Things To Do In The Summer Holidays

pineapples wearing sunglasses on the beach

Summer is soon fast approaching, and do you know what that means? Summer holidays! For the kids, it’s a long 6-week break from school, a time to replenish their energy, free their minds off homework and… just be a kid. For you, it’s a period of quality time spent with your kids, making summer memories, unforgettable moments and long-lasting picture-perfect snapshots of your kids growing up. We bet you’re looking for things to do in the summer holidays now.

Don’t fret, we’ve made a list of all the fun-tastic and hilariously fun activities you can do with the kids this summer.

Things To Do In The Summer Holidays

Have Fun for Less at Wacky Warehouse!

Need a fun-tastic activity to entertain your kids all summer long? We think the perfect summer adventure is soft play at everyone’s favourite soft play centre – Wacky Warehouse! Barrel through obstacles, zoom down slides, swing, clamber down wobbly bridges and climb high – there’s nowhere else better for young and imaginative play! 

Did you know they have a Summer Play Pass?!

This means you have 100% flexibility to enjoy a summer of fun without breaking the bank! Family memories shouldn’t have big price tags!

You can pick up your Play Pass for just £14.00 and your kiddies and tiny tots can enjoy 6 whole weeks of soft play fun during the summer holidays! 

And the best part is, you can use the pass at any of their 70 venues nationwide So, your fun isn’t limited. Their summer deals just keep coming though, because with you can also grab 10% off food and drink, as well as loyalty rewards from their friends at Fruit Shoot! 

Not forgetting messy and creative arts & crafts sessions! The adults can relax while the kids enjoy getting crafty with their hands. From soft play adventures and playtime like no other, your kids will have a memorable summer! 

Psst…Wacky Warehouse are also running a competition in association with Butlins! You can be in the chance of winning a family holiday!

Shape Location

Nationwide

Opening Times

1st July - 3rd September 2023

Pricing

Summer Play Pass for £14.00

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Make Your Summer Magical at Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo

Fill your family day out with farmyard friends, electrifying thrills, immersive restaurant experiences and even a five-star getaway, at Folly Farm! This award-winning family attraction is a must-visit this Summer with endless opportunities for magic and fun all at your fingertips…

Introduce your kids to the animal kingdom in up-close animal encounters at the Zoo. Meet majestic giraffes, dazzling flamingos, strong African lions, cheeky meerkats, curious tapirs, bongos, monkeys, bats, sloths and so many more fascinating creatures. And it doesn’t end there… Head over to the Jolly Barn where you’ll find donkeys, goats, pigs and all your much-loved farm animals. Make sure you check out ‘Cwtch Corner’! Or how about a trip to their rare-breed paddocks?

Next up, we have a boatload of thrills on the menu in the Vintage Fairground! All family members will LOVE a nostalgic go-around on the 17 restored rides from the Golden Gallopers, Dodgems, Caterpillar, Chair-o-planes and the Twist! Not to mention there are indoor and outdoor adventure play areas too, including Black Bart’s Pirate Cove. Just grab a ride-all-day wristband or load up on tokens and away you gooooo!

When you’re all giggled out and your tummy starts to rumble, keep calm and sink your teeth into a juicy burger from the Carousel Woods Burger Bar! If it’s table service your after, rest up in The Hungry Farmer restaurant. Devour all your favourite meals whilst sitting in a large tractor tyre… OR eat at an animal-themed table or inside a Dutch Barn, either is a great Instagram opportunity, am I right?

Don’t want to leave? Then don’t… Seriously… The Folly Farm Holiday Park is the five-star getaway you need this Summer! Pick from a wide variety of accommodations to suit your tribe. Choose from 43 touring pitches, 16 camping pitches, 6 luxury fairground lodges and 4 Showman’s Wagons. We recommend stopping in the giraffe-themed Twiga tents or the luxury Simba and Kifaru lodges!

Make your Summer memorable this year with a beautiful trip to Folly Farm.

Shape Location Get directions

Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA

Opening Times

Please see the website for full list of opening times.

Pricing

2023 entry prices:
2023 day entry tickets
Adult - £23.95
Child (3-15 years) - £21.95
Toddler (aged 2) - £14.95
Under 2 - Free
Senior (60+) - £21.95
NEW! Family* - £88.00
Carer** - Free

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Visit The Home of the Treble Winners this Summer

This summer, visit the iconic home of the Treble Winners! For the ultimate footballing experience and go behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium on the Manchester City Stadium Tour!

Get closer to the team than ever before with this exciting and immersive tour experience. From exploring key areas like the Tunnel Club, where the excitement of a player’s arrival on a matchday is brought to life, to an epic 360 video! Not forgetting you can visit the home team dressing room where match tactics are discussed, find your favourite player’s shirt and sit where they do just before a BIG game!

As you walk through the glass tunnel, you can imagine what it’s like as the players line up before walking out in front of a full Etihad Stadium. Discover amazing panoramic views of the pitch and even sit in the dugouts! Using the latest technology, you can also sit alongside a virtual Pep in the press conference room!

Shape Location Get directions

Etihad Stadium,
Ashton New Rd,
Manchester,
M11 3FF

Opening Times

Tours operate from 09:30 - 17.00 on Monday to Saturday
Tours operate from 10.00 - 16.00 on Sunday
Timings on matchdays will vary

Pricing

Adults £28.00
Concessions/Students £22.00
Under 16's £17.00
Under 5's FREE
Family package 1 (based on 2 adults, 2 under 16s) £72.00
Family packages 2 (based on 1 adult, 3 under 16s) £64.00
Please note the above prices are only available when booking online

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Are You Ready For a Totally Roarsome Adventure?

Back in July 2023, you and the family can head out on a T-errific adventure at Totally Roarsome! If you have little explorers ready for a wild adventure, this is truly the best way to start the summer.

Open every day until 4th September, you’ll be let loose on a 1km woodland walk that will fill your children’s wildest imaginations. From hearing the GROWLS and ROARS from their incredible dinosaurs and wild animals to finding magical unicorns!

But that’s not all – the adventure continues… Got big and brave superheroes? They’d like to see their superhero pose and LOTS of super cool figures to snap a selfie with! With loads of different figures and over 100 of their favourite themed props, it will be THE day trip of the summer!

Whatever the weather, the fun doesn’t stop at Totally Roarsome, so pack your wellies and raincoats or sunscreen and come on down. Escape the heatwave in the cool shade of the curious ancient woodland, it’s perfect for a day out – rain or shine! Your kiddies can also complete the quiz as they travel around the trail, from finding the names of their favourite creatures to learning about the dinosaurs or how wild animals like to spend their days.

What are you waiting for? Head on out for a Totally Roarsome adventure!

Shape Location Get directions

Hazlewood Castle,
Tadcaster Nr Leeds,
Yorkshire,
LS24 9NJ

Opening Times

From July 2023

Pricing

Tickets are not on sale yet!

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Deep Dive into the best of BBC Earth Experience

The world around us is a miraculous and marvellous mystery. Filled with all sorts of incredible and curious creatures. Big and small, bright and colourful, quiet and loud. But what we all have in common is that it’s our home.

So, why not explore Earth in a whole new way with the BBC Earth Experience? An award-winning programme Planet Earth has been transformed into a 360-degree audio and visual spectacle. With the latest digital technology of all sorts of landscapes and animals projected on walls all around you.

It’s truly an amazing attraction to visit this summer and super educational in a clever way for the kids!

Shape Location Get directions

68A Redcliffe Square, London SW10 9BN

Opening Times

Friday to Saturday 10:00 - 21:00
Sunday to Thursday 10:00 - 19:00

Pricing

Adult £32.50
Child £28.00

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Become A Hero With The Tomb Raider: The LIVE Experience!

Looking for a unique opportunity to get your combat gear on and channel your inner Lara Croft? Swing into action at an incredibly immersive experience all set to bring you spectacular thrills from the iconic game and movie series, Tomb Raider!

You’ll be dropped into the centre of the action in an interactive experience like no other, right in the heart of London’s Camden Stables Market. Begin your search in finding the powerful lost spheres of Costa Rica, that have the power to control the weather…and therefore the world.

You can’t let this energy fall into the wrong hands, so you and your team of student archaeologists must use your collective skills to solve the puzzles and retain as many relics as you can along the way to shift the balance of power.

Join Lara Croft, as you escape a sinking ship, explore the jungles of Costa Rica, discover an ancient tomb and battle a secret orderPhew, can you handle all of that?

This is your chance to become a hero at Tomb Raider: The LIVE Experience.

Are you ready, explorer?

Shape Location Get directions

The Stables Market, Lower Basement & Upper Basement Atrium NW1 8AH

Opening Times

Monday Closed
Tuesday to Thursday 15:00 - 19:00
Friday 13:00 - 19:00
Saturday 11:00 - 20:00
Sunday 11:00 - 17:00

Pricing

Tickets from £42.00

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Winnie The Pooh: The Musical

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, you’ll find a lovable ol’ bear. Stuffed with fluff and jolly as ever with his pot of honey. But he’s not alone – all his friends are there! Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Roo and Rabbit too!

Come along on a journey that has been reinvented for a musical stage adaptation. The Classic Pooh Bear stories are told by magical puppets in a beautiful play. You’ll feel the same sense of warmth, happiness and nostalgia, but on the stage instead!

They’re touring across the UK throughout the summer, so grab your tickets!

Shape Location

All over the UK

Opening Times

All over the UK frpm 31st May 2023

Pricing

Prices start from £13.00 and can reach up to £32.00 per person

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GO Laser Tag London – Forest Laser Tag

Summer babies, it’s time to start planning your upcoming birthday parties and we have just the place for you… If you’ve got family, friends or older children (6+) who carry the need for adventure in their bones then you must book onto GO Laser Tag London!

This isn’t just any old laser tag arena – it’s out in the open forest! Play Fortnite-themed gaming with assault rifles, sniper rifles, and fan favourite Sub Machine Guns. GO Laser Tag London is one of the only venues in the world to offer 3 varied Laser Tag gun options for our players, based around Fortnite and Gaming. Follow varied missions, objects and game maps and cease your right to victory!

All sessions last 2 hours and include a FREE large Pizza Hut pizza, so no one goes home hungry. There are also no set numbers of players per game, so whatever your party size, suit up, grab your gun and head out into the wilderness.

If you are feeling nervous at the idea of guns, don’t worry, this is a no-impact game. You won’t feel any pain like you would in a paintballing session. Players of all ages can play together without the fear of any rough play too.

Are you ready, soldier?

Shape Location Get directions

4 Laser Tag Forest, Salmons Ln, Whyteleafe CR3 0HB

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00

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Explore with Treasure Trails!

With the current climate, going on family days out can be expensive and now is the time to start saving money. But how can you entertain the kids on a budget? Well, with Treasure Trails, you can purchase any of the 1,2000 Trails across the UK for just £9.99! With adventures that won’t break the bank, you and the whole family can experience a summer activity without having to penny-pinch.

“Where can I go?” I hear you say…well Treasure Trails has an abundance of fantastic family trails around the UK, so you can literally pick anywhere. Whether you decide to spend a couple of hours exploring the Trail or decide to extend your adventure and pack it full with picnic spots and tons more exploring. The world is your oyster (or should I say the UK is your oyster).

Plus, your Trails can come with add-ons like Mini Club Packs for the little explorers and animated messages from either the Spy, Explorer HQ or Police for completing the Trail. And if you’re on their mailing list, you can access FREE puzzles for those who love to keep up with their puzzle-solving skills. A perfect activity to keep your kids busy on the days you need to relax!

Shape Location

All over the UK

Pricing

Trails from £9.99

Find out more

Bowl A Strike With Hollywood Bowl

Looking for something super fun that won’t break the bank? Hollywood Bowl is calling your name, for some family games! They’re offering your family a super saving deal that will not only occupy your kids but can make family Fridays terrific, as well as every other day!

But that’s not all, they have fabulous activities to keep kids entertained throughout the summer holidays! Their bowling alleys will be open from 10:00 so you can score some strikes before the clock strikes 12! You can grab your FREE copy of Beano Bowling Tips for Kids’ magazine inside.

With state-of-the-art bowling lanes, VIP lanes, American diners, freshly made thick shakes, pool tables, an incredible amusement area and fun dip prizes. You and the family will have the ultimate day out! It’s the perfect activity to make some striking memories and it’s great for the whole family! Let the good times roll and let Hollywood Bowl spare you from pricey tickets.

Bowling is one of many super fun activities for families! From family-friendly competitions to learning how to roll a good ball. And with a wide range of locations across the UK, you’ll definitely find one to visit during the school holidays!

Shape Location

All over the UK

Pricing

Adult from £6.95
Child from £5.95

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Visit Prospect Place Playground at Battersea Power Station

The newest and coolest place to hit up in London! From a cinema, epic game bars, the ultimate crazy golf course, a theatre and a load of shops! It’s the perfect family activity day out that you can all enjoy.

Best of all…the kid’s play area is FREE! They’ll have fun as they climb towers, clamber through tunnels, play on springers and so much more! It’s super colourful and fun.

It’s a great way for the adults to chill after a busy day in London – especially if the kids still have bounds of energy! Afterwards, grab a bite to eat before you head back on your journey. You’ll find Indian restaurants, Gordan Ramsey’s bottomless pizza restaurant and so much more!

Shape Location Get directions

Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd ,
London,
SW8 5BN

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Summer Holiday Activities

Explore National Trust Sites

If your family love the outdoors, exploring new places and nestling in beautiful spots of nature, then a trip to a National Trust site is an absolute must!

From Dyffryn Gardens with garden rooms, a 22-acre arboretum and a fascinating tree collection. To Fountain Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden! You’ll find an 800-acre land with an ancient deer park, a Victorian Gothic church, a manor house and a stunning garden with flourishing flora in all the seasons.

Did you know that a lot of these sites have a range of activities that the whole family can involved in? Summer is the perfect time to discover your favourite National Trust site!

Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic or explore the magnificent grounds.

Shape Location

All over the UK

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Family-friendly Festivals

Who says families can’t enjoy festivals? Doesn’t have to be when you’re a teenager, spending your nights dancing to music…

Nowadays there are plenty of family-friendly festivals that you can enjoy all together. Attend fun and creative workshops, dance and sing to music, engage in face painting and much more!

Some have exciting activities for kids involving cool experiments, flower crown making, a balloon disco to boogie in and even a gaming zone!

Here are a few family-friendly festivals you can get tickets for!

Find out more

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Ever fancy taking to the skies outside of a plane? Then a hot air balloon might be the answer.

With Balloons over Britain, you can fulfil your dreams of flying high with your friends and family! You can fly for £129 per person, just pay a deposit of £45.00 and pay later. It’s a truly remarkable and unforgettable memory you make and a really cool thing to do this summer holidays.

Not only will you be treated with spectacular views, but with the perfect summer activity as you enjoy the light and bright skies!

Shape Location

Multiple locations. Please check the website

Pricing

Prices start from £129 per person. Pay a deposit of £45.00 and pay the rest later

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Spend Summer Days Fruit Picking

Fruit picking is an activity most people don’t think of straight away. It’s not your traditional type of fun, but it’s a fool-proof way to get your kids outside and in the fresh air!

They can compete with who picks the juiciest and sweetest fruits. Whether it’s strawberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, cherries or even raspberries! Some farms where you can pick your fruit, also have fun-tastic family activities for kids. So, the fun never stops!

Because who can avoid the sweet smell and taste of fresh fruit, that you can pick yourself? It’ll make for a fantastic family day out and maybe you can make some fruity desserts after.

Shape Location

Multiple locations. Please check the link below for a fruit farm near you!

Opening Times

From June onwards

Pricing

Most farms are pay for what you pick

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Frolick in a Wildflower Meadow

Have kids that love flowers, running free and being outside? Then find a wildflower meadow near you and set them free to wander and explore the most gorgeous flowers in the wild.

Whether you find fields with carpets of daises, bluebells to flowers blossoming all around you! Bright yellows, pretty pinks, calming purples or any colour under the rainbow. It’s a tranquil activity that your kids will love to explore.

You can set up a picnic somewhere and enjoy the summer sun, cool air and the sound of bees buzzing by. Don’t forget to bring the frisbee or football!

Hey, why not check out a sunflower farm near you from July to September?! Their bright sun shining petals will welcome you whole-heartedly!

Shape Location

Multiple locations across the UK

Opening Times

During the summer

Pricing

Free!

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Get Lost in a Maize Maze

Summer means getting outdoors, exploring what’s around you, and enjoying the sun, while it lasts! Summer is filled with happy memories and big smiling faces! So, why not make it extra exciting and super unique?!

Grab the kids and head to Skylark Maize Maze & Funyard for a GIANT day filled with fun! What is it, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a giant-themed maize maze that you can spend all day running through – just don’t get lost and dizzy!

Each year they have a super cool theme, from Woody and Buzz to Thor and the Hulk! What will it be this year? You’ll find out soon…

But that’s not all they have there. You’ll also find special activities pig racing, go-karts, water wars, scarecrow smash and so many more amazing activities for kids! It’ll make for a fab day out this summer – you won’t regret it!

Check out the other cool mazes you’ll find across the UK!

Shape Location Get directions

Manea Road, Wimblington, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0PE

Opening Times

20th July to 3rd September

Pricing

A Summer Season ticket starts from £85.49 for 3 people

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Visit a Butterfly Farm

Come in as a caterpillar and leave as a butterfly…

At the Tropical Butterfly House farm, you can escape to a place where exotic birds and butterflies roam free, over your head and even land on you. It’s the perfect experience for those who love animals and the beautiful effortless flight of butterflies.

You can even get involved with animal feedings and have lots of fun on the outdoor adventure playground! But that’s not the only thing you can do there – you’ll find so many more animals to discover and see! From magnificent mammals, and colourful critters to more!

The perfect family attraction and thing to do this summer holidays. They also hold special events throughout the year, so maybe you can catch a super cool activity for the family!

See what other butterfly farms there are near you.

Shape Location Get directions

Woodsetts Road, North Anston, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S25 4EQ

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 10:00 - 15:30
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Pricing

Child (under 2) free
Child (2-15) £15.99
Adult £16.99

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Swim with Horses

Hold on to your hats because, in Cornwall, you can take to the sea on horseback!

Grab those reins and ride bareback as your horse walks in the shallow water before taking you further out. Whatever experience you have, you’ll be in safe hands with the instructors as you take in the picturesque Cornwall beach.

A truly unique experience to be had during the kid’s school summer holidays. And one they’ll remember for a long time!

Shape Location Get directions

At The Peep Out, Long Rock, Cornwall, TR20 8YJ

Opening Times

May till September - please pre-book online

Pricing

£170 per person, per horse
2 people (1 adult and 1 child) sharing one horse is £200

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Splash At A Water Park

There’s nothing like the summer heat, and what’s the best way to cool off? Splashing about in a water park of course!

Whether you choose to visit an indoor water park or an inflatable outdoor one, you’ll be sure to feel cooler while slipping and sliding your way to fun.

And hey, if you’re travelling to Tenerife in Spain this summer holidays, how about visiting Siam Water Park? It’s packed with family-fun, and incredible water slides and adds to the perfect trip away during the school holidays.

We have locations where you can find outdoor pools and lidos too if you don’t fancy a water park! Or even splash parks where you can find a park local to you, so your kids can stay cool without having to pay big prices for a water park!

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Watch A Film Outdoors

Warmer weather and longer days mean we can enjoy the outside much more! And what’s more fun than relaxing outside and watching the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro in a beautiful space with stunning views?

At Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, you can laze on the grass and watch the classic anime film. With a few surprises in store, food, drink and hopefully the sun, the air will be filled with unparalleled energy – it’s a show not to miss!

Shape Location Get directions

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Rd, Birmingham, B15 3TR

Opening Times

13th August at 19:00

Pricing

Prices are not been released yet

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Indulge at an Ice Cream Farm

I scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Hot days, cool nights…summer is here and that calls for ice cream. But you don’t want just any shop-bought ones, you want fresh, creamy and delicious ice cream.

If you’re heading to Cornwall, try Callestick for some cornish ice cream. Perfect for a treat after a beach trip.

Shape Location Get directions

Cornish Ice Cream, Callestick Farm, Callestick, Truro, TR4 9LL

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 17:00

Pricing

Please check the website for pricing

Find out more

So, after taking in all these fantastically fun things to do in the summer holidays, are you ready to have the best summer yet? Whether you visit formal gardens and farm parks, explore castles and enjoy the beautiful scenery or have fun with creative activities!

Summer is the best time to do it..now we’ve just got to pray for sunny weather and we’re good!

Looking for more fun things to do? Check out our outdoor activities you can explore, zoos and wildlife attractions your kids will love or maybe go on a theme park break.

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