Fun Family Activities to do This Summer
Why not make the most of your summer and have a nice break from work to spend time with your family? You don’t have to travel abroad for a nice day out or holiday. There are loads of great places to visit in the UK to spend a day or go on holiday for a few days. Here are a few ideas to consider. They are suitable for a range of ages and budgets.
Try a dry ski slope
For something that is definitely not a usual summer activity, head to a dry ski slope. Artificial slopes are open all year, so you can learn to ski or snowboard in shorts and a T-shirt. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, many centres offer tubing – sliding down the slope in large rubber rings. Tubing needs no experience and is great fun for children and adults alike.
If you are holidaying in the Gloucester area at somewhere like this spa breaks Gloucester based hotel https://hatherleymanor.com/the-spa/ then why not try out the Matson ski and snowboard centre? As well as skiing and snowboarding, kids and adults will love tubing!
Many ski slopes have a minimum age for children to have ski lessons or to go tubing. Even in summer, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and gloves to prevent grazes on the artificial surface. It’s best to check in advance if there are any restrictions and to book in time for school holidays, as sessions fill up quickly.
Go to a family festival
Summer is festival season, and a family festival is very different from the muddy weekend many of us remember. Summer festivals like Camp Bestival in Dorset are great places for the whole family with a real mix of music and fun activities, as well as shows for kids.
Many festivals have designated family camping areas. These tend to be quieter at night and are located close to toilets and water. It is also a good idea to take your child’s ear defenders to wear near the main stages. Bring a trolley or wagon to transport all of your family’s gear and draw up a simple plan in case anyone gets separated. Many festivals issue wristbands where you can write the telephone number of each child.
Take a boat trip
A boat trip is a great summer activity to do on holiday at the seaside or on a scenic river. Children will love travelling by boat and being out on the water. Many boat trips will also show you wildlife that you would not normally see, such as seals, seabirds and even dolphins on some coasts.
Pick a good licensed operator. Make sure they have child-size life jackets. Take plenty of layers, as it is usually colder on the water than it is on land. If someone gets seasick then a gentle river or estuary trip could be a good place to start, rather than going straight out to sea.
Make it a food adventure
Turn a day out this summer into a food experience. A picnic can be made up of a selection of fresh produce in season such as strawberries, new potatoes, young salad leaves and garden peas. Children can help pick out and prepare the food the night before. A fun morning for all the family can be spent at a pick-your-own fruit farm. The family can pick the fruit for use in puddings and even to make jam. Many towns and counties hold summer food festivals where local producers can sell their wares. There are street food and cookery demonstrations too. Check local listings before you plan your weekends.
Not sure what to put in the basket? Our guide to what is in season in June is a good place to start.
More ideas that cost little or nothing
- Rock pooling at low tide, with a bucket and a simple guide to what you might find.
- A picnic and a walk in a country park or forest, with a scavenger hunt for younger children.
- Free museums and galleries, which often run holiday trails and crafts.
- Pick-your-own farms, which are a fun way to spend a morning and come home with fruit.
- Stargazing on a clear night away from street lights.
- A cycle ride on a traffic-free trail or an old railway path.
Planning tips for a family summer
| Activity | Best for | Plan ahead for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry ski slope and tubing | Active families, a rainy-day backup | Age limits, long sleeves, booking in holidays |
| Family festival | A weekend away with music and shows | Tickets, family camping area, ear defenders |
| Boat trip | Sunny days by the coast or a river | Life jackets, warm layers, tide times |
| Free days out | Keeping costs down | Weather, food and drink, travel time |
Frequently asked questions
How can we keep summer days out affordable?
Pair one paid activity with several free days out such as walking, local museums and the beach. Also take your own food and drinks to attractions, usually the biggest saving, and look for family tickets, off-peak times and book early for discounts. See if you have already got a membership that includes free or discounted entry to local places to visit.
What is a good activity if the weather turns?
Use the weather forecast the evening before you travel to alter your outdoor plans for the next day if it appears to be wet. Dry ski slopes, climbing walls, local swimming pools, museums and indoor play centres make for good alternative activities on wet days and can be swapped for other days when the weather returns to normal.
Where to go next
If your family likes the outdoors, our guide to stargazing destinations to visit in the UK suggests some of the darkest skies to plan an evening around.
The best summer plans are simple ones: a mix of something new, something outdoors and plenty of time together.
