Things To Do In The Summer Holidays

If you have explorer kids and adventurous bodies, a trip away to Mendip Activity Centre is an absolute must! With off-grid camping, glamping and lodge rooms, you can either relax in style or relax in wild. 

You can pitch your tent where you like, whenever you like in the 250 acre activity centre! Bring some marshmallows for smores, because you’ll have fire pits too –  making those summer evenings extra toasty.

Then as daybreak comes, it’s time to get your adventurer on! Zoom down the Mendip Hills with tobogganing and skiing, climb to new heights with rock climbing and try your feet on the water with paddleboarding! Think that’s it? Think again! You can discover darkness like never before with their caving, play frisbee golf and try your hand at aiming with archery!

With a whole range of exciting activities, for all ages, your family is guaranteed to experience the best summer fun! Plus, there’s fantastic toddler play areas, a GIANT sand pit, free climbing tower and circus skill sessions, plus live music at the onsite pub every weekend!

So, if you’re looking to get outside and make the most out of summer, a camping trip at Mendip Activity Centre will do just the trick!

The summer holidays are here, and you’re worried about having the kids inside all day. How do you get kids away from their digital devices and out into the fresh air? Well, you can try a Treasure Trail for a healthy family outing! We know it can be challenging to drag your kids away from their tablets and mobile phones, BUT it’s important for their mental and physical health to get outside!

Did you know that overuse of digital devices can lead to poor

sleep, bad posture, back, neck and shoulder strain, and so much more? This is why it’s important for everyone, not just kids, to get outside and away from social media and TV. Embrace the summer breeze and explore your local areas and beyond. And the best way is with a Treasure Trail!

Why Get Outdoors This Summer?

The trouble with getting kids outdoors is that they easily get bored with just walking… While competitive sports are one solution, another is to engage their brains with a mental challenge. An ever-growing, popular outdoor family pastime is the ‘Treasure Trail’. 

And the best thing about Treasure Trails, is that its an activity that involves the WHOLE family. So, bring the grandparents too! 

Treasure Trails offer treasure hunts, detective mysteries, AND spy missions in towns, villages, and cities all over the UK! Whether you’re exploring a new place or searching for hidden treasures in your local area. With Treasure Trails, you’ll see the sights, solve the clues, and above all, have fun with your family or team. You can follow the clues on an app, or for a real digital detox, download a PDF le to print out, or have the booklet posted to you. Easy, peasy.

Why It Works Well During Summer Holidays

1. Perfect Weather: Summer provides the ideal weather for outdoor activities, making it the perfect time to embark on a Treasure Trail.
2. Affordable: Summer holiday days out can be expensive, but not with a Treasure Trail. The Trails are just £9.99 for the whole family.
3. School Break: With kids out of school, Treasure Trails offer a fun and educational way to keep them engaged and active.
4. Flexible Schedules: Longer days and more flexible schedules during summer holidays mean you can plan your Treasure Trail adventure at any time that suits your family.
5. Avoiding Crowds: Treasure Trails offer a unique experience without the hassle of crowded attractions, making it a relaxing way to spend your summer days.

Treasure Trails are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, with clues that range from easy to difficult. The backstories involve fun treasure, detective, and spy themes that will immerse kids and parents alike.

Embarking on a Treasure Trail is a summer activity for everyone to get involved with and bond as a family! As you’ll be working together to solve the mystery and complete the mission! Plus, since there’s no need to book, you can set off on your adventure whenever you want – they’re super flexible and convenient for every kind of family. With Trails all over the country, you can search by location to find one for you.

Psst…did you know the Trails even include real cash prize draws for teams? You just need to submit correct answers to all the clues!

So, the next time the sun’s out, and the kids are glued to their digital devices, get them out and about on a Treasure Trail. Visit Treasure Trails to find one near you. The whole family will be winners! Get ready to embark on a journey filled with excitement, learning, and healthy fun this summer.

Happy Trailing!

Families listen up, Go Laser Tag knows that finding fun things for kids to do throughout half terms and summer can be difficult, and pulling them away from a screen or computer games can be even harder. But 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!

They’re running every day throughout the summer holidays – all day, every day. So, get out of the house, away from the screens and enjoy the outdoors – with kids’ birthday parties, fun day outs and family events, too! Psst, there’s no minimum player needed either.

This isn’t just any old laser tag arena – it’s out in the open forest! Where you can play with 3 of the newest ‘Fortnite’-themed guns – the Assault rifles, Sniper rifles, and fan favourite Sub Machine Guns. You can switch it up too – there’s unlimited ammo/reloads for the guns AND you’ll be geared up in their Ninja Camouflage Combat suits! GO Laser Tag London is one of the only venues in the world to offer 3 varied Laser Tag gun options for all 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, but a minimum of 5-6 games to be played across different game maps. So, whatever your party size, suit up, grab your gun and head out into the wilderness. Also, for the birthday people, they’ll get a FREE ‘Squad Leader’ Dog Tag! Which can be worn with pride on your birthday event and take home too.

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?

From the 20th July – 2nd September, you’ll find all sorts of sunny adventures at Piglets Adventure Farm! Meet a fire breathing dragon, master new circus skills or…walk with the dinosaurs!

Ready to dive into a summer of pure fun?

Knights, Dragons & Princesses – 20th July to 4th August

Make your own family coat of arms shield and see how it levels up against a real fire-breathing dragon! Plus, you can watch two epic live shows and see if the shy dragon can find the courage it needs with the help of the knight and the princess.

Dino Adventures – 5th August to 18th August

Step back in time and walk amongst the giants who ruled the world – the dinosaurs! Enjoy a live raptor show, uncover buried treasures in the Dino Dig and Gem Mining area, and even make your own dinosaur pal in their craft tipi… What will you discover first?

Showtime – 19th August to 2nd September

It’s time to head to the circus and witness jaw-dropping tricks, master your own skills in the workshop and get creative in their craft tipi by making your very own mask!

Psst…want to experience ALL of this and more without breaking the bank? Then grab their Summer Pass for £30.00! It’s your getaway to experience all 3 adventures, and visit as many times as you like from 20th July to 30th September!

Looking for more summer adventures?

ALL SUMMER LONG…

• Foam Party – Boogie and bop in the bubbles to your favourite tunes. Don’t forget spare clothes.
• Dino Dig and Gem Mining – Unearth the bones of a Dinosaur and find the buried treasures hidden in the sand.
• Fossil Hunting – Little explorers will love Fossil Hunting in the maize maze. Find the fossils to win a treat.
• Sensory Fairy Trail – Flutter down the fairy trail, but beware of pesky trolls! Sensory surprises around every corner.
• Animal Encounter Sessions – Take part in hands-on sessions with their farm friends, including cute chicks and gorgeous guinea pigs.
• Water Wars – Splash your way through Summer as you ing water-filled balloons at your pals.
• The Beach – Fresh air and fun. The Beach is the ultimate place to explore, relax or cool off!
• Indoor Play – Climb aboard a tractor-trailer ride to discover thrilling slides, JCB diggers and imaginative play.
• Outdoor Adventure Play – Acres of exciting outdoor play, including awesome adventure playgrounds, bouncing pillows and crazy golf

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!

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!

Come rain or shine, Wacky Warehouse will always be there!

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 with 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 make a trip to their rare-breed paddocks.

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 you’re 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.

Don’t want to leave? Then don’t… Seriously… The Folly Farm Holiday Park is the five-star getaway you need this Summer!

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

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.

Embark on a 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 with Totally Jurassic and wild animals with Totally Jungle!

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.

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 for 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 order… Phew, can you handle all of that?

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

Are you ready, explorer?

Parents everywhere! Did you know that Blippi is going on a world tour?!

This exciting live show is based on the popular children’s educational character, Blippi. With an energetic and interactive performance, Blippi will bring the colourful world to life, offering kids and families a chance to sing, dance, and learn together!

Featuring engaging stories, vibrant visuals, and Blippi’s signature enthusiasm, the tour promises a memorable experience for young audiences. As Blippi explores various topics and adventures, kids are, of course, encouraged to join in!

They’ll be learning about what makes cities unique and special as well as boogie-ing around! From monster trucks and garbage trucks to excavators – what will Blippi sing and dance about?

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!

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!

The coolest place to hit up in London! From a cinema, epic game bars, the ultimate crazy golf course, a theatre and many 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!

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.

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! Psst…there’s even food festivals happening this summer for all you foodies out there.

• Deer Shed Festival – 26th – 29th July
• Camp Bestival Shropshire – 15th – 18th August
• Latitude Festival – 25th – 28th July
• Food Festivals – throughout the summer

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!

If you want to stay on the ground and watch hot air balloons fly above you, there’s a BIG balloon festival this summer, check out Bristol Balloon Fiesta – it’s FREE to attend.

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.

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, or 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 wholeheartedly!

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!

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.

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 your experience, 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!

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 during the 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!

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 The Boy and the Heron in a beautiful space with stunning views?

At Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, you can laze on the grass and watch the latest 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!

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.