The summer holidays are almost here! Six glorious weeks stretching out ahead of you, full of possibility. Whether you’re after big days out at brilliant attractions, free adventures in the great outdoors, or something to keep the kids busy on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, we’ve got you covered.
Here are our favourite summer holiday activity ideas for 2026 to help you make the most of every single day!
Planning ahead? The UK summer holidays run from late July to early September 2026. Check out our complete guide to UK school holiday dates 2026 so you can start filling that calendar now!
Get Outdoors and Explore
There’s nothing quite like the British summer (when it plays ball!) for getting out and exploring. Fresh air, wide open spaces, and kids who sleep brilliantly at bedtime. Win, win, win!
- Visit a National Trust property – Stunning gardens, historic houses, and acres of grounds to roam. Kids can run wild while you soak up the scenery. Find National Trust properties near you.
- Hit the beach – Whether you’re in Cornwall, Norfolk, or anywhere in between, the UK has some genuinely spectacular coastline. Pack a picnic and make a full day of it!
- Explore a forest – Den building, bug hunting, stream paddling. Kids absolutely love it, and it costs next to nothing.
- Try a nature trail or wildlife walk – Many nature reserves and country parks run special summer wildlife spotting trails that are brilliant for little ones.
- Go for a family bike ride – Plenty of traffic-free cycling routes across the UK make this a brilliant option for all ages and abilities.
Top tip: Arrive early at popular spots during the school holidays. By 10am, car parks at the best beaches and parks can fill up fast!
Big Days Out at Amazing Attractions
Sometimes you just want to go BIG. And the summer holidays are the perfect excuse! From theme parks to zoos, the UK is absolutely packed with incredible family attractions that kids will be talking about for years.
Here are some of the best types of attractions to consider this summer:
Theme Parks and Adventure Parks
The UK has some world-class theme parks that genuinely rival anything abroad. Thrilling rides, shows, and entertainment from morning until closing time. Perfect for older kids and teens who want the full adrenaline experience!
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
A brilliant option for all ages, from tiny toddlers to teenagers who think they’re too cool for everything (they’re not!). Many UK zoos are doing incredible conservation work too, so it’s educational as well as brilliant fun.
Museums and Science Centres
Think museums are boring? Think again! The UK has some of the most interactive, hands-on museums in the world, and many of them are completely free to enter. Science centres in particular are an absolute hit with kids of all ages.
Water Parks and Lidos
When the sun is shining, nothing beats a water park. Slides, splash zones, wave pools. Pure, brilliant, chaotic fun for the whole family!
Browse thousands of family attractions near you and find the perfect big day out this summer.
Free and Budget-Friendly Summer Fun
Six weeks of keeping kids entertained can add up quickly. Bear with us here! You really don’t need to spend a fortune to have an amazing summer. Some of the best activities cost absolutely nothing at all.
- Scavenger hunts – Create your own nature or neighbourhood scavenger hunt. Free, endlessly customisable, and kids absolutely love the competitive element!
- Picnics in the park – Pack up a blanket and your favourite snacks and head to your local park. Simple, lovely, and completely free.
- Library summer reading challenge – Most UK libraries run a brilliant free Summer Reading Challenge every year. Great for keeping little minds ticking over!
- Garden paddling pool days – Sometimes the best day out is a day in. A paddling pool, some water balloons, and a sunny afternoon is pure magic for young children.
- Free museum visits – Many of the UK’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in London, are completely free to enter.
- Geocaching – A brilliant free activity that turns any walk into an adventure. Download the app and start hunting for hidden treasures near you!
The honest truth: kids don’t always need the big expensive day out. Sometimes a homemade treasure hunt in the garden creates the best memories of the whole summer.
Rainy Day Activities (Because This Is Britain!)
Let’s be honest: the British summer will almost certainly throw at least a few rainy days your way. No need to panic! There are loads of brilliant indoor activities that the whole family will love.
Indoor Activities Worth Booking in Advance
- Trampoline parks – An absolute favourite with kids of all ages. High energy, brilliant fun, and you’ll all sleep well afterwards!
- Escape rooms – Great for older kids and teens. Many venues offer family-friendly rooms that are perfect for working together as a team.
- Bowling – A classic for a reason. Competitive, fun, and works brilliantly for mixed-age groups.
- Indoor climbing centres – Many centres have dedicated areas for younger children and beginners. A brilliant new challenge to try this summer!
- Arts and crafts sessions – Pottery painting cafes and craft workshops are a lovely calm option for younger children.
Stay-at-Home Rainy Day Ideas
- Bake together (and eat the results, obviously)
- Set up an indoor cinema with blankets and popcorn
- Build the world’s biggest blanket fort
- Start a family scrapbook of your summer adventures
Pro tip: If you’re in London, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to visit some of the city’s world-class free attractions without the summer crowds!
Make the Most of Summer 2026
The summer holidays go faster than you think. Before you know it, September is here and the kids are back in school! So whether you’re planning one big adventure or a whole calendar of smaller days out, the most important thing is to enjoy every moment together.
Ready to start planning? Browse thousands of family days out and attractions near you on Day Out With The Kids, and make 2026 your best summer yet!