Things to do with the kids this summer.

It’s always hard during the six weeks holidays to find things to do with your kids. The challenge of keeping children entertained and engaged can be quite daunting, especially when you consider the financial implications. Everything nowadays is so expensive; from amusement parks to movie tickets, the costs can quickly add up. As we all know, making ends meet is hard enough, and this financial strain can make it even more challenging to find the money to give your kids a good time during the summer break. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep their children happy and active during this extended period away from school, leading to stress and frustration.

I unfortunately haven’t got kids of my own yet, but I have been paying close attention to various activities that families can enjoy together. Here are some ideas that you can do with your kids, categorised into two groups: some activities that will incur costs and others that are completely free, allowing you to choose based on your budget and preferences.

Free things to do with your kids

1) Hikes and walks

Children have boundless energy, and keeping them indoors often leads to restlessness. A great way to help them expend this energy is through outdoor adventures, which also offer family bonding opportunities. Consider visiting a local park, which provides playgrounds, fields, and walking paths for active play. For a more immersive nature experience, destinations like the Peak District offer diverse trails and stunning landscapes for exploration.

Activities such as hiking, biking, or strolling with the family dog can make for a delightful day out. Enhance the outing with a picnic featuring your family's favorite snacks, adding excitement to the day as you enjoy a meal in nature. Choose a scenic spot to relax, share stories, and enjoy the fresh air.

To engage children further, create a scavenger hunt list of natural items to find, like a tall tree, colorful bird, or interesting rocks. This activity encourages children to observe their surroundings, fostering an appreciation for nature and enhancing their observational skills.

2) Town/ city events

Most towns and cities have plenty of events that are free for kids to enjoy. These events are normally held in local parks and town centres, they do fun raisers, with entertainers and load of fun things like face paints and bubbles games and much more.

Websites like Eventbrite.co.uk is a great place to finds activities to do with the kids and it has everything from paid and no paying events in your local area for ideas for this summers long six weeks holiday.

3) Sports - with things you can find around your house.

Many children enjoy playing sports, and most families with kids often have items like footballs or basketballs at home. Sports not only provide fun for the entire family but also help children release some of their pent-up energy. Some parks offer basketball hoops, and many towns or cities have fields where you can play football. If you don't have these items at home, stores like B&M or Poundland offer affordable children's activities, such as badminton, soft footballs, and tennis rackets and balls. These items are inexpensive and can be used multiple times, ensuring fun for the whole family.

4) Build a fort.

Speaking from experience as someone who didn't grow up with much money, I know that something as simple as a living room fort can keep kids entertained for hours. Whether they're playing inside, relaxing with a book, watching TV, enjoying snacks, or even sleeping in the fort at night, this simple activity of arranging blankets and pillows is incredibly fun for children. Whether you're joining in the play or letting them enjoy it alone or with siblings, it's an excellent way to keep kids engaged for hours.

5) House work and Cooking

Children who easily become bored, as many parents know, tend to interrupt you during essential tasks like housework and cooking. While I'm not suggesting that you make your kids do these chores, it's important to recognize that children's minds are like sponges, eager to learn. Allowing your child to assist with everyday tasks can be enjoyable for them. Inviting your children to help cook dinner or letting them vacuum can be fun. Although these are tasks we adults may not always relish, they must be completed. For a child who spends most of the year in school, these activities are not part of their daily routine, and surprisingly, tasks like cooking and cleaning can be enjoyable as they learn and grow. Completing these chores more quickly also gives you more time to spend with your child doing other activities they might enjoy.

Paid/ Free activities to do with you children.

1) Arts and crafts

Children enjoy engaging in fun, messy activities, making arts and crafts an excellent option to keep them entertained. The cost of arts and crafts can vary, being either affordable or more expensive, depending on where you purchase your supplies. Whether you use items from your local discount store, materials you already have at home, or shop online, there are countless creative activities to enjoy with your children. Options like coloring books, painting, finger painting, creating paper plate animals, splatter painting, making sock puppets from old socks, or purchasing items like wooden letters from craft stores for them to paint or color will keep your kids entertained for hours.

2) Museums

As I've mentioned, children have a natural love for learning, making museums excellent destinations for them. The cost of visiting a museum varies based on the location, but some museums provide free entry for children. For instance, the Natural History Museum in London is a place that children would adore. It offers free admission not just for children but for everyone, and it's filled with a wide variety of exhibits that children will enjoy.

3) Zoos and aquariums

Regardless of whether you agree with them, it's undeniable that children enjoy seeing animals. Many individuals never have the chance to observe some of these creatures up close, and aquariums and zoos provide an excellent opportunity for children to see their favourite animals. This can be a fantastic family outing. Observing animals up close and experiencing all they have to offer is entertaining and delightful for kids.

4) Go Ape

Go Ape is just one of many activities you can enjoy with your children. With 37 locations across the UK, you won't have to travel far to find one, no matter where you are. At Go Ape, you're harnessed to a tree and navigate through treetop wooden obstacles, providing great fun for the entire family. Depending on the location, Go Ape costs between £5 and £40 per person and can last from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Many sites also offer walking trails and picnic areas nearby, making it a full-day experience.

5) Theme parks

The theme park you choose should depend on your child's age. For example, Legoland caters to all age groups, while Alton Towers is more suited for older children but still provides activities for younger ones. With a variety of rides, games, and numerous food stalls and restaurants, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

6) Swimming pools and water parks.

Whether you visit a large water park, the local swimming pool, or the nearby park's paddling pool, there are numerous swimming attractions for you and your children to enjoy. Regardless of whether your child is a baby or a pre-teen, it's a fun day out for the whole family.

In conclusion no matter whether you have money burning a hole in your pocket or you’re a little tight on my money there is plenty for you to do with your children during the summer break and hopefully some of these things may help you to find things to keep your children entertained.