Moving to the UK is an exciting adventure, especially if you have children. But when summer rolls around and school is out, many parents find themselves wondering how to keep their kids busy, happy, and learning. The good news is that the UK offers a wide range of fun and affordable activities for families. Whether you live in a city or the countryside, here are the best things to do with kids over the summer holidays in the UK and planning in advance can save you money.
Explore Local Parks and Playgrounds
British parks are perfect for family days out. Most cities and towns have free public parks with playgrounds, nature trails, and even splash pads in the summer. Pack a picnic, bring a ball or frisbee, and enjoy a full day outdoors. Popular parks like Hyde Park in London, Heaton Park in Manchester, and Bute Park in Cardiff are great for kids of all ages.
Visit Museums and Galleries
Many UK museums are child-friendly and completely free to enter. The Natural History Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh all offer interactive exhibits that children love. Check out their summer holiday programmes for special events and workshops.
Try a Summer Holiday Club
Summer holiday clubs are a great way for kids to make friends, stay active, and learn new skills. Local leisure centres, schools, and community centres often run these clubs during the summer break. From football and dance to arts and crafts, there’s something for every interest. Search online for “summer holiday clubs near me” or check your local council’s website.
Take Day Trips to Family Attractions
If you’re up for a bit of travel, the UK has plenty of family attractions worth visiting. Consider places like LEGOLAND Windsor, Alton Towers, or Peppa Pig World for a day packed with excitement. Zoos like Chester Zoo or Edinburgh Zoo are also a hit with younger children. Be sure to book tickets in advance, especially during school holidays.
Enjoy the Seaside
The UK’s coastline is full of charming seaside towns, perfect for a summer day out. Build sandcastles on the beach, enjoy fish and chips, and maybe even take a dip in the sea. Popular family-friendly beaches include Bournemouth, Whitby, and St Ives. Don’t forget the sunscreen—even on cloudy days!
Get Creative at Home
Not every day needs to be spent out and about. Rainy days are perfect for home-based activities like baking, painting, or building a fort. Websites like BBC Good Food and Pinterest are full of ideas for crafts and easy recipes to try with kids. You’ll never run out of things to try.
The UK has so much to offer for families over the summer holidays. With a mix of outdoor adventures, educational outings, and creative activities, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep your children entertained—and create lasting memories.
As a final thought, we consider that attraction tickets can be pricey, booking well in advance for the summer can be cheaper. You can also shop around online for discount codes to save on tickets costs. Some supermarket loyalty points schemes allow you to buy attraction tickets so check if you have enough points and can buy your tickets with points which can save you loads.
So whether you’re new to the UK or just exploring it in a new way, the summer holidays are a wonderful time to connect as a family.
