree-top zips and giggles
Swing into summer at high-rope courses. A top-notch way to burn off energy and boost bravery.
TIP: Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire has an epic high-ropes course and zip wire for those adventurous thrill seekers. Hang onto your hats!
Mud, gears and cheers mountain biking
Get mucky on mountain bike trails - adrenaline and endorphins await on purpose-built paths.
Geocaching (Real-life treasure hunts)
Turn every walk into a GPS-powered quest. Great fun for tech-savvy teens. There are tons of places to go in the summer, especially near our holiday parks.
Rocking the rocks
Try scaling climbing walls at nearby outdoor, indoor climbing centres or ‘clip and climbs’. Supervised sessions combine muscle, mindset, and a great view from the top.
Watersports
Paddle, kayak, and splash in lakes and coastal spots across the UK. Smile guaranteed. Our favourites for holiday park guests include paddleboarding at Tattershall Lakes and the FlowRider at Rettalack Resort.
Places to go in the summer for countryside escapes
Castle capers
Channel your inner knight at Tintagel, Corfe Castle or Carisbrooke: just some of Britain's castles that bring the history and drama of years gone by to life.
Park life
Start your day at national park centres, complete with maps, wildlife tips and trail suggestions. Explore nature’s biggest playground.
Fruit picking
Pick berries and enjoy farmyard fun from tractor rides to mazes. Sweet summer memories and a delicious treat to take home. Proper wholesome!
Build a den in the woods
Unleash your inner Bear Grylls and get the whole family building a woodland hideaway. All you need are sticks, leaves, and a bit of teamwork! It’s creative, totally free, plus it doubles as a secret picnic spot or storytelling den once it’s built.
Wildlife watching
Visit bird-hide towers, seal-spotting centres, or even your own rain-soaked garden or local park for animal watching.
Rainy-day activities
Bake something together
Whip up family favourites like cookies, scones or fairy cakes - bake, decorate and devour together.
Indoor softplay and activity centres
Let them bounce, climb and slide while you take a breather. Perfect for rainy-day energy-busters.
Museums with interactive exhibits
Regional museums across the UK offer engaging exhibits designed specifically for families. From hands-on science centres to local history museums with costume try-ons, these venues provide educational entertainment while sheltering from summer showers.
Swimming pools
Affordable family fun with pools suitable for all ages and abilities. Many feature slides, wave machines, and separate children’s areas, providing active entertainment.
Big screen and bowling bliss
Catch a family film at the cinema, then bowl a strike. Cinema and bowling alleys offer the ideal dry-day combo.
Need more inspiration for places to go in summer UK with family
From den-building to baking, softplay to geocaching - these 30 ideas have something for every family. Fully loaded with charm and zero fuss.Â
Looking for the perfect base to explore these places to go in summer in the UK? Take a trip to one of Away Resorts family friendly holiday parks across the UK, where you’ll find dog-friendly beaches, brilliant events and on-site entertainment as well as loads of accommodation options just waiting to host your next summer story!