Indoor and outdoor summer activities for kids

Summer holidays can feel long when you’re keeping everyone busy, especially at home. The good news is you don’t need a jam-packed schedule. A simple mix of outdoor play, creative projects, family games and quiet moments can keep kids happy, active and curious.

Whether you’ve got a garden, a tiny patio or just a living room, these easy-to-adapt ideas have you covered. Dip in whenever you need a spark of inspiration, for sunny mornings, rainy afternoons or those “what can we do now?” moments.

Garden activities are a helpful way to add movement into the day without needing to travel far. Keep the set-up simple, choose games that suit your space and build in breaks, especially on warm days.

Create a mini sports day

Set up a few easy stations and let children move between them. You could include:

• A basketball match
• A pickleball challenge
• A mini pogo stick relay race
• A balancing challenge using cushions or cones

This works well because you can adapt it for different ages. Younger children enjoy short, playful rounds, while older children can help design the course or time each challenge.

Try lawn games for the whole family

Lawn games are a great go-to when you want something active that keeps both kids and adults involved. Pick easy, turn-based games like:

• Skittles
• Ring toss
• Giant dominoes
• Beanbag toss or target throw

Set them up on a flat patch of grass, patio or even a driveway. For smaller spaces, stick to one-spot games like target toss or bottle bowling. If you have more room, create a few mini zones so kids can move between games and stay engaged without getting bored. You do not need much kit. Use everyday items like soft balls, buckets, empty bottles, chalk or bean bags. Keep everything in a basket so it is quick to bring out after dinner or on a sunny afternoon.

Add a bit of structure to keep things flowing. Try simple scoring, short rounds or team play so younger children can pair up with adults. Let kids take turns resetting the games too, it keeps them involved and gives you a breather.

Build a garden adventure course

A garden adventure course is an easy way to keep kids active and engaged using things you already have at home. Set up a simple route with a mix of tasks like crawling under a sheet, stepping around markers, hopping between chalk circles or carrying a toy from start to finish.

To set up, use a clear, safe space and map out a short course with 3–5 simple steps. Keep it low-level and easy to follow so younger children can take part without help. In small gardens or patios, focus on one continuous route. If you have more space, spread out a few stations to keep things exciting.

Grab everyday items like chairs (for tunnels), blankets, chalk, cones, soft toys or buckets. You can also include garden toys if you have them, but keep everything stable and spaced out. Here are a few tips:

• Make it a timed challenge or repeat the course for “beat your score” fun
• Let kids help design or rearrange the course
• Keep obstacles simple and well within their ability
• Clear the area around each activity and supervise throughout

Quick to set up and easy to change, this is a great way to burn energy and keep kids entertained with minimal effort.

Getting outside with kids can be simple, affordable, and packed with fun. With a little planning and a few essentials in your bag, even a local green space can feel like a full day out. Here are a few easy ideas:

Nature scavenger hunt

Create a simple checklist (e.g. feather, yellow flower, sticks) before you go. Head to a park or woodland and let kids tick things off as they explore. Bring a small bag or container, plus a notebook and crayons for drawing their finds.

Picnic and play day

Plan a relaxed outing with a packed lunch, blanket, and simple games like a ball or frisbee. Pick a park with open space and maybe a playground nearby so kids can mix structured play with free time. Take a look at our picnic checklist.

Scoot and explore trails

Bring bikes or scooters to a safe, traffic-free path or park trail. Plan a short route with a few stops along the way like a viewpoint or snack break to keep it fun and manageable.

A day at the beach

Beach visits and riverside walks are also great low-cost options. Plan simple activities like building sandcastles, collecting shells, or skipping stones that can keep children entertained for hours without requiring any special equipment.

Try the 50 things challenge

The National Trust’s “50 things to do before you’re 11¾” is a brilliant go-to for low-cost family fun. Think simple, hands-on activities like building a den, flying a kite, spotting wildlife, rolling down hills or stargazing. These are all about getting outside, getting a bit muddy and having fun rather than following strict instructions.

Water play can be a fun way to cool down in warm weather, but it should always be supervised. It is advised that staying within arm’s reach is one of the most important things parents and carers can do around water, and children should not be left unattended near baths, pools or other water.

Paddling pool fun

Turn a simple paddling pool into a mini play zone by adding floating toys, balls, cups and containers. Kids can scoop, pour, splash and even create little “games” like fishing out objects. Keep water shallow and place it in a shaded area for longer, safer play. Learn how to select the right paddling pool for your family.

Pour and play station

Set up a low table, tray or even a washing-up bowl filled with water, and add jugs, cups, spoons and funnels. Children can practise pouring, mixing and transferring water, which keeps them focused and helps develop coordination. Place it on a towel or outside for easy clean-up.

Toy car wash

Fill a bucket with water and a little soap, then bring out sponges, brushes or cloths. Let kids “wash” toy cars, scooters or bikes. You can line up toys to create a mini car wash station and add a rinse bucket for extra fun.

Water painting

Give kids paintbrushes or rollers and a bucket of water, then let them “paint” fences, patios or walls. It dries quickly, so they can keep going without any mess. You can also draw shapes or letters for younger children to trace and follow.

Water gun games

Water gun games are a fun and easy way to keep kids cool and active on hot summer days. Set up simple challenges like targets, team races or water tag to get everyone involved, whether you have a big garden or a small space. Keep towels and clear boundaries in place so it stays safe, stress-free and full of laughter.

Important note: On very warm days, the NHS advises keeping babies and young children cool, helping them avoid dehydration and protecting them from strong sun. NHS guidance says babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight, and older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm in summer.

A rainy day does not have to mean everyone runs out of ideas. Indoor activities work best when they are easy to set up, easy to tidy away and flexible enough to last for 10 minutes or an hour.

Make a boredom jar

Write activity ideas on small pieces of paper and place them in a jar or box. When children say they are bored, they can pick one at random. Ideas can include:

• Build a blanket fort
• Draw a comic strip
• Make a paper aeroplane and test it
• Create a treasure hunt
• Choose a board game
• Make a playlist for a living room dance break

This can make summer holiday activities feel more spontaneous, while still giving you a ready-made list to fall back on.

Set up a home cinema

Let children help turn the living room into a cinema. They can make tickets, choose cushions, create a snack menu and pick a film or family-friendly show. To make it more of an activity, ask them to:

• Design a film poster
• Write a short review afterwards
• Vote for the next film night
• Build a cosy den before the film starts

Plan a board game afternoon

Board games and card games are useful for quieter afternoons, especially when children need a screen-free reset. Choose shorter games for younger children, and longer team-based games for older children.

You can also add simple twists, such as a “family games league” across the holidays or a rule where the winner chooses the next activity.

Creative activities are ideal when you want children to focus, make something and feel proud of the result. They can also be useful for quieter mornings, after lunch or when the weather changes.

Try a summer craft challenge

Pick a theme and let children create something around it. Interesting summer themes include:

• Under the sea
• A dream holiday
• Garden insects
• Favourite ice cream flavours
• A postcard from home

For younger children, keep materials simple, such as paper, crayons, stickers and washable paints. Older children may enjoy model making, jewellery kits, sewing, slime, bead art or more detailed drawing projects.

Make a summer scrapbook

A scrapbook can help children record the small moments from their holidays, even if you are mainly staying at home. They could add drawings, photos, pressed flowers, tickets from days out, recipes or notes about their favourite activities. You could use one page per week and include prompts such as:

• My favourite thing this week was…
• Something new I tried was…
• The funniest moment was…
• Next week I want to…

Create an at-home art gallery

Ask children to choose their favourite drawings, paintings or crafts and display them on a wall, fridge or washing line. They can make labels for each piece and invite the family to walk around the “gallery”. This is a simple way to turn one afternoon of crafting into a bigger activity, especially if children enjoy presenting their work.

Summer holiday activities can include plenty of learning, without ever feeling like schoolwork. The trick is to keep things practical, playful and led by curiosity, so kids stay engaged without even realising they are picking up new skills.

Kitchen maths

Turn snack time into a mini learning moment. Get kids measuring ingredients, counting spoonfuls or dividing portions. Simple bakes or no-cook recipes are perfect, and you can let older children take the lead with reading instructions.

Garden science

Head outside and explore what is already there. Watch insects, plant seeds, water plants or track the weather with a simple daily chart. Even spotting changes over a few days can spark curiosity.

Reading corner

Set up a cosy space with cushions, blankets and a small stack of books. Add a simple challenge like “read for 10 minutes” or “find a funny story” to keep it light and achievable.

Treasure hunt clues

Write simple clues and hide them around the house or garden. Younger children can follow picture clues, while older ones can solve riddles or even create the hunt themselves.

Nature spotting

Make a quick checklist of things to find such as birds, leaves, insects or clouds. Kids can tick them off, draw what they see or keep a simple nature journal.

Top tip: If children are different ages, give them different roles. Younger kids can collect, sort or draw, while older ones can measure, write clues, explain what is happening or help organise the activity. These ideas are easy to set up, use things you already have at home and are perfect for mixing into your day without needing lots of prep.

Not every summer holiday activity needs to take over the whole day. Short, simple evening plans can create a comforting routine and give everyone something to look forward to, especially after a busy day. With minimal prep and things you already have at home, these ideas are easy to set up and fun for all ages.

Family quiz night (with a twist)

Let the kids take the lead by writing a few questions each: think favourite films, animals, or silly facts. Split into teams, keep score on paper, and add a small prize like choosing dessert. All you need is paper, pens, and 20–30 minutes.

Mini talent show

Set up a “stage” in the living room or garden and let everyone perform activities like singing, dancing, magic tricks or even jokes. Use a portable speaker for music and give each act a quick round of applause. Keep it relaxed and light-hearted.

Garden picnic dinner

Take an ordinary evening meal outside with picnic essentials. Lay out a blanket, bring finger foods or an easy dinner, and add a treat like juice or fruit. No garden? A balcony or even a living room picnic works just as well.

Storytelling circle

Sit together (outside if possible) and build a story as a group where each person adds a sentence or twist. You can use prompts like “Once upon a time in a mysterious forest…” to get started. Great for winding down before bedtime.

Jigsaw or puzzle challenge

Choose a puzzle and work on it together for a set time (e.g. 20 minutes). To keep it fun, turn it into a mini challenge. Who can find edge pieces fastest?

Family playlist and dance session

Create a shared playlist where everyone picks a few songs. Clear a small space and have a short dance-off or just move around together. It’s a quick mood booster with zero setup.

“Yes to one activity” night

Write 4–5 simple, parent-approved options (e.g. board game, short walk, craft) and let kids choose one. It gives them a sense of control while keeping things easy to manage.

These small activities don’t require much planning, just a bit of consistency, a few simple supplies, and your time. Even 20–30 minutes can turn an ordinary evening into a favourite family routine.

You do not need to plan every hour. A loose weekly structure can make the holidays feel easier without becoming too rigid. Here's an example for a holiday week. Keep it flexible. You can swap days around or repeat favourites to suit your routine.

Here are some quick tips to help you plan activities for the holidays.

• Keep a small activity box ready: include paper, pens, stickers, cards, dice, chalk and a few simple craft supplies. 
• Rotate toys and games: putting a few things away and bringing them back later can make them feel new again. 
• Mix active and quiet time: high-energy play is easier to manage when there is a calmer activity afterwards. 
• Let children choose: giving children two or three options can make them feel more involved. 
• Use short activities: not every idea needs to last all afternoon. 
• Plan for the weather: have indoor ideas ready for rain and shaded, slower activities ready for hot days.