School’s out for summer! ☀️
Time to make some fantastic memories with the kids. We know days out with the family can quickly add up, but there’s no need to break the bank to have a blast this summer.
Get ready for a summer of fun with our list of free things to do with kids over the summer holidays!
1. Take a trip to the beach
Swimming, sandcastles, kite flying, picnics, beach games… There’s plenty to keep the little ones happy and having fun at the beach. Check out our beach break hotels – to find that beachy paradise holiday you’ve been dreaming of.
Looking for the best beaches in the UK? Discover our top 10 favourite beaches here.
2. Go rock pooling
Rockpooling is an exciting and educational activity perfect for kids who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Search the rocky terrain near the coast to find a creature or two – or maybe even a mini sea monster hidden in the depths!
3. Go crabbing in a coastal town
Coastal towns are known for their sea life, including mussels, cockles and crabs. Many quays around the UK welcome the fun activity of crab fishing, also known as ‘crabbing’. All you need for this is a drop net or hand line, some bait (the smellier the better!) and a bucket to pop the nippy creatures in. Just make sure to return them where they came from once you’re finished.
Why not check out Dartmouth or Salcombe, idyllic harbours on the South Devon coast, for catching crabs.
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4. Visit a museum
There are plenty of different types of museums scattered across the UK, perfect for keeping little ones entertained. Science, art and technology galore, there will be a free museum to match all interests.
The free and popular Natural History Museum in London is a sure hit for all things fossil. The National Museum of Scotland is one of the ‘Best of the Best’ among TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Check out our list of the best museums for kids here.
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5. Visit an art gallery
From the words ‘art gallery’, you may picture lots of paintings and photographs hung on the wall, perhaps something most children may not find enjoyable. But many different free-entry art galleries feature epic immersive events, perfect for fascinating your little ones.
Use the Money Saving Expert tool to find free galleries or check out our top picks of the best art galleries in the UK here.
6. Go geocaching
Geocaching, the act of finding small, easily concealable capsules with gems hidden inside, has become a favourite summer holiday activity for all ages. With plenty of caches hidden all around the UK, wherever you are, why not get the kids together and have a stroll in search of treasures?
7. Take on a Junior parkrun
If you are looking for a brilliant way to get the kids outside and moving on a Sunday morning without spending a penny, junior parkrun is an absolute lifesaver during the school holidays. These free, weekly, timed 2k events are open to all children aged 4 to 14 and take place in hundreds of parks across the UK every single Sunday morning.
The best part about junior parkrun is the incredibly warm, inclusive atmosphere. It is explicitly not a race – kids are encouraged to walk, jog, run or skip at whatever pace they like. There is a fun, group warm-up and high-fiving marshals line the entire route, so your little ones are never out of sight or lacking encouragement. All you need to do is register your child once online, turn up and show their digital barcode.
8. Visit an animal farm or sanctuary
If your kids love all things animal, then why not visit one of the UK’s free animal farms and sanctuaries? With plenty of goats, cows, pigs and chickens to pet and feed, you can spend all day meeting and greeting every animal at the farm. Why not visit St Werburgh’s City Farm in Bristol? There is sure to be an activity to suit all of your little ones.
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9. Visit a garden in the sky
London has many rooftops open to the public if you know where to look! The Garden at 120 and Sky Garden are both popular locations, perfect for taking in the iconic London skyline. You could bring your own picnic for the ultimate rooftop experience. Ensure to book your free ticket at the Sky Garden while at The Garden at 120, you can simply walk in (or up!).
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10. Feed the ducks
If you’re out for a stroll or just visiting your local park, why not stop at a lake to feed the ducks? Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually not healthy for ducks to be fed bread, but instead, try to bring along some sliced grapes, lettuce, or frozen peas in water. The kids will love watching the ducks gobble up these treats!
11. Visit the Avebury stone circle
This mysterious stone circle in Wiltshire is reminiscent of the iconic British landmark of Stonehenge, located not too far away. Nobody knows where these stones came from, and that’s exactly what makes them so special! As well as being a national heritage site, the grounds make for an excellent picnic area with plenty of grass and greenery.
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12. See a show during Kids Week
Every summer, the theatre world opens its doors to families for free. Major productions across the UK run free ‘Kids Week’ initiatives, where kids go free with a paying adult to top shows, but they also host completely free interactive workshops. And best of all, some shows will be running fun-filled activities before or after performances. Running from 20th July to the 31st August 2026, shows part of the Kids Week promotion includes Beetlejuice the Musical, Bluey’s Big Play, The Greatest Showman: Come Alive and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, to name a few!
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13. Visit the local library
If your kids are bookworms or like immersing themselves in a good graphic novel, the library may be a great solution to any summer boredom. Browse your favourite local library and spend a day reading and uncovering new and exciting stories. Check out your book of choice to finish it at home!
14. Visit the Angel of the North
There are plenty of free-to-visit UK landmarks, including the iconic Angel of the North. This giant structure towers 20m high and 54m wide. Constructed with weather-resistant steel and sitting just off the A1, visible to passers-by, this landmark is iconic among locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect place for a funny snap, so make sure you visit on a beautiful summer’s day.
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15. Go on the Potter Trail around Edinburgh
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If your kids are fans of the Harry Potter series, then we have the perfect afternoon plans for you. This magical Harry Potter-themed tour is filled with intrigue and insight into the wizarding world and perfectly explores the streets of Edinburgh, with many references to the franchise dotted around the city. Don’t forget to bring your gowns and brooms to this exciting free tour!
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16. Have a picnic in the sunshine
When the sun’s out, what better way to spend your day than relaxing under the leafy trees? Head on down to your local park or field, and bring along a picnic basket and blanket. Bring along your picnic ‘picky bits’ to have a munch and some fun with the family.
17. Attend a free festival
Across the summer, there are plenty of festivals and events going on. But, there are also a lot of other fun and free events to attend in the capital cities that will not break the bank! Edinburgh Fringe Festival, held annually in the Scottish capital’s city centre, is a fantastic experience with plenty of free events, stalls and entertainment over August. Welcoming thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, music and everything in between, the Edinburgh Fringe is a wonderland for all devotees to the arts.
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18. Browse a street market
Plenty of cities across the UK host spectacular street markets throughout the year, but they thrive particularly in the summer. With stalls of fresh fruit, street food, vintage finds, ice cream and second-hand and vintage gems, there will be something to suit all of your little ones’ preferences. Why not try out The Harbourside Street Food Market in Bristol or Cardiff Market in the Welsh capital, both well known for their rich community stalls!
19. Join the ‘Read to the Beat’ Summer Reading Challenge
Run by public libraries all over the UK, the annual Summer Reading Challenge is completely free to join and this year’s theme is ‘Read to the Beat’. Blending storytelling with the power of music, kids will love setting their own personalised goals and can read anything they like, including books, graphic novels, poetry or even listen to audiobooks. Kids can collect rewards and stickers along the way, and usually get a certificate once they complete the challenge.
20. Go for a dog walk around the park
Stretching your legs and going on a family outing may be so simple, but it can be a lot of fun just to get out of the house. Bring your furry friend along to the park for a walk, whether it’s at the beach or the park, play some games and chill with the family. What more could you ask for?
21. Visit a cathedral
If your kids are interested in the history of the UK, then why not visit a cathedral such as Cardiff’s St David’s Cathedral? This Anglican cathedral is one of the city’s most popular attractions, being the site of St David’s monastery. Wander the cobbled walls of the cathedral and learn the ins and outs of the rich Welsh culture in their gallery, treasury and library.
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22. Hunt for giant sculptures at an art park
If the idea of taking kids to a quiet, indoor art gallery doesn’t hit the mark with your little ones, try an outdoor sculpture park. Iconic spots like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park offer massive, open green spaces that are completely free to enter.
Best of all, there are no quiet corridors or velvet ropes here. Kids can run wildly through fields, woods and lakeside trails while discovering enormous, mind-boggling art installations hidden in nature. It turns a standard walk into an open-air adventure where they are actively encouraged to explore around the exhibits.
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23. Go roller skating at the skate park
Lace (or strap) up the little one’s skates and get them down to the local skatepark! As well as skateboarding and biking, among many different activities, roller skating at your local park can help the kids bond with each other as well as have some family fun. Will you lace up your skates as well or just watch from a distance?
24. Visit a UNESCO world heritage site
There are plenty of amazing sights to be seen across the UK, many of which are part of the UNESCO group. One particular attraction that you may recognise is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal located near Wrexham, North Wales. The kids will be astounded at the views from this stunning location.
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25. Try wild swimming
There’s no better way to launch into summer than with a bit of wild swimming. The UK is packed full of hidden pools, beaches and lakes for you to take a dip in and get back to nature.
Our top pick for a wild swim this summer has to be Three Shires Head in the glorious Peak District National Park. This 6.2km circular walk takes you on a scenic wander through this beautiful national park and one of the most splendid waterfalls in the north. There are plenty of rock pools to paddle and swim in – just remember to watch your footing, as the rocks can be slippery and this is a remote area. For more information on wild swimming safety in the Peak District National Park, please click here.
26. Go for a family hike
What better way to enjoy nature and take a breath of fresh air than to go for a hike with the family? Spot some local wildlife, explore stunning woodlands and experience the beauty of the British countryside. Just don’t forget your walking boots! Check out our UK hiking guides below:
🥾 The best hiking routes in England
🥾 The best hiking routes in Scotland
🥾 The best hiking routes in Wales
🥾 The best hiking routes in Northern Ireland
27. Try bird watching
Whilst you’re out in the countryside, at your local park or on a hike, there are plenty of fun things to do to fill your time. One of the more popular outdoor hobbies is bird watching, so bring a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot some common birds!
28. Build a fort in the woods
As a kid, we bet you remember running into the woods and creating a secret fort made from sticks and shrubbery nearby. Let’s turn this classic summer holiday activity into a family bonding exercise with your kids! Create a fun fort with sticks, leaves and dirt and create real memories with your family.
29. Visit the local playground
Playgrounds are always perfect for kids and ideal for the summer months. Sometimes the kids just need to let out all their energy, and where better to do that than on the monkey bars? Bring some snacks and drinks for after and let the little ones loose!
30. Visit a botanical garden
Lots of different types of flowers bloom all year round, making for some spectacular and exclusive shows in the summer. Why not take the family to a gorgeous botanical garden, where all sorts of flowers, bushes and plants are on display for you to learn more about.
The Hepworth Garden in Wakefield is home to a botanical garden designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith. Effortlessly blending angular and striking architecture with flourishing, vibrant plants and flora, this botanical garden is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Sports Days are a great choice for getting the kids up and moving during the sunnier months. Choose from classic sports day challenges, from three-legged races and egg-and-spoon, and get ready for an afternoon filled with laughter and a little healthy competition.
Sun on your face, wind in your hair – a family bike ride is a summertime classic! Dust off those bikes (or rent some if needed) and explore the great outdoors on two wheels. It’s a fun way to get some exercise, breathe in the fresh air and create lasting memories together. Pack a picnic for a pitstop, or stop for ice cream cones – the possibilities are endless! Check out the 
The UK is bursting with history! So, why not take the kids on an adventure to see some iconic landmarks? Best of all, many of them are free to explore.
Beat the heat and have a blast with a balloon fight! Grab some balloons, fill them up with water and head outside for an epic battle. Prepare to get soaked (and unleash some serious laughter) as you dodge, dive and drench your opponents. It’s a refreshing and free-for-all way to cool down during the summer holidays.
Calling all future Wimbledon champions! Give your kids a chance to ace their summer with a free tennis coaching session. It’s a fantastic way to get them active outdoors, learn a new skill, and have a blast. The best part? Finding a free session is easier than ever. Check out 
Get ready for a scavenging adventure this summer! Create a list of exciting finds for your little explorers, from different coloured leaves, interesting shaped rocks or even specific types of flowers. It’s a fun way for kids to get some fresh air, learn about the world around them and maybe even discover a hidden habitat.
Catch a family favourite flick under the stars! Lucky for fans of movie magic, lots of places around the UK are hosting outdoor movie nights throughout the summer. Cosy up on the grass at Everyman on the Canal in Kings Cross, relax by the water at 
Looking for a free way to cool off the whole family on a scorcher? Splash parks are the answer! Many towns and cities have these awesome play areas with fountains, sprinklers and spray guns guaranteed to bring squeals and laughter. Apply your sunscreen and get ready for a wet and wild adventure! Remember to check your local listings for opening hours and any splash park rules.
As the sun sets, it’s time to discover the mysteries of the night sky! Kids will be amazed by the countless twinkling stars and using helpful 
Turn your summer holiday staycation into an adventure with a photo scavenger hunt! Grab your camera (or phone!) and create a list of fun things to find, like a dog wearing sunglasses, the fluffiest cloud in the sky or an impressive sandcastle.
